When you're learning Chinese, you'll hear the word 事情 (shì qing) a lot. It basically means 'matter,' 'affair,' or 'thing.' Think of it as a general term for an incident, an event, or a situation that you might need to deal with or talk about.
It's super flexible and can refer to almost anything that happens or exists as a concept. For example, if something comes up, you can say '有事情' (yǒu shì qing), meaning 'there's something going on' or 'there's a matter at hand.'
You can use it for big things, like '国家的事情' (guó jiā de shì qing), which means 'state affairs' or 'national matters.' But it's just as common for everyday stuff, like '我的事情' (wǒ de shì qing), meaning 'my business' or 'my matters.'
It's often used with verbs like 做 (zuò) 'to do' or 谈 (tán) 'to talk about,' so you might hear '做事情' (zuò shì qing) for 'to do things' or 'to handle matters,' and '谈事情' (tán shì qing) for 'to discuss matters.' Just remember, it's a very broad and useful word, so don't overthink it!
When talking about 事情 (shì qing), it refers to a matter, affair, or a thing, often something that requires attention or action. It's a very common and versatile noun in Chinese. Think of it like an event or an item on your to-do list. You can have a big 事情 or a small 事情, and it often implies a situation or an incident.
When discussing 事情 (shì qing), it's important to understand its versatility as a noun meaning 'matter,' 'affair,' or 'thing.' At a C2 level, you should be adept at recognizing its nuances in various contexts. For instance, it can refer to a concrete event or task, as in “我有很多事情要做” (I have many things to do). It can also denote a more abstract situation or issue, such as in “这是一件复杂的事情” (This is a complicated matter).
Furthermore, 事情 is frequently used in idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases, so pay attention to how it combines with other words to convey specific meanings. For example, “事情闹大了” means “things have gotten out of hand,” and “事情到了这个地步” means “things have come to this point.” Mastering these subtleties will significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension of spoken and written Chinese.
§ What 事情 Means
The Chinese word 事情 (shì qing) is a really useful noun you'll hear all the time. It basically means 'matter,' 'affair,' or 'thing.' Think of it as a general term for events, tasks, issues, or situations. It's super flexible and can refer to almost anything that happens or needs to be dealt with.
- DEFINITION
- 事情 (shì qing): matter; affair; thing
You'll find yourself using 事情 in many different contexts. It's often used when you're talking about something specific that occurred, a task you have to do, or a general situation. It's one of those essential words you pick up early in your Chinese learning journey because it's so common.
§ When to Use 事情
People use 事情 constantly in daily conversations. Here are some common scenarios:
- Referring to a task or chore: If you have something to do, it's a 事情.
- Describing an event or occurrence: What happened? It was a 事情.
- Talking about a problem or issue: If there's trouble, it's a 事情.
- Discussing a general situation or state of affairs: How are things going? You can use 事情.
It's a very neutral word, so you can use it for both good and bad things, big or small. The context usually makes it clear what kind of 'thing' you're referring to.
§ Examples of 事情 in Sentences
Let's look at some practical examples to help you understand how 事情 works in sentences. Pay attention to how it translates depending on the situation.
我有很多事情要做。
This means: "I have many things to do." (Here, 事情 refers to tasks or matters).
发生什么事情了？
This means: "What happened?" or "What matter occurred?" (Here, it refers to an event or occurrence).
这不是你的事情。
This translates to: "This is none of your business." or "This is not your affair." (Used to indicate personal matters).
这是一件小事情。
Meaning: "This is a small matter/thing." (Referring to something insignificant).
The key is to grasp its broad applicability. It's a placeholder for 'something' that happens, is done, or exists as an issue. As you hear and read more Chinese, you'll naturally get a feel for when to use 事情.
§ Basic Usage: What is 事情?
The word 事情 (shì qing) is a very common noun in Chinese. It means 'matter,' 'affair,' or 'thing.' You can use it to refer to a situation, an event, a task, or a general happening. Think of it as a broad term for something that's going on or something that needs to be done.
- DEFINITION
- 事情 (shì qing): matter; affair; thing.
§ Common Sentence Structures with 事情
You'll find 事情 appearing in various sentence structures. Here are some of the most common ways to use it.
§ Describing 事情: Adjectives Before 事情
You can use adjectives to describe the nature of the 'matter' or 'thing.' Just like in English, the adjective usually comes before 事情.
这是一件重要的事情。(Zhè shì yī jiàn zhòngyào de shì qing.)
This is an important matter.
我有很多事情要做。(Wǒ yǒu hěn duō shì qing yào zuò.)
