数十
How to Understand
数十 means 'dozens' or 'a large number of' in English. It refers to an unspecified but relatively large quantity, typically more than ten but not a specific number. Unlike exact numerals like 十 (ten) or 百 (hundred), 数十 implies an approximate amount.
The word is composed of 数 (shù), meaning 'to count' or 'number,' and 十 (shí), meaning 'ten.' Together, they form a phrase that suggests a quantity greater than ten but not precisely defined. This construction is common in Chinese for expressing vague numerical ranges.
数十年 is often used in everyday speech to describe situations where the exact number isn't important, such as in news reports, casual conversation, or descriptions of events. It's also found in expressions like 数十年如一日 (for decades, day after day), emphasizing long-term persistence.