English–Chinese

“thing” in Chinese

Chinese

Also事物 (shì wù) · 玩意儿 (wán yìr)

Pronunciation

Pinyindōng xī

Example

这是我的东西。zhè shì wǒ de dōng xī

This is my stuff.

Illustration for 东西 (thing)

How to say “thing” in Chinese

“Thing” in Chinese is 东西 (dōng xī).

A general pointer to whatever is in focus, whether it is a physical item, an idea, or a person.

Full entry for 东西: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 东西

我今天想去买东西。wǒ jīn tiān xiǎng qù mǎi dōng xī

I want to go shopping today.

Tips for using 东西

  • The form does not change for one item or several, because Chinese nouns usually show number through context or another word rather than a plural ending.

Other Chinese words for “thing”

孩子对事物充满好奇。hái zi duì shì wù chōng mǎn hào qí

Children are full of curiosity about things.

这玩意儿怎么用？zhè wán yìr zěn me yòng

How do you use this thing?

“thing” in other languages