thing
/θɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /θɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈthiŋ/ (ame, mw)
thing — 名詞
1. any physical object that people can see or touch, used when the exact name is no
東西
可觸摸或看到的物體
any physical object that people can see or touch, used when the exact name is not known or does not matter
What is that round thing on the kitchen table?
廚房桌上那個圓圓的東西是什麼？
question: what + is + that [adjective] thing + location
Asher asked his mother what the blue thing in the box was.
Asher 問媽媽盒子裡那個藍色的東西是什麼。
The small thing next to the computer makes a loud noise.
電腦旁邊那個小東西會發出很大的噪音。
Can you pass me that red thing beside your cup?
可以把你杯子旁邊那個紅色的東西遞給我嗎？
Élise put the wet thing near the fire so it would dry.
Élise 把濕濕的東西放在火旁邊讓它烘乾。
文法句型
a [adjective] thing
the [adjective] thing
用法筆記
Frequently used with demonstratives (this/that/these/those) or adjectives before the word to describe the object's appearance or state.
常見錯誤
2. clothes, tools, bags, or other objects that belong to a person or are needed for
個人物品
屬於某人的衣物或工具
clothes, tools, bags, or other objects that belong to a person or are needed for a particular activity
Dewi packed all her things into two big bags.
Dewi 把她的所有東西都塞進兩個大袋子裡。
collocation: pack [possessive] things
Do not forget to take your things when you leave the bus.
下公車時別忘了帶走你的東西。
Kenji put his swimming things into a bag after practice.
Kenji 練習結束後把他的游泳用品放進袋子裡。
Megan keeps her art things in a special box under the bed.
Megan 把她的美術用品放在床底下的一個專用盒子裡。
The teacher asked the children to take their things off the desk.
老師叫小朋友把自己的東西從桌上拿走。
- belongings
more formal than 'things'; used for everything a person owns
- stuff
informal; uncountable, used in everyday speech for a collection of objects
- possessions
formal; suggests items of value that one owns permanently
文法句型
someone's things
pack one's things
take one's things
用法筆記
Always used in the plural form 'things' when referring to a person's belongings. Used with possessive adjectives (my/your/his/her/their things) or possessive names (Emma's things).
3. a group of objects that are used together for a specific activity, especially in
用品；用具
為特定活動準備的一組物品
a group of objects that are used together for a specific activity, especially in or around the home
Please put the tea things on the table for our guests.
請把茶具端到桌上給客人用。
phrase: 'the [activity] things' for a set of items
Grandma keeps her sewing things in that old basket by the window.
奶奶把她縫紉用的東西收在窗邊那個舊籃子裡。
The campers packed their cooking things before leaving for the lake.
露營的人出發去湖邊前打包好了炊事用具。
Ignacio washed all the cooking things and dried them carefully.
Ignacio 把所有炊具都洗乾淨並仔細擦乾。
文法句型
the [activity] things
用法筆記
The activity name comes before 'things' without a hyphen: tea things, sewing things, cooking things. More common in British English than American English. Sounds slightly old-fashioned in some contexts.
常見錯誤
4. an idea, fact, situation, action, or event that you talk or think about without
事情
無法具體命名的概念或事件
an idea, fact, situation, action, or event that you talk or think about without naming it exactly
The best thing about Sundays is sleeping late.
星期天最棒的事就是睡到很晚。
structure: the best/worst thing about [noun] is...
One thing I need to tell you is that the meeting has moved.
我需要告訴你一件事，就是會議改期了。
A strange thing happened at the park yesterday morning.
昨天早上公園裡發生了一件奇怪的事。
There is one thing we still need to talk about before the end.
還有一件事我們需要在下課前討論。
Amira told me a funny thing that happened at school today.
Amira 跟我說了今天在學校發生的一件好笑的事。
文法句型
the best/worst thing about [noun]
a/the thing is that...
one thing
用法筆記
Often followed by 'about' (the thing about traveling is...) or 'is' (the thing is, we need more time). The phrase 'the thing is' is very common in spoken English to introduce an important point or reason.
常見錯誤
5. the particular fact, idea, or object that is exactly the one being talked about,
重點
正在討論的具體事物
the particular fact, idea, or object that is exactly the one being talked about, not any other
The thing Emma likes most about her teacher is the patience.
Emma 最喜歡她老師的地方就是有耐心。
structure: 'the thing [person] [verb] most about [noun] is...'
This is exactly the thing I have been searching for all year.
這正是我找了一整年的東西。
The thing is, I do not know how to get to the station from here.
重點是，我不知道從這裡要怎麼去車站。
That green jacket is the very thing my sister wanted for her birthday.