I have many things to do.
§ Asking About 事情: Questions with 事情
You can easily form questions using 事情 to inquire about situations or problems.
有什么事情吗？(Yǒu shénme shì qing ma?)
Is there anything (any matter)?
发生什么事情了？(Fāshēng shénme shì qing le?)
What happened? (Literally: What matter occurred?)
§ Verbs Used with 事情
Many verbs naturally pair with 事情. Here are some common ones:
- 做 (zuò) - to do: 做事情 (zuò shì qing) - to do things/matters
- 处理 (chǔlǐ) - to handle/deal with: 处理事情 (chǔlǐ shì qing) - to handle matters
- 发生 (fāshēng) - to happen/occur: 发生事情 (fāshēng shì qing) - something happens
- 谈 (tán) - to talk about: 谈事情 (tán shì qing) - to talk about matters
- 解决 (jiějué) - to solve: 解决事情 (jiějué shì qing) - to solve a problem/matter
我需要做一些事情。(Wǒ xūyào zuò yī xiē shì qing.)
I need to do some things.
这件事情很难解决。(Zhè jiàn shì qing hěn nán jiějué.)
This matter is very difficult to solve.
§ 事情 vs. 东西 (dōng xi)
Beginners sometimes confuse 事情 (shì qing) with 东西 (dōng xi), which also means 'thing.' Here's the key difference:
- 事情 (shì qing) refers to abstract matters, affairs, events, or tasks. You can't touch it.
- 东西 (dōng xi) refers to concrete objects or physical items. You can touch it.
你有什么重要的事情要告诉我吗？(Nǐ yǒu shénme zhòngyào de shì qing yào gàosù wǒ ma?)
Do you have any important matters to tell me?
这些东西很重。(Zhè xiē dōng xi hěn zhòng.)
These things (objects) are very heavy.
So, you've learned what 事情 (shì qíng) means – 'matter', 'affair', 'thing'. Now, let's look at how you'll actually hear and use this word in real-life situations. We're talking about work, school, and even the news. It's super common, so paying attention here will really boost your understanding.
§ At Work
In a work context, 事情 often refers to tasks, projects, or general issues that come up. It’s a very handy, all-purpose word when you don't want to be overly specific, or if the specific task isn't that important to highlight.
今天有很多事情要做。
- Translation hint
- Today there are many things to do.
这件事情很重要，请你认真处理。
- Translation hint
- This matter is very important, please handle it carefully.
§ At School
In a school setting, 事情 can refer to assignments, events, or general situations that happen. It's really flexible.
学校里最近发生了什么事情？
- Translation hint
- What things have happened at school recently?
我有很多功课的事情要做。
- Translation hint
- I have many homework matters (or things) to do.
§ In the News
When you're reading or listening to Chinese news, you'll hear 事情 used to refer to events, incidents, or developments. It's a neutral and broad term.
最近发生了什么重要的事情？
- Translation hint
- What important events have happened recently?
调查这件事情需要时间。
- Translation hint
- Investigating this incident will take time.
As you can see, 事情 is incredibly versatile. It's a word you'll encounter constantly, so getting comfortable with its various uses in different contexts is key. Don't overthink it; often, 'thing' or 'matter' works just fine as a direct translation, but understanding the nuance for work, school, and news will make your Chinese sound much more natural.
- Remember its broad meaning: 'thing', 'matter', 'affair'.
- It's often used with '件' (jiàn) as a measure word for specific matters or incidents.
- Don't be afraid to use it when you're not sure of a more specific noun – it's often a safe bet!
재미있는 사실
The character '事' (shì) depicts a hand holding a brush, symbolizing official duties or matters, while '情' (qíng) shows a heart and a green sprout, representing feelings or circumstances.
발음 가이드
- Mispronouncing the 'sh' sound
- Not having a light 'q' sound
수준별 예문
这件事情很重要。
This matter is very important.
我有很多事情要做。
I have many things to do.
你有什么事情吗？
Do you have anything (any matter)?
这件小事情很简单。
This small thing is very simple.
他做事情很认真。
He does things very seriously.
我们谈谈这件事情吧。
Let's talk about this matter.
发生什么事情了？
What happened? (What matter occurred?)
这件事情不是我的错。
This matter is not my fault.
这件事情很重要，我们得认真对待。
This matter is very important, we must take it seriously.
我有很多事情要做，所以可能没时间去。
I have many things to do, so I might not have time to go.
别担心，事情会好起来的。
Don't worry, things will get better.
他今天心情不好，因为发生了一些不好的事情。
He's in a bad mood today because some bad things happened.
