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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'thing' with 事物 (shìwù)

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Adjective + 的 + 事物

    Explanation

    The noun 事物 (shìwù) means 'thing' or 'object' in an abstract or general sense, referring to phenomena, matters, or entities in the world. Unlike 东西 (which often refers to concrete, everyday items), 事物 is more formal and is used when discussing concepts, categories, or the nature of things in a broader sense.

    Examples

    • 我们应该用开放的心态看待新事物。

      Wǒmen yīnggāi yòng kāifàng de xīntài kàndài xīn shìwù.

      We should look at new things with an open mind.

    • 孩子对周围的事物充满了好奇心。

      Háizi duì zhōuwéi de shìwù chōngmǎn le hàoqíxīn.

      Children are full of curiosity about the things around them.

    • 任何事物都有它发展变化的规律。

      Rènhé shìwù dōu yǒu tā fāzhǎn biànhuà de guīlǜ.

      Everything has its own pattern of development and change.

    Expressing 'thing' with 事物 (shìwù) | Chinese Grammar