n.
thing; object; stuff
东西
thing; object; stuff
Literally 'east-west' (东 east + 西 west). Colloquial umbrella term for physical things, objects, or items; say 买东西 (buy stuff).
Common Usage & Traps
- 买东西 — to buy things / go shopping
- 吃东西 — to eat something
- 好东西 — good stuff / something good
- 什么东西 — what thing? / what the heck?
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买一个东西买东西 / 买了点东西东西 works like 'stuff.' Plain everyday use takes no measure word, so 买东西 means 'buy stuff.' Adding 一个 sounds like you're deliberately counting one single item.
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做东西 (meaning cooking)做饭 / 做菜Natives say 做饭 or 做菜 for cooking. 做东西 is vague and doesn't point at a meal, so it sounds like you're tinkering with something.
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你是个东西你这个人东西 means 'thing.' Point it at a person and you've demoted them to an object, which is a straight insult, not a description.
Why does 东西 mean 'thing' in 买东西, but 'east and west' in other sentences?
Same characters, two words: dōngxi means 'stuff,' dōngxī means 'east and west.'
Squeeze 东 and 西 into one light word and you get dōngxi, meaning stuff. Keep both full first tones, dōngxī, and it flips to the directions. Context is your guide: shopping and eating point to stuff, maps and geography point to directions.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning 'stuff' | dōngxi (second syllable neutral) | dōngxī |
| Meaning 'east and west' | dōngxī (both full first tone) | dōngxi |
| Quick tell | Shopping, eating = stuff | Compass, map = east-west |
Both 东西 and 事情 translate as 'thing' — so why can you 买东西 but never 买事情?
东西 is physical stuff you can buy; 事情 is a matter or task you deal with.
东西 points at concrete objects with weight and a price tag. 事情 points at abstract matters — chores, situations, events on your to-do list. You buy a 东西, but you do a 事情. You can hold a 东西 in your hand; you can't hold a 事情.
“今天去超市买东西。” (Today I'm going to the supermarket to buy things.)
“今天去超市买东西。” (Today I'm going to the supermarket to buy things.)
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| What it points at | 东西 = a physical object | 事情 = a matter or event |
| Verbs it pairs with | 买东西, 吃东西, 送东西 | 做事情, 有事情, 谈事情 |
| Can you touch it? | 东西: yes | 事情: no |
What does it mean when someone says 他不是个东西 — and why is it an insult?
Calling a person 东西 turns the word into a slap: 不是个东西 means 'a total jerk.'
东西 is an object word, so aiming it at a human drags them down to the level of furniture. That's why 他不是个东西 means 'he's a jerk,' not 'he isn't a thing.' It's a real, everyday jab in arguments and TV drama, not a polite label.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Talking about a person | 他这个人不错 | 他不是个东西 (only as an insult) |
| Talking about an object | 这是什么东西? | 你是个什么东西 (fighting words) |
| What 不是个东西 means | He's a jerk | Not literally 'he isn't a thing' |
Appears in Stories 13 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
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.
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今天白天的时候，我去我家这边的超市买 东西 。
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.
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我很爱买 东西 。
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今天我正在一个商店买 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.
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钱学中喜欢吃，经常找爸妈要钱买 东西 吃。
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我想再去买点儿吃的 东西 “。
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.
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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.
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我和妈妈去那个商店买点喝的 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.
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我问他您刚才饭桌上怎么不吃 东西 。
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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.
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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。
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.
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我还有太多要学习的 东西 。
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.
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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。
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元真告诉胡之适说，他的鼻子里也长了一个差不多的 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.
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这个商店有很多 东西 。
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.
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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.
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买 东西 ，多少钱？
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.
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今天我在一个商店买 东西 。
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