任何东西
rènhé dōngxi
In Chinese, the English phrase "anything" is translated as 任何东西 (rènhé dōngxi).
任何东西 is used to refer to any thing of any kind.
Meaning: any thing of any kind (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 任何 (any/whichever) and 东西 (thing/object).
Which one should you use?
While 什么 can mean "what" or even "anything" in certain questions or informal contexts, 任何东西 is more emphatic and specifically refers to "any object or thing".
How does it change in a sentence?
In negative sentences, 任何东西 is used to mean "anything" to express that nothing of any kind is involved.
How do you pronounce it?
rènhé dōngxi
Did you know?
- The word for 'thing' 东西 (dōngxi) literally means 'east west'. In ancient times, markets were often arranged with goods from the east and west, so the two directions together came to mean 'stuff'.
- In Chinese, calling a person a 东西 (dōngxi) is usually an insult. Depending on the adjective used, it can mean the person is a 'nuisance' or 'wicked thing'.
- If you want to say 'anything' in the sense of 'whatever you want', Chinese speakers often use the phrase 随便 (suíbiàn). This focuses on the freedom of choice rather than the object itself.
Examples in context
- 没人送我们任何东西。No one gifted us anything.Tatoeba #13999380 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #13998693 by mexicanhere
- 拿走你喜欢的任何东西。Take anything you like.Tatoeba #9969118 by GlossaMatik, translation #2452025 by sharptoothed
- 您现在不必购买任何东西。You don't have to buy anything right now.Tatoeba #10062415 by slo_oth, translation #3413200 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
