The “有” construction (2)
In Chinese “有 + a quantity phrase” states that something has reached a certain amount.
Basic structure
有 + number + measure word / time expression
Meaning:
to have reached …
it has been …
Examples
你有一年没回国了吧？
有一年yǒu yì niánit's been a year
没回国méi huí guóhaven't gone home
了吧le baseeking confirmation
Here 有一年 says the time has reached a full year.
你女儿今年有10岁了吧？
你女儿nǐ nǚ'éryour daughter
今年jīnniánthis year
有10岁了yǒu shí suì lehas turned ten
吧baseeking confirmation
Here 有10岁 says the age has reached ten.
我有一个月没给家里打电话了
有一个月yǒu yí ge yuèit's been a month
没给家里打电话méi gěi jiālǐ dǎ diànhuàhaven't phoned home
了lemarks the state continuing up to now
Quick rule
有 + number / quantity phrase
Meaning: it states that an age, a length of time or another quantity has reached a certain level.
有一年 — it's been a year
有10岁 — has turned ten
有一个月 — it's been a month