那件綠色外套正是我妹妹想要的生日禮物。
文法句型
the thing [relative clause]
that's the [adjective] thing [relative clause]
the very thing
用法筆記
The phrase 'the thing is' introduces a reason, problem, or main point and is extremely common in both spoken and written English. 'The very thing' is an older but still used expression meaning exactly what is needed.
常見錯誤
6. something that is real, true, or genuine, not a copy, a fake, or an imitation
真貨
非偽造或複製的真實物品
something that is real, true, or genuine, not a copy, a fake, or an imitation
This painting is not a copy — it is the real thing.
這幅畫不是複製品——它是真跡。
phrase: 'the real thing' for something genuine
Anjali thought the bag was fake, but it turned out to be the real thing.
Anjali 以為那個包包是仿冒品，結果竟然是真貨。
After trying different sports, Ryan found the real thing in basketball.
嘗試過各種運動之後，Ryan 發現籃球才是他的真愛。
Some people prefer cheap copies, but my father only buys the real thing.
有些人喜歡便宜的仿冒品，但我父親只買真貨。
- original
focuses on being the first or earliest version
- genuine article
slightly informal; used for products or people who are truly what they claim to be
文法句型
the real thing
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'the real thing'. Can also be used in the pattern 'is the [noun] thing' to emphasize authenticity or the best example of something.
常見錯誤
7. used to say that two or more objects, ideas, or events are identical and not dif
相同；同樣
指兩者完全一樣，沒有差別
used to say that two or more objects, ideas, or events are identical and not different from each other in any way
Renata bought the same thing as her sister, but in blue.
Renata 買了和她姊姊同樣的東西，只是顏色是藍色的。
the same thing as + noun
I would do the same thing if I were in your position.
如果我是你，我也會做同樣的事。
The twins wore the same thing to school and confused their teacher.
那對雙胞胎穿同樣的衣服去上學，把老師都搞糊塗了。
Hamza keeps saying the same thing over and over, which annoys everyone.
他一直重複說同樣的話，讓每個人都很煩。
- different
not the same; opposite in meaning
文法句型
the same thing as + noun
the same thing + clause
用法筆記
Usually part of the fixed phrase 'the same thing'; can take a singular or plural subject.
常見錯誤
8. a specific event, activity, or set of arrangements that people have agreed on or
計畫；活動
已計劃或討論好的活動或安排
a specific event, activity, or set of arrangements that people have agreed on or are preparing for
The whole thing took longer than we expected because of the rain.
整件事花的時間比我們預期的還久，因為下雨的關係。
the whole thing — referring to an entire event
The organizers called off the thing at the last minute when the singer got sick.
他們在最後一刻取消了活動，因為歌手生病了。
The party was the biggest thing the town had seen all year.
那場派對是鎮上這一年來規模最大的活動。
Let us just forget the whole thing and start fresh tomorrow.
我們就忘了整件事，明天重新開始吧。
Élise had planned the thing for months, so she was upset when it was cancelled.
Élise 為這場活動策劃了好幾個月，所以得知取消時她非常難過。
文法句型
the + thing
the whole thing
用法筆記
Often used with 'the whole' to refer to an entire event or plan from start to finish.
9. the most important fact, feature, or idea among all others in a particular situa
最重要；關鍵
在所有事物中最重要的一點
the most important fact, feature, or idea among all others in a particular situation
The thing I love most about this city is the food market near my home.
我對這個城市最喜歡的一點，就是我家附近的菜市場。
The thing + relative clause for focus
The funny thing is that nobody noticed the mistake until the end.
好笑的是，一直到最後都沒有人發現那個錯誤。
The best thing about the job is working from home three days a week.
這份工作最重要的一點，就是一週有三天可以在家工作。
The scary thing about driving in snow is losing control on slippery roads.
在下雪天開車可怕的地方，就是在濕滑的路面上會失去控制。
The thing that surprised Asher the most was how friendly everyone was.
最讓 Asher 驚訝的是，每個人都非常友善。
文法句型
the [adjective] thing about + noun/gerund
the thing + that + clause
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the pattern 'the [adjective] thing about...' or 'the thing that [verb]...' to highlight a single notable aspect.
常見錯誤
10. every possible situation, subject, or area of life, used after 'all' or 'in all'
各方；萬事
涵蓋所有情況或主題
every possible situation, subject, or area of life, used after 'all' or 'in all' to cover everything without exception
Ava believes in being honest in all things, no matter how small.
她相信無論在任何事情上都應該誠實，不管事情有多小。
in all things — in every situation
The teacher was an expert in all things related to ancient Rome.
