Keywords: yici, yi ci, 一次, once in Chinese, one time in Chinese, measure word for actions, Chinese grammar, how to say once, count actions in Chinese, 第一次, dì yī cì, HSK 1 vocabulary
Summary: Learn how to use “一次” (yī cì) in Chinese to say “once” or “one time.” This guide breaks down this essential HSK 1 term, explaining its role as a measure word for actions, its cultural context, and how it differs from similar words. With 10 practical example sentences and explanations of common mistakes, you'll master counting occurrences in Mandarin Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): yī cì
Part of Speech: Numeral-Measure Word Compound
HSK Level: HSK 1
Concise Definition: “One time” or “once”; used to specify that an action has occurred one time.
In a Nutshell: In English, we have adverbs like “once” and “twice.” In Chinese, you count actions using a structure similar to counting objects. The word `次` (cì) is the most common “measure word for actions.” Therefore, `一次` (yī cì) literally translates to “one time” and is placed after a verb to indicate how many times the action was performed.
Character Breakdown
一 (yī): The number “one.” It's one of the simplest characters, represented by a single horizontal line. It signifies unity, a beginning, or a single unit.
次 (cì): This character's primary meaning is “order,” “sequence,” or “time” in the sense of an occurrence. Think of it as marking a specific instance in a series of potential events.
When combined, 一次 (yī cì) creates a very literal and logical meaning: “one occurrence” or “one time.”
Cultural Context and Significance
Linguistic Worldview: Counting Actions: The existence of `一次` highlights a key feature of the Chinese language: the need to quantify everything, including actions. While English has adverbs like “once” or “thrice,” Chinese uses a more consistent system of `[Number] + [Measure Word]`. Learning to use `一次`, `两次 (liǎng cì)`, `三次 (sān cì)` etc., is fundamental to thinking in a more Chinese way. It shifts your focus from describing an action to counting it.
The Importance of the “First Time”: While `一次` itself is a simple counter, its ordinal form, `第一次` (dì yī cì) - “the first time,” carries significant cultural weight, just as it does in the West. `第一次` is often used to talk about memorable life milestones: a first love (`初恋 - chūliàn`), a first trip abroad, or the first time meeting someone important. It marks a moment of initiation and is often a topic of nostalgic or heartfelt conversation.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Grammar Structure: The most common structure is `Subject + Verb + (了/过) + 一次 + (Object)`. The `一次` almost always comes after the verb.
Pronunciation Note: When `一 (yī)` is followed by a fourth tone character like `次 (cì)`, its tone changes from the first tone (`yī`) to the second tone (`yí`). So, in spoken Chinese, you will almost always hear and say `yí cì`.
Asking Questions: You can ask “how many times?” by using `几次 (jǐ cì)`.
e.g., `你来过中国几次？` (Nǐ láiguò Zhōngguó jǐ cì?) - “How many times have you been to China?”
Informal vs. Formal: `一次` is a neutral term used in all contexts, from casual conversation to formal reports.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
我今年只去过一次北京。
Pinyin: Wǒ jīnnián zhǐ qùguò yí cì Běijīng.
English: I have only been to Beijing once this year.
Analysis: A simple statement of experience. The `过 (guò)` indicates a past experience, and `一次` quantifies it.
Example 2:
老师，请您再说一次。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī, qǐng nín zài shuō yí cì.
English: Teacher, please say it one more time.
Analysis: A common and polite request in a classroom setting. `再 (zài)` means “again,” so `再说一次` means “say it again one time.”
Example 3:
这是我第一次吃地道的四川火锅。
Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ dì yī cì chī dìdào de Sìchuān huǒguō.
English: This is my first time eating authentic Sichuan hotpot.
Analysis: Here, `第一 (dì yī)` makes it an ordinal number, “the first.” This structure is used for all “first time” experiences.
Example 4:
他一次恋爱都没谈过。
Pinyin: Tā yí cì liàn'ài dōu méi tánguò.
English: He has never even been in a relationship once.
Analysis: This structure, `一次 + … + 都/也 + 没`, is a powerful way to emphasize “not even once.”
Example 5:
我每周给父母打一次电话。
Pinyin: Wǒ měi zhōu gěi fùmǔ dǎ yí cì diànhuà.
English: I call my parents once a week.
Analysis: Demonstrates how `一次` is used to describe the frequency of a recurring action.
Example 6:
你能帮我一次吗？
Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yí cì ma?
English: Can you help me this one time?
Analysis: Used here to ask for a one-off favor, implying it won't be a regular request.
Example 7:
我们只见过一次面，不太熟。
Pinyin: Wǒmen zhǐ jiànguò yí cì miàn, bù tài shú.
English: We've only met once, so we're not very familiar with each other.
Analysis: `见面 (jiànmiàn)` is a separable verb. The quantifier `一次` is placed between `见` and `面`.
Example 8:
如果失败了，就再试一次。
Pinyin: Rúguǒ shībàile, jiù zài shì yí cì.
English: If you fail, just try one more time.
Analysis: A common encouraging phrase. It shows the resilient and iterative nature implied by counting attempts.
English: This machine can only wash five articles of clothing each time.
Analysis: `每一次 (měi yí cì)` means “every single time,” used for emphasizing a rule or capacity.
Example 10:
他看一次就能记住。
Pinyin: Tā kàn yí cì jiù néng jìzhù.
English: He can remember it just by looking at it once.
Analysis: Shows how `一次` can be used to describe an ability or a surprisingly brief action.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`一次` (yī cì) vs. `一遍` (yī biàn): The Biggest Pitfall
`次 (cì)` counts the number of times an action occurred. It doesn't care if the action was completed.
`遍 (biàn)` counts the number of times a process was completed from beginning to end.
Example: Imagine a movie.
`我看了一次这部电影。` (Wǒ kànle yí cì zhè bù diànyǐng.) - “I watched this movie once.” (Maybe you got interrupted and didn't finish, but you still performed the action of “watching.”)
`我看了一遍这部电影。` (Wǒ kànle yí biàn zhè bù diànyǐng.) - “I watched this movie one time (all the way through).” (This implies you saw it from the opening credits to the end.)
Mistake: Saying `请你读一次课文` (Please read the text once) is okay, but a teacher will almost always say `请你读一遍课文` (Please read the text through one time) to ensure the student reads the whole thing.
Placement After the Verb:
English speakers often want to place `一次` before the verb, like “I once went…” This is incorrect in Chinese.
Incorrect: `我一次去过上海。`
Correct: `我去过一次上海。` (Wǒ qùguò yí cì Shànghǎi.)
`一次` vs. `一次性` (yīcìxìng):
Do not confuse `一次` (one time) with `一次性` (yīcìxìng). Adding the character `性 (-xìng)` turns it into an adjective meaning “one-time,” “single-use,” or “disposable.”