item, matter; component, part; measure word for events
HSK 1, zg, 6 strokes, radical 亻, rank #210, Easy
jiàn(jian4) T4
1item
2component
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
件jiàn(jian4)
The character 件 (jiàn) is used to refer to an item or component, often serving as a classifier for various objects, events, or clothing. It is commonly used in contexts where you need to quantify or specify items, such as in shopping or discussing tasks.
Strokes6Radical亻Frequency#210DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of classifying items is significant, reflecting the organized nature of language and communication. For example, when shopping in markets, you often hear vendors using 件 to discuss clothing items.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'giant' (the 'j' sound in jiàn) holding up a 'document' or 'item' (the character looks like a person holding something). This visual of a giant presenting an item can help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 件
jiàn(jian4)
1item
2component
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 件
件Simplified
6Strokes
亻Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#210Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 件
Podcast: 件
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 件
Quick Contrast
件 (jiàn) vs 项 (xiàng) — use 件 for items or components, while 项 is more specific to tasks or projects.
Usage Notes
件 is often used in combination with numbers to count items (e.g., 一件衣服 means 'one piece of clothing'). Be careful with its measure word usage, as it is specific to certain types of nouns; using it incorrectly can lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 件 connects well with other classifiers like 个 (gè) and 本 (běn). Students should practice using it in sentences and with various nouns to solidify their understanding of its application as a measure word.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 件 with other classifiers like 个. For example, saying '两件苹果' (liǎng jiàn píngguǒ) is incorrect; it should be '两个苹果' (liǎng gè píngguǒ) for apples.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 件
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 件 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
The correspondence between the components 亻(person) 牛 (cow) and the character 件 (item) is unclear.
1The giveawayA man 亻 dividing up a cow 牛
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 件? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 件?
Decomposition of 件
IDS Structure⿰亻牛
件Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
牛Niu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 件?
How to say item in Chinese
“item” in Chinese is件jiàn
The character 件 (jiàn) is used to refer to an item or component, often serving as a classifier for various objects, events, or clothing. It is commonly used in contexts where you need to quantify or specify items, such as in shopping or discussing tasks.
When to use 件
件 is often used in combination with numbers to count items (e.g., 一件衣服 means 'one piece of clothing'). Be careful with its measure word usage, as it is specific to certain types of nouns; using it incorrectly can lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
件 or something close to it
件 (jiàn) vs 项 (xiàng) — use 件 for items or components, while 项 is more specific to tasks or projects.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 件 with other classifiers like 个. For example, saying '两件苹果' (liǎng jiàn píngguǒ) is incorrect; it should be '两个苹果' (liǎng gè píngguǒ) for apples.
Write 件
件
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 件 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 件
件 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
