Fractions with 分之
IntroducedRead the denominator before the numerator
- A recipe needs one third of a portion.
- one third三分之一。 — The denominator is three and the numerator is one.
A recipe needs one third of a portion. What does 三分之一。 communicate?
The denominator is three and the numerator is one. Chinese gives the whole-number partition first. 三分之一 is not three wholes, and 百分之五十 means fifty percent.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Fractions with part分(of — literary)之. Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
three三(of)分之one一。
Using the lesson pattern in this demonstrated example: Write 1/3 in Chinese: 三 ____ 一。
Denominator + 分之 + Numerator: 三分之一 = 1/3.
Read examples in context
hundred百(of)分之fifty五十。
- In the opening example, one third三分之一。: The denominator is three and the numerator is one.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Which number is said FIRST in a Chinese fraction?
Bottom first: 三分之一 = of-three, one = 1/3.
Know the boundary
- Chinese gives the whole-number partition first.
- one third三分之一 is not three wholes, and hundred百(of)分之fifty五十 means fifty percent.
百分之五十 means 50%.
百分之 + number = percent: 百分之五十 = 50%.
In the opening situation: The denominator is three and the numerator is one.
Chinese gives the whole-number partition first. 三分之一 is not three wholes, and 百分之五十 means fifty percent. The denominator is three and the numerator is one.
Use the distinction
- The denominator is three and the numerator is one.
- Chinese gives the whole-number partition first. one third三分之一 is not three wholes, and hundred百(of)分之fifty五十 means fifty percent.
Read the full reference: HSK 4 grammar — Numbers.
A recipe needs one third of a portion. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.