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March 24, 2026
事件shìjiàn(shi4jian4)
事件 (shìjiàn) refers to an occurrence or happening, often with significance or impact. It is commonly used in contexts like news reports, formal discussions, and academic writing to describe events ranging from mundane incidents to major occurrences that warrant attention.
Frequency#1083DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, events often hold deep social significance, such as festivals or historical commemorations, reflecting the collective memory and values of society. Understanding events in this context can enhance your comprehension of Chinese social dynamics.
Memory Tip
Think of '事件' as 'shifting sands' (事件 sounds like 'shi' + 'jian' which resembles 'shift') in a desert, representing how events change the landscape of our lives. The radical '事' (shì) implies action or business, suggesting that events are things that happen and require our attention.
Meanings of 事件
shìjiàn(shi4jian4)
1event
2happening
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About 事件
事件Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1083Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 事件
Podcast: 事件
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AI Study Notes for 事件
Quick Contrast
事件 (shìjiàn) vs 事情 (shìqíng): use 事件 for significant occurrences, while 事情 refers to matters or affairs in general.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '事件' as 'shifting sands' (事件 sounds like 'shi' + 'jian' which resembles 'shift') in a desert, representing how events change the landscape of our lives. The radical '事' (shì) implies action or business, suggesting that events are things that happen and require our attention.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 事件 with 事情 (shìqing), which means 'matter' or 'thing.' 事件 is more about specific occurrences. It is more formal and often used in written contexts, while 事情 may be used in casual conversation. Additionally, ensure correct tone pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 事件 is connected to other advanced vocabulary about occurrences and societal issues. Focus on using it in complex sentences and collocations, such as '社会事件' (shèhuì shìjiàn — social event) or '历史事件' (lìshǐ shìjiàn — historical event).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, events often hold deep social significance, such as festivals or historical commemorations, reflecting the collective memory and values of society. Understanding events in this context can enhance your comprehension of Chinese social dynamics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 事件 with 事情, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我有一个事件' (I have an event) instead of '我有一件事情' (I have a matter) when referring to a casual issue is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 事件
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Grammar Patterns of 事件
事件 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
A spokesman insisted the two events were "in no way related"
6
他把这起事件向沙特外长作了说明。
tā bǎ zhè qǐ shì jiàn xiàng shā tè wài cháng zuò le shuō míng。
He put the case to the Saudi Foreign Minister.
7
他声称自己是这起事件的替罪羊。
tā shēng chēng zì jǐ shì zhè qǐ shì jiàn de tì zuì yáng。
He claims he was made the fall guy for the affair.
8
发生在洛杉矶的事件再次引发了全国范围的反思。
fā shēng zài luò shān jī de shì jiàn zài cì yǐn fā le quán guó fàn wéi de fǎn sī。
The events in Los Angeles have sparked a new national self-examination.
9
在该国不同的地区发生了群体暴力事件。
zài gāi guó bù tóng de dì qū fā shēng le qún tǐ bào lì shì jiàn。
Communal violence broke out in different parts of the country.
10
这一证据证实了他们的观点,即此次突发暴力事件是有预谋的。
zhè yī zhèng jù zhèng shí le tā mén de guān diǎn, , jí cǐ cì tū fā bào lì shì jiàn shì yǒu yù móu。
This evidence supports their contention that the outbreak of violence was prearranged.
Cultural Notes for 事件
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, events often hold deep social significance, such as festivals or historical commemorations, reflecting the collective memory and values of society. Understanding events in this context can enhance your comprehension of Chinese social dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions about 事件
You can say, '这件事件引起了很多人的关注' (This event has attracted a lot of people's attention).
While 事件 is more common in formal writing, it can also be used in spoken language when discussing significant happenings.
Yes, but it is usually reserved for more significant or noteworthy incidents rather than everyday personal matters.