Meanings of 事情
By ear
Play it, then pick what 事情 means.
About 事情
Podcast: 事情
Podcast: 事情
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 事情
事 (shì) vs 事情 (shìqing): Use 事情 when referring to a specific matter or affair that requires attention, while 事 is more general and can denote a broader range of things or events.
Be careful not to confuse 事情 (shìqing) with 物品 (wùpǐn), which specifically refers to physical objects. This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include '处理事情' (chǔlǐ shìqing - handle matters) and '有事情' (yǒu shìqing - have something going on).
As an HSK Level 2 word, 事情 connects with other basic nouns and verbs that describe daily activities. Focus on using it in simple sentences to express what matters you are dealing with, such as '我有事情要做' (Wǒ yǒu shìqing yào zuò - I have things to do).
Learners often confuse 事情 with the word 事物 (shìwù), which refers more generally to 'things' or 'objects'. Instead, remember that 事情 is about 'matters' or 'affairs'. For example, saying '我有很多事物要处理' is incorrect; it should be '我有很多事情要处理'.
Pronunciation of 事情
Drill the tone of 事情 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 事情 to You
Let me explain 事情 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 事情 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 事情?
Learning Lab
Knowing 事情 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say affair in Chinese
“affair” in Chinese is事情
事情 (shìqing) refers to an affair, matter, or thing. It is commonly used to describe events or situations that require attention or action. In conversational contexts, it can indicate personal matters or business-related tasks.
When to use 事情
Be careful not to confuse 事情 (shìqing) with 物品 (wùpǐn), which specifically refers to physical objects. This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include '处理事情' (chǔlǐ shìqing - handle matters) and '有事情' (yǒu shìqing - have something going on).
事情 or something close to it
事 (shì) vs 事情 (shìqing): Use 事情 when referring to a specific matter or affair that requires attention, while 事 is more general and can denote a broader range of things or events.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 事情 with the word 事物 (shìwù), which refers more generally to 'things' or 'objects'. Instead, remember that 事情 is about 'matters' or 'affairs'. For example, saying '我有很多事物要处理' is incorrect; it should be '我有很多事情要处理'.
Write 事情
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 事情 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 事情
事情 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在这件____上，最好多听父母的意见。
Regarding this matter, you should listen more to your parents' opinions.
Example Sentences for 事情 (10)
Rebuild it
Rebuild it: “It is not for me to arrange such matters.”
Ask Jason
Have a question about 事情?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 事情
No, 事情 specifically refers to matters or affairs rather than physical items. For physical objects, you would use 物品 (wùpǐn).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 事情?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.