V + (了/过) + 数量（次/遍/趟）V + (le/guo) + Num + cì/biàn/tàng

Action-Frequency Complements with 次 / 遍 / 趟 (cì / biàn / tàng)

Meaning: Indicates how many times an action is performed

Pattern

Action-frequency complements (动量补语) indicate how many times an action takes place.
Key verbal measure words: 次 ("time" — general count), 遍 ("time through" — complete process from beginning to end, used for reading, watching, listening, or practicing), and 趟 ("trip" — going and coming back).
Word order with objects: (1) Common nouns go AFTER the frequency complement (他给我打了好几次电话); (2) Personal pronouns go BEFORE the frequency complement (我找了你三趟); (3) Place names can go either before or after the frequency complement (我去过三次北京 / 我去过北京三次).

1
我去过三次北京。
Wǒ qù guò sān cì Běijīng.
I have been to Beijing three times.
2
这本书我看了两遍。
Zhè běn shū wǒ kàn le liǎng biàn.
I have read this book through twice.
3
他给我打了好几次电话。
Tā gěi wǒ dǎ le hǎo jǐ cì diànhuà.
He called me several times.
4
我找了你三趟，你都不在。

•Personal pronoun objects precede the frequency complement, while common noun objects follow it.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Confusing 次 (general count) with 遍 (complete process from start to finish).

•Placing a personal pronoun after the frequency complement (*我找了三次你 instead of 我找了你三次).

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 4 to master all skills together.