Meanings of 事物
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Podcast: 事物
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AI study notes for 事物
物体 (wùtǐ) refers specifically to 'physical objects' or 'bodies', while 事物 (shìwù) includes both tangible items and abstract concepts.
Be mindful that 事物 is more formal than simply saying '东西' (dōngxi), which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. Avoid using 事物 in casual settings as it may seem overly academic or stiff. Remember to use the correct measure word 个 (gè) when referring to individual items.
As an HSK 5 word, 事物 connects with other abstract and concrete nouns you will encounter at this level. Focus on its usage in both written and spoken contexts, and practice using it in sentences to describe various scenarios involving different 'things.'
Learners often confuse 事物 with 东西, using it in casual contexts where 东西 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我买了很多事物' instead of '我买了很多东西' is incorrect; the latter is the correct usage.
Pronunciation of 事物
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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.
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Component characters
How to say thing in Chinese
“thing” in Chinese is事物
事物 (shìwù) refers to 'things' or 'objects' in a broad sense, encompassing both tangible items and abstract concepts. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as discussions about philosophy, science, or daily life, to refer to various entities in the world around us.
When to use 事物
Be mindful that 事物 is more formal than simply saying '东西' (dōngxi), which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. Avoid using 事物 in casual settings as it may seem overly academic or stiff. Remember to use the correct measure word 个 (gè) when referring to individual items.
事物 or something close to it
物体 (wùtǐ) refers specifically to 'physical objects' or 'bodies', while 事物 (shìwù) includes both tangible items and abstract concepts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 事物 with 东西, using it in casual contexts where 东西 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我买了很多事物' instead of '我买了很多东西' is incorrect; the latter is the correct usage.
Write 事物
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Practice writing 事物 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 事物
事物 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 2 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.
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新鲜____的魅力一定让你兴奋不已。
You must be feeling exhilarated by the call of the new.
Example sentences for 事物 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 事物
You can use it in contexts like '我们需要了解这些事物的本质' (We need to understand the essence of these things).
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