Chinese Basic 1
At the Restaurant

Measure words for people

Depending on the context different measure words are used when referring to people:

The most general measure word is 个 (ge) e.g. 一个人 yī ge rén a person. It is neutral in its meaning.

When adressing or talking about customers, clients and so on 位 (wèi) is the appropriate measure word. It implies a sense of respect.
e.g 你们几位? Nǐmen jǐ wèi？ How many are you?

If you are referring to the member of a household or group you can use 口 (kòu), literally mouth.
e.g. 你家有几口人？ How many members does your family have?

For members of a group or profession you can use the measure word 名 (míng).
e.g. 二名中文老师... Two teachers of Chinese ...