The sun (日) rising through a tree (木), marking the sunrise direction.
East; the eastern direction or side. A stylized tree with a sun-streak rising through it—sunrise is in the east.
East; the eastern direction or side. A stylized tree with a sun-streak rising through it—sunrise is in the east.
For 'stuff', 东西 is one fixed word. 东和西 only works when you literally mean east and west.
Bare 东 is a direction, not a place. Add 边 to make it a spot you can point to.
东西 is a fixed word for 'stuff'; don't read it as two directions.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Stuff | 我买了点东西。 | 我买了点东和西。 |
| Directions | 东边和西边都有店。 | 东西都有店。 |
| Sound | dōngxi (light second syllable) | dōng xī (full tone) |
Bare 东 points a direction; add 边 to make it a place.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 超市在东边。 | 超市在东。 |
| Direction | 往东走。 | 走东。 |
| Place word | 东边有家店。 | 东有家店。 |
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
“ 东山再起 ”这个成语的本意是一个人失败以后或从高的地位落到低的地位以后,重新回到成功的位置。
这个成语人人都会用,但是“ 东山 ”是什么意思,好多人不知道。
故事发生在距离今天大约1700年的 东晋 时代。
东晋 的朝廷一直希望他出来做官,服务天子。
但谢安不想做官,多次拒绝了朝廷的邀请,就住在会稽的 东山 (今天的浙江省会稽山),和朋友一起游玩。
朋友跟他开玩笑说:“你以前一直待在 东山 ,现在终于愿意出来重新开始了。”
这就是“ 东山再起 ”的由来。
最厉害的是,他在淝水之战中指挥 东晋 军队,以八万人打败了号称百万的前秦军队,保住了自己的国家。
现在,我们用“ 东山再起 ”来形容一个人失败或退出后,通过努力又重新获得成功。
比如,一个公司破产了,老板又重新创业赚钱,我们就可以说“他 东山再起 了”。
当年乔布斯被踢出苹果公司,十年后,他又重回苹果,这件事也可以说“乔布斯 东山再起 了。”
东山再起 是褒义词,而“死灰复燃”就是它的反义词,是一个贬义词。
This is a short dialogue about a shopping trip. A woman buys many things, including food, drinks, furniture, and pet food, while her boyfriend reminds her not to overspend.
我很爱买 东西 。
今天我正在一个商店买 东西 。
我说,我正在买 东西 呢。
你不要买太多 东西 。”
我很不高兴:“我也在给你买 东西 。
这个商店有很多 东西 ,有吃的 东西 也有喝的 东西 。
我买了鸡蛋、面包、牛奶,还有一些水果,这些都是你和我的吃的和喝的 东西 ,还有给我们的小猫和小狗吃的 东西 。
它们昨天就没有吃的 东西 了。
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
胡之适说,他喜欢游泳,可是鼻子里长了一个 东西 ,水中呼吸不方便。
元真告诉胡之适说,他的鼻子里也长了一个差不多的 东西 。
他的一个朋友拿了一块饼干送到他的病房,跟他开玩笑:“我给你吃一样 东西 。
这么好吃的 东西 ,我相信你没有吃过。”
Shopping for fruit is a common daily task in China. Practice saying prices, counting items, and using simple shopping phrases while buying five apples for three yuan.
我很爱 买东西 。
今天我在一个商店买 东西 。
In this funny HSK 2 story, a boy asks his father for money every day. When his father tries to teach him a lesson, the boy's clever reply will make you laugh.
钱学中喜欢吃,经常找爸妈要钱买 东西 吃。
我想再去买点儿吃的 东西 “。
Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.
我问他您刚才饭桌上怎么不吃 东西 。
结果第二天对方笑着砍了他五个点的价,一边还看着他眼睛说,看你昨天吃 东西 的样子就知道你这人没坏心眼,肯定没跟我们要高价,就便宜百分之五吧。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
误会一:方便面有毒很多人想当然认为,方便面保质期很长,不会坏,原因一定是因为里面“ 有东西 ”,有毒!
就是说方便面里面基本没有水,所以就算在里面什么“ 东西 ”也不加,它也不会长毛变坏。
In this easy story, you will follow a simple trip to the supermarket to buy apples. Practice numbers, question words, and nationalities in a real-life shopping context.
今天去超市买 东西 。
Before you read, think about the questions you ask every day. This simple poem shows you how to ask age, price, time, and more in friendly Chinese.
买 东西 ,多少钱?
This short, simple story follows a shopper's trip to the supermarket to buy apples. You'll learn useful vocabulary for shopping, prices, and comparing things.
今天白天的时候,我去我家这边的超市买 东西 。
In this warm dialogue, a parent introduces their family at a restaurant. A teacher gently corrects common mistakes about family words and names, making it perfect for HSK 2 learners.
这里的 山东菜 很好吃。
Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.
他小时候住在中国的 东北 ,那里的森林也很多。
This heartwarming story reveals the quiet devotion of a father. As you read, notice the repeated actions and how a simple cup of tea becomes meaningful.
老先生不喝茶,也不吃 东西 。
Join a family on a sweltering Beijing Sunday as a boy learns a funny lesson about playing outside in the summer heat. Perfect for HSK 1 learners.
我和妈妈去那个商店买点喝的 东西 。
Is four years to reach HSK 5 fast or slow? Follow a conversation between two learners as they compare study hours and share realistic strategies for busy adults.
我还有太多要学习的 东西 。
Join a shopper on a quick trip to the store. You'll learn simple words for shopping and feelings in this easy-to-follow story.
这个商店有很多 东西 。
No questions or discussions yet. Have a question about this character/word? Be the first to ask!