东西 dōng xi
“thing; stuff; person”
noun, locality word, nameHSK 1 · 2021 list level 1Traditional 東西Measure word 个 · 件
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
东西 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 40: 东西 dōngxi — Level 1; official annotation 1 (名). PDF page 80
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 东西
东西 means “thing” or “stuff” and is a general noun for concrete objects. It is often used with 什么, 这个/那个, 很多, and verbs like 买. It usually has no plural form; words like 很多 or 这些 show quantity.
例句Example sentences
- 这是什么东西？zhè shì shén me dōng xi?What is this thing?
- 我去商店买东西。wǒ qù shāng diàn mǎi dōng xi.I’m going to the shop to buy things.
- 桌子上的东西是我的。zhuō zi shàng de dōng xi shì wǒ de.The things on the table are mine.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我买东西在商店。
✓我在商店买东西。
Place phrases with 在 normally come before the verb.
易混词Easily confused
东西vs事情
事情 means a matter or affair; 东西 is for concrete objects or stuff, not abstract matters.
义项All meanings
- dōng xī: east and west
- dōng xi: thing; stuff; person