ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Classifier (linguistics)

A classifier in linguistics is like a special kind of word or grammar rule that helps people talk about things in a more specific and organized way.

Let's say you're in a toy store and you see a bunch of stuffed animals. You might know that they are all "animals," but you might want to talk about them in a more detailed way. A classifier can help you do that by grouping the animals into categories based on things like their size, shape, or features.

For example, you might use a classifier to talk about all the animals that are "big and round" or "long and skinny" or "have wings." These classifiers help you be more specific and describe things more accurately.

In some languages, classifiers are a really important part of the grammar. They might be required in sentences in order for them to make sense. In other languages, classifiers are used more casually, like in everyday conversation.

Overall, classifiers help us talk about things in a more organized and specific way, which makes communication easier and more clear.