来 (lái) – about, a little over; (一来……二来) firstly … secondly

Pattern

• Number（十、百、千）+ 来 + Measure word + Noun
• 一来 + Reason，二来 + Reason

Usage

• (1) A particle after round numbers (十, 二十, 百…) or measure words, giving an approximate figure, “a little over” (二十来个人 – twenty-odd people); (2) used in 一来……二来…… to list reasons.

Examples

1. 1

   他雇了二十来个当地人帮他带路和搬行李。

   Tā gù le èrshí lái gè dāngdì rén bāng tā dàilù hé bān xíngli.

   He hired twenty-odd locals to guide him and carry his luggage.

2. 2

   我不想去，一来太远，二来我也没时间。

   Wǒ bù xiǎng qù, yī lái tài yuǎn, èr lái wǒ yě méi shíjiān.

   I don't want to go – firstly it's too far, and secondly I don't have time.