事 (shì)

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.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》：“事，職也。从史，之省聲。，古文事。”

Components

• ◎ (distinguishing) — Mark added to distinguish 事 from 史.
• ◎ (iconic) — Depicts a container for writing utensils.
• 又 (iconic) — Depicts a hand.

Example sentences

1. 没事。 — No prob.
2. 没事儿。 — No prob.
3. 我没事。 — I am okay.
4. 他没事。 — There is nothing wrong with him.
5. 这事嘛 — So this is the thing.

View all 50 example sentences for 事 →