Myth check
You must master hundreds of measure words immediately.
A small set covers most beginner needs; 个 is a strong default.
Verdict
mostly_false
Why
本/杯/件/位/只 appear early and are worth learning with nouns Keep evidence from your own listening and speaking practice, not from fear stories.
Native speakers understand 个 in many casual contexts while you refine.
Precision grows with exposure Keep evidence from your own listening and speaking practice, not from fear stories.
Test the better framing with a short practice drill the same day you read this myth.
Better framing
Learn measure words with the nouns you actually use.
Practice tip
Practice tip: after reading “You must master hundreds of measure words immediately.”, do one concrete drill from the better framing—speak aloud for five minutes using related words or tones.