item, matter; component, part; measure word for events
HSK 1, zg, 6 strokes, radical 亻, rank #210, Easy
jiàn(jian4)jian T4
1item
2component
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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
By ear
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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
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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
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How Well Do You Know 件?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 件 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.
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
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Practice writing 件 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