那位老師是古羅馬相關所有領域的專家。
In all things, it is better to be kind than to be right.
在所有事情上，善良都比正確更重要。
Ramón read books about all things — science, history, art, and music.
他什麼書都讀——科學、歷史、藝術、音樂，各方面都有。
For all things related to visas, you should check the embassy website.
所有跟簽證有關的事，你應該查大使館的網站。
- everything
more direct and common; does not require the word 'all' before it
- every aspect
more formal; emphasises individual parts of a whole
文法句型
all things
in all things
all things + past participle
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'all' — either 'all things' or 'in all things.' The singular form is extremely rare in this sense.
11. a conversational opening phrase ('the thing is') that highlights a key fact abou
問題；重點
用於說出最重要的事實或問題
a conversational opening phrase ('the thing is') that highlights a key fact about a situation — often used to correct a wrong assumption or to draw attention to what someone might otherwise overlook
The thing is, I do not have enough money for the trip right now.
問題是，我現在沒有足夠的錢付這趟旅費。
The thing is, + clause — introducing a key fact
The thing is — how do we get everyone to agree on a date?
問題是——我們要怎麼讓每個人都同意一個日期？
The thing is that the restaurant is fully booked for the whole weekend.
問題是，那家餐廳整個週末都訂滿了。
The thing is, if we leave now, we might still catch the last train.
問題是，如果我們現在出發，可能還趕得上最後一班火車。
The thing is, Kenji had already told the manager he would quit.
重點是，Kenji 早就跟經理說過他要辭職了。
- the problem is
more specific; used when the following point is a difficulty or obstacle
- the point is
focuses on the main argument rather than important background information
文法句型
The thing is, + clause
The thing is that + clause
The thing is — + clause
用法筆記
A fixed discourse marker that always begins with 'the thing is'; the clause that follows can be a statement or a question.
常見錯誤
12. the general state of your life, work, or the world around you, without mentionin
狀況；形勢
指整體的生活或工作情況
the general state of your life, work, or the world around you, without mentioning specific details
How are things at the office these days, Lara?
Lara，你辦公室那邊最近怎麼樣？
How are things? — asking about someone's general state
Things have been difficult since the factory closed down last winter.
自從去年冬天工廠關閉之後，狀況就一直很困難。
I am hoping things will get better once the weather improves in spring.
我希望春天天氣好轉之後，情況會變得更好。
Things between Nala and her brother are much better now after their talk.
Nala 和她弟弟談過之後，兩人之間的關係好多了。
With things the way they are, we should not spend too much money.
在目前這樣的情況下，我們不應該花太多錢。
- circumstances
more formal; refers to the conditions affecting a situation
- the situation
singular, more specific; often refers to a particular set of conditions rather than a general state
文法句型
how are things
things + be + adjective
things + get/become + adjective
用法筆記
Always takes a plural verb form. Subject is always 'things' when referring to the general state, never 'thing' in this sense.
常見錯誤
13. used to say that a particular event or situation is lucky or fortunate — for exa
幸好；好在
指某事發生是幸運或有幫助的
used to say that a particular event or situation is lucky or fortunate — for example, that a problem was avoided because of something that happened just in time.
It's a good thing that Mira brought an umbrella, because it started raining heavily.
幸好 Mira 帶了傘，因為後來下起了大雨。
pattern: it's a good thing that…
A good thing about living near the park is that the children can play outside.
住在公園附近的好處是，孩子可以在外面玩耍。
"I missed the bus." "That's not a bad thing — the next one is much faster."
「我錯過了公車。」「那也不錯——下一班快多了。」
It's a good thing the Watanabes left early, or they would have hit traffic.
幸好渡邊一家提早出發，否則就會遇上塞車。
- lucky
similar meaning but used as an adjective rather than a noun construction
- fortunately
adverb used to express the same idea more formally
- unfortunately
used for the opposite — an unlucky or regrettable outcome
文法句型
it is a good thing (that)…
it's a (good/bad) thing (that)…
用法筆記
Often followed by a that-clause, though 'that' is frequently dropped in spoken English.
常見錯誤
14. a discourse marker used to introduce an obstacle, problem, or complication that
問題是
引出情況中最重要的觀點或原因
a discourse marker used to introduce an obstacle, problem, or complication that alters a plan, changes someone's expectations, or explains why something cannot happen as hoped
The thing is, Cyrus does not have enough money to pay the rent this month.
問題是，Cyrus 這個月沒有足夠的錢付房租。
discourse marker: the thing is…
I would love to hike this weekend — the thing is, I have a test on Monday.
