物品

• Pinyin: wù pǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 物 = 牛 (ox) + 勿 (do not), originally meaning 'variegated ox,' later generalized to 'thing'; 品 = three 口 (mouths), representing many items or categories

Meaning

Article; item; goods. A general term for physical objects or belongings.

A formal or official-sounding word for tangible objects, often used in announcements, regulations, or commercial contexts. More formal than 东西, which is the everyday word for 'thing.' Common collocations: 贵重物品 (valuables), 危险物品 (hazardous materials), 个人物品 (personal belongings).

Examples

1. 请妥善保管好您的贵重物品，以免丢失。 Please keep your valuables safe to avoid losing them.
2. 机场安检处禁止携带易燃易爆物品登机。 Flammable and explosive items are prohibited from being carried onto aircraft at airport security.
3. 搬家前我把所有物品都分类整理了一遍。 Before moving, I sorted and organized all my belongings.

Usage Guide

Context: official, commercial, transportation, storage

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这些物品需要登记。(These items need to be registered.)
• 请检查您的随身物品。(Please check your personal belongings.)

Don't Say

• 这个物品真好吃 — 食物不用物品，应该说'这个东西真好吃'或直接说食物名称

Origin & History

Compound of 物 (thing, object) + 品 (article, product). Both characters relate to tangible items, combining to emphasize categorized or specified objects.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal