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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 东西 (dōngxi) to refer to a thing or stuff

    Existence & Possession

    Structure

    Adjective + 的 + 东西

    Explanation

    东西 (dōngxi) means "thing" or "stuff" and is one of the most common general-purpose nouns in Chinese. It can refer to any physical object or abstract item, making it useful when the specific name of something is unknown or unimportant.

    Examples

    • 你去超市的时候帮我买点东西吧。

      Nǐ qù chāoshì de shíhòu bāng wǒ mǎi diǎn dōngxī ba.

      When you go to the supermarket, please buy some things for me.

    • 桌子上的东西是谁的？

      Zhuōzi shàng de dōngxī shì shéi de?

      Whose things are these on the table?

    • 搬家的时候才发现家里有这么多东西。

      Bānjiā de shíhòu cái fāxiàn jiā lǐ yǒu zhème duō dōngxī.

      Only when moving did I realize there were so many things at home.

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    Using 东西 (dōngxi) to refer to a thing or stuff | Chinese Grammar