事

• Pinyin: shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 事 = complex character originally depicting a hand managing tasks

Meaning

Matter; thing; affair. Refers to an event, task, or matter that needs attention.

A very common noun meaning 'thing' in the sense of matters or affairs, not physical objects (which is 东西). Often used in phrases like 没事 (it's nothing / no problem), 有事 (to be busy / have something to do), and 什么事 (what's the matter?).

Examples

1. 你有什么事？ What's the matter?
2. 没事，不用担心。 It's nothing, don't worry.
3. 我今天有很多事。 I have a lot of things to do today.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你有事吗？(Do you have something going on?)
• 没事！(It's nothing! / No problem!)

Don't Say

• 我要买一个事。(Wrong — 事 means 'matter/affair', not a physical thing; use 东西 for objects you can buy)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a hand holding a writing implement, suggesting official duties or tasks to manage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal