Definitions
(noun)
matter; affair
(noun)
work; task
(noun)
thing; item
Etymology
The characters 史 (history), 吏 (government official), 使 (cause; use; instruct), and 事 (matter; work; affair) are all etymologically related and all derive from the same ancient character, depicting a hand (又) holding a container for writing utensils. 事 and 史 were originally written the same, but later an extra mark was added to distinguish them.
About
The character 事 traces its etymology to early representations of serving or managing, with structural elements that suggest hand and mouth actions involved in conducting duties. Its meaning evolved from a verb describing the act of handling affairs to a noun referring to the affairs, events, or matters themselves, broadening in scope to include both personal and historical contexts. The character's form has not been altered over time, remaining identical in both traditional and modern usage, and it shares a common ancestral root with characters like 史 and 吏, reflecting its administrative connotations.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这件事很容易做。
我有一个好消息要告诉你。
妈妈在厨房里忙事情。
他喜欢听有趣的故事。
今天的会议讨论了三件重要的事。
那件事的发生完全是个意外。
无论遇到什么事，都要保持冷静。
他对这件事的处理方式令人十分钦佩。