这件事情你做得很对，值得表扬。
You did this matter very well, it's commendable.
我不知道这件事情的真相是什么。
I don't know what the truth of this matter is.
我们把所有的事情都安排好了。
We've arranged all the matters.
这件事情和他一点关系都没有。
This matter has nothing to do with him.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
你有什么事情吗？
Do you have something [to say/to do]?
我有很多事情要做。
I have many things [to do].
这件事情很重要。
This matter [is very important].
我们谈谈这件事情吧。
Let's discuss this matter [then].
你为什么不告诉我这件事情？
Why didn't you tell me [about] this matter?
发生什么事情了？
What happened [what matter occurred]?
他总是把事情做好。
He always does things [well].
别担心，我会处理好所有事情。
Don't worry, I will handle all matters [well].
这件事情不关我的事。
This matter doesn't concern me [is not my business].
我忘记了一件重要的事情。
I forgot one important thing [matter].
암기하기
기억법
Imagine a **SHI**p (事情 - shì qing) with many different 'things' or 'matters' on board, all needing to be organized and dealt with. The 'qing' sounds like 'ching' which can make you think of 'ching-ching' or money matters, which are definitely 'things' to handle.
시각적 연상
Visualize a cluttered desk with piles of documents, each representing a 'matter' or 'thing' to be addressed. Perhaps there's a calendar with many appointments, each a 'matter' to attend to. Or, picture a thought bubble above someone's head filled with various items and tasks, representing all the 'things' on their mind.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to describe five different 'things' or 'matters' that happened to you today using '事情'. For example: 今天发生了很多事情 (Jīntiān fāshēngle hěnduō shìqing) - Many things happened today. Or, 这是一件很重要的事情 (Zhè shì yī jiàn hěn zhòngyào de shìqing) - This is a very important matter. Challenge yourself to use it in different contexts throughout the day.
어원
事物 (shìwù) 'thing, object' + 情 (qíng) 'feeling, emotion, situation'
원래 의미: Originally referred to a specific situation or state of affairs.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, Mandarin문화적 맥락
The word 事情 (shìqing) is very versatile and frequently used in daily Chinese conversations to refer to events, tasks, or general matters. It’s a common and practical term that you'll hear often, making it a good one to master early on.
셀프 테스트 54 질문
Which of the following means 'matter' or 'thing'?
事情 (shì qíng) is a common noun meaning 'matter', 'affair', or 'thing'.
How would you ask 'What is this matter?' in Chinese?
这是什么事情？ (zhè shì shén me shì qíng?) literally means 'This is what matter?', which is how you ask 'What is this matter?'.
Choose the best translation for 'There are many things.'
有很多事情。 (yǒu hěn duō shì qíng.) directly translates to 'There are many things.'
The word '事情' can refer to a 'thing' or an 'affair'.
Yes, '事情' is a versatile word used to mean 'matter', 'affair', or 'thing'.
'事情' is typically used to describe a person.
No, '事情' refers to matters, affairs, or things, not people. '人' (rén) is used for people.
If you want to say 'This is a small matter,' you could use '这是一件小事情。'
Yes, '这是一件小事情。' (zhè shì yī jiàn xiǎo shì qíng.) is a correct way to say 'This is a small matter.' '件' is a common measure word for '事情'.
Listen for '这件事情' (zhè jiàn shì qíng - this matter) and try to understand its importance.
Listen for '有什么事情' (yǒu shén me shì qíng - what matter/thing do you have?) to understand if someone needs something.
Listen for '很多事情' (hěn duō shì qíng - many things) and understand what the speaker needs to do.
Read this aloud:
这件事情不难。
Focus: zhè jiàn shì qíng
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请你帮我做这件事情。
Focus: bāng wǒ zuò zhè jiàn shì qíng
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
那件事情很有趣。
Focus: nà jiàn shì qíng hěn yǒu qù
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence using 事情 to say 'This matter is very important.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这件事情很重要。
Write a sentence using 事情 to ask 'What is this thing?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这是什么事情？
Write a simple sentence about 'having many things to do'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我有很多事情要做。
小明今天有什么？
Read this passage:
小明今天有很多事情。他要学习中文，还要去商店买东西。下午他想和朋友一起玩。
小明今天有什么？
Passage says '小明今天有很多事情。'
Passage says '小明今天有很多事情。'
这个事情难吗？
Read this passage:
这个事情很简单。你现在就可以做。别担心。
这个事情难吗？
Passage says '这个事情很简单。'
Passage says '这个事情很简单。'
他今天想做什么？
Read this passage:
我昨天有很多事情要做。今天没有事情。我想休息。
他今天想做什么？
Passage says '今天没有事情。我想休息。'
Passage says '今天没有事情。我想休息。'
这件___不小，你需要认真考虑。
The context implies something significant that requires careful consideration, making '事情' (matter/thing) the best fit. '东西' means 'thing/object', '时间' means 'time', and '地方' means 'place'.
