Measure Words for Actions

Some measure words count actions, not things. They come after the verb: verb + 了/过 + number + measure word + object, e.g. 我去过两次上海 (I've been to Shanghai twice). A pronoun object comes before the number: 我找过他两次 (I looked for him twice).

• 次 is the general word for 'times'.
• 遍 means once through, from start to finish: 这本书我看了三遍 (I've read this book three times).
• 下 marks a short, light action and makes requests softer: 等一下 (wait a moment), 尝一下 (have a taste). It also counts quick strikes: 钟敲了十二下.
• 顿 counts meals and scoldings: 吃一顿饭 (have a meal), 骂了他一顿 (gave him a telling-off).
• 趟 counts trips there and back: 回了一趟老家 (made a trip home).

次 often fits too, but the specific word tells the listener more.