我很想去健行——問題是，我星期一要考試。
The important thing is that everyone made it home safely after the storm.
重要的是，暴風雨過後每個人都安全到家了。
The thing is, we need to decide by Friday or the hotel will cancel our reservation.
問題是，我們必須在星期五前決定，否則飯店會取消我們的訂房。
- the problem is
more specific — focuses on a difficulty rather than any main point
- the point is
similar register and function as a discourse marker
文法句型
the thing is (that)…
the important/interesting/sad thing is (that)…
用法筆記
Frequently used at the start of a sentence as a discourse marker. 'That' is optional when followed by a clause.
常見錯誤
15. used in place of 'anything' in negative statements or questions to make the mean
任何事
用來代替anything以加強語氣
used in place of 'anything' in negative statements or questions to make the meaning stronger — especially when saying that nothing happened or asking if something happened.
Did you eat a thing at the wedding reception, or were you too busy talking?
你在婚宴上吃了東西嗎，還是忙著聊天？
question: Did you + [verb] + a thing?
Felipe would not say a thing about the surprise he had planned for Élise.
Felipe 對他為 Élise 準備的驚喜半個字也不肯說。
negated: wouldn't say a thing
Before you say a thing, let me explain why the window is broken.
在你開口之前，先讓我解釋窗戶為什麼破了。
Lakshmi has not eaten a thing since breakfast — she must be very hungry by now.
Lakshmi 從早餐後就沒吃過東西——她現在一定很餓了。
- anything
neutral equivalent, not emphatic; appropriate for all registers
文法句型
[neg] + a thing
question + a thing
用法筆記
This sense is informal and most common in spoken English. Do not use 'a thing' this way in formal writing; use 'anything' instead.
常見錯誤
❌ 'I didn't eat a thing for breakfast, so I'm hungry.' (no mistake, but 'a thing' is too casual for an essay) — Use 'anything' in formal writing.
16. not a single item at all; used with strong emphasis to say that absolutely nothi
一點也沒有
強調完全沒有任何東西
not a single item at all; used with strong emphasis to say that absolutely nothing exists, happens, or is present in a particular situation.
There was not a thing in the fridge, so Caleb ordered pizza for dinner.
冰箱裡什麼也沒有，所以 Caleb 叫了披薩當晚餐。
There was not a thing in…
Daichi understood not a thing of what the speaker said about the new tax laws.
那位講者關於新稅法的內容，Daichi 一句也沒聽懂。
Nellie opened her suitcase, but there was not a thing she could wear to dinner.
她打開行李箱，但裡面沒有任何可以穿去晚宴的衣服。
Not a thing has changed in this village since Gabriela last visited twenty years ago.
自從 Gabriela 二十年前離開後，這個村子一點也沒變。
- nothing
neutral equivalent, less emphatic
- not a single thing
even stronger emphasis than 'not a thing'
- everything
the complete opposite — all items present
文法句型
not a thing
not a single thing
用法筆記
Stronger than 'nothing'. When you say 'not a thing', you are emphasising the completeness of the absence. This phrase often appears at the start of a sentence for rhetorical effect.
17. to feel or claim that one lacks suitable clothes for a particular event or setti
沒衣服穿
缺少適合某場合的服裝
to feel or claim that one lacks suitable clothes for a particular event or setting — even if one actually owns many clothes.
Sirin said she had nothing to wear to her cousin's wedding ceremony in the temple.
Sirin 說她沒有適合參加表姐寺廟婚禮的衣服。
collocation: have nothing to wear to [event]
Tomás opened his wardrobe and complained that he had nothing to wear for the interview.
Tomás 打開衣櫃，抱怨自己沒有適合面試穿的衣服。
Putri realised she had nothing to wear that was both warm enough and formal.
Putri 發現自己沒有既保暖又夠正式的衣服可穿。
"I have nothing to wear!" is a common complaint, even when the closet is full of clothes.
「我沒衣服穿！」是常見的抱怨，即使衣櫃裡塞滿了衣服。
- lack suitable clothes
formal equivalent, not idiomatic
文法句型
have nothing to wear
用法筆記
This is a common complaint about having 'nothing suitable', not about truly owning zero clothes. It is informal and often used humorously or dramatically.
常見錯誤
18. used to say that no possible action can change or improve a difficult situation
沒辦法
表示沒有行動能改變情況
used to say that no possible action can change or improve a difficult situation — expressing helplessness or acceptance that the situation must be endured.
Once the bridge collapsed, there was nothing we could do to reach the other side.
橋一垮，我們就沒辦法到對岸了。
there was nothing [someone] could do
There was nothing the firefighters could do to save the old wooden house from the flames.