我有很多___要做，没时间出去玩。
The sentence indicates a lack of time due to commitments, so '事情' (things/matters) is the most appropriate word. '朋友' (friends), '钱' (money), and '想法' (ideas) do not fit the context of 'doing' something that takes up time.
别担心，一切___都会好起来的。
'一切事情' (everything/all matters) is a common phrase to express that things will improve. While '问题' (problems) and '困难' (difficulties) are related, '事情' is more general and fits the optimistic tone.
这件___对我很重要，请你帮忙。
The sentence asks for help with something important, making '事情' (matter/thing) the correct choice. The other options are specific objects and don't fit the general meaning of an 'important matter'.
发生什么___了？你看起来很不高兴。
'发生什么事情了？' (What happened?) is a very common way to ask what is going on, especially when someone seems upset. While '问题' (problem) or '意外' (accident) could be part of a '事情', '事情' is the most general and fitting term here.
我得处理一些紧急的___。
'紧急的事情' (urgent matters) is a common collocation. The other options are specific tasks that might be part of 'urgent matters', but '事情' encompasses a broader range of responsibilities.
This is a small matter. The sentence structure is 'subject + 是 + [quantity word] + adjective + 事情'.
Do you have something (to do)? This is a common way to ask if someone needs something or has a matter to discuss. The structure is 'subject + 有 + 什么 + 事情 + 吗'.
We need to discuss this matter. The verb '讨论' (to discuss) comes before the object '这件事情' (this matter).
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 这件___很复杂，我一个人解决不了。
The sentence means 'This matter is very complicated, I can't solve it alone.' '事情' (shìqing) means matter or thing, which fits the context.
Which word best fits the blank: 他最近有很多___要处理，所以很忙。
The sentence means 'He has many things/matters to deal with recently, so he's very busy.' '事情' (shìqing) is the correct choice.
Select the most appropriate word: 发生什么___了？你看起来很不高兴。
The sentence means 'What happened? You look very unhappy.' '事情' (shìqing) is used to ask about an event or matter.
The sentence '我们有很多事情要做。' means 'We have many things to do.'
'事情' (shìqing) means 'things' or 'matters' in this context. The translation is correct.
You can use '事情' to refer to a person.
'事情' (shìqing) refers to matters, affairs, or things, not people.
The sentence '这是一件小事情。' means 'This is a big problem.'
The sentence means 'This is a small matter.' '小' (xiǎo) means small, not big.
The correct order forms the sentence 'This is a very important matter.'
The correct order forms the question 'Do you have anything to tell me?'
The correct order forms the sentence 'I have already handled this matter.'
她总是把每件小_____都处理得井井有条。
这里的'事情'指的是日常事务或细节，表达她处理得很有条理。
经过这次谈判，两公司之间的所有合作_____都已敲定。
在这种语境下，'事情'指的是商议和确定的具体合作事项或内容。
对于我来说，没有什么_____比家庭更重要了。
'事情'在这里表示抽象的概念或价值，即没有什么比家庭这件事更重要。
表达“情况复杂”时，可以用“事情复杂”来替换。
在很多语境下，'事情'和'情况'可以互换，尤其是在表示局势、状况的复杂性时。
“这件事让我很困扰”中的“事情”可以指具体发生的某一件令人烦恼的事情。
'事情'经常用来指代已经发生或正在发生的一个具体事件或一个特定的问题。
如果想表达“你有什么东西要给我吗？”，可以直接说“你有什么事情要给我吗？”
'事情'通常指抽象的事务、事件，而'东西'指具体的物品。两者不能随意互换。
This sentence means 'The way he handled things was very proper.' It tests the student's understanding of how to arrange descriptive phrases and the adverb '很' (very) in a complex sentence.
This sentence translates to 'The things behind this are far more complicated than they appear on the surface.' It assesses the ability to construct comparative sentences with '远比' (far more than) and handle relative clauses.
This sentence means 'He always considers things thoroughly from all aspects.' It tests the '把' (bǎ) construction and the use of '得' (de) to indicate the result or degree of an action, along with the idiom '面面俱到'.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
예시
我有一些事情要告诉你。
관련 콘텐츠
general 관련 단어
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
