So i recently started to learn Chinese, and i have to say it's been a very positive experience so far. I found the grammar refreshingly simple and the writing system not as intimidating as it first appeared. I still struggle with hearing tones but that will hopefully come with time.
But one thing that still gets me really frustrated is homophones. There are so many of them. And sometimes not even the tone is different. I know plenty of other languages have homophones, English has a bunch of them too, and most of the time you can infer through context which word is meant, but it's still tough for a beginner.
The advantage in Chinese is that the written form is usually very clearly distinguished even if the spoken word sounds the same. But there is one case i've come across where it really seems like the same word, written and sounds exactly the same, seems to be used for two completely different meanings and can't for the life of me figure out why: 只
Can someone please explain to me why this word is used to express both the idea of "only" and also at the same time is a counting word like 个 but for animals (and body parts?):
我只有一只狗
This sentence is so confusing to me. Why, Chinese, why?
Most of the English ones were written to fill books I think. I want to blame the Victorians because it sounds like the kind of cataloguing bollocks they got up to but I don't know for sure. Most native speakers don't use them naturally or would recognise them. Except for a few which is probably even worse. Like you would never say "a herd of sparrows" but you might say "a herd of geese" and "a flock of sheep". Though you could "a kanooze of sheep" and a native speaker would probably understand you because we've all given up. English really is the worst.
I'd not be surprised if measure words came about in much the same manner. China has certainly had it's share of bored scholars who want to show off just how educated and refined they are.