消防員對那棟著火的老木屋已無能為力。
pattern: there was nothing [someone] could do
When a child has a fever at night, there is nothing to do but wait.
小孩半夜發燒時，除了等待別無他法。
There was nothing the doctors could do to fix the damage to his injured knee.
醫生對他受傷的膝蓋已無能為力。
- there is no way to
similar meaning but focuses on the absence of a method rather than the absence of possible action
- something can be done
the opposite — action is possible
文法句型
there is nothing to do
there is nothing [subject] can do
用法筆記
Often used in the construction 'there is/was nothing (that) someone can/could do' followed by an infinitive of purpose. Also appears in 'there is nothing to do but [verb]'.
常見錯誤
19. Refers to a specific activity, plan, or arrangement when you do not want to name
活動；安排
指特定活動或計畫，不直接命名
Refers to a specific activity, plan, or arrangement when you do not want to name it exactly — for example, joining a book club or organising a shared trip together.
Sumin mentioned that hiking thing we planned for next month.
Sumin 提到了我們下個月計畫好的那個遠足活動。
Did the beach thing with your cousins go ahead last weekend?
你上週末跟表兄弟們的海灘活動有順利進行嗎？
The car-sharing thing among the neighbours has saved everyone money.
鄰居之間的共乘安排幫大家省了不少錢。
I hear they are starting a book-exchange thing at the library.
我聽說他們要在圖書館發起一個換書活動。
The cooking thing every Friday night has become a firm tradition.
每週五晚上的烹飪活動已經成了一項固定傳統。
- activity
more formal and neutral; does not carry the casual tone of 'thing'
- arrangement
emphasises the planning aspect rather than the action itself
- event
suggests a formal occasion rather than an informal plan
文法句型
the [noun] thing
[noun] thing
用法筆記
Often appears as '[noun] thing' where a specific name for the activity does not exist or is not needed. Compare with sense 4 which refers to an idea or subject, not a scheduled activity.
常見錯誤
20. used after an adjective to talk about a particular quality, aspect, or fact of a
事情；方面
與形容詞連用，指某方面特質
used after an adjective to talk about a particular quality, aspect, or fact of a situation — for example, the surprising thing about the news or the best thing about living in a small town.
The best thing about living near the sea is the fresh air.
住在海邊最好的事情就是能呼吸新鮮空氣。
pattern: the best thing about + [gerund/noun]
The only thing Gabriela asked for was a quiet room to study in.
Gabriela 唯一要求的事情就是有一間安靜的房間可以唸書。
A strange thing happened on the way to the airport this morning.
今天早上去機場的路上發生了一件奇怪的事情。
The first thing Christopher does after work is walk his dog.
Christopher 下班後做的第一件事就是遛狗。
The hardest thing about learning guitar was building finger strength.
學吉他最困難的事情是鍛鍊手指的力量。
文法句型
the [adjective] thing
the [adjective] thing about/of [noun]
常見錯誤
21. a discourse marker used to redirect attention to the central or most essential m
關鍵是
引出理由或主要困難
a discourse marker used to redirect attention to the central or most essential matter under discussion — summarising, prioritising, or cutting through less important details to reach the core point
I would love to come, but the thing is, I have another meeting at five.
我很想去，但問題是我五點還有一個會議。
fixed phrase: the thing is, + [contrasting clause]
The thing is that Mathieu has never driven on the left side of the road.
問題是 Mathieu 從來沒有在道路左側開過車。
The thing about old houses is the heating bills can be very high.
老房子的一個問題是暖氣費可能很高。
The thing is, Beatrix, we only have three tickets left for the concert.
問題是，Beatrix，音樂會的票我們只剩三張了。
The thing about the new software is nobody has been trained to use it.
這套新軟體的問題是沒有人受過使用訓練。
- the point is
more direct; focuses on the central idea rather than a difficulty
- the problem is
narrower; only for difficulties, not general explanations
文法句型
the thing is (that) + [clause]
用法筆記
Found in both 'the thing is' (followed by a comma or that) and 'the thing about [something] is' patterns. Used mostly in spoken English and informal writing. Avoid in academic essays.
常見錯誤
22. Placed after a describing word to mention a person, animal, or even an object in
傢伙；小東西
用於形容詞後，帶情感地指人或動物
Placed after a describing word to mention a person, animal, or even an object in a way that shows fondness or pity — for instance, calling a crying child a poor little thing.
Look at that little puppy — the poor thing has been wandering all day.
看那隻小狗狗——可憐的小東西已經遊蕩一整天了。
affectionate: poor thing for an animal
Your kitten is such a sweet little thing when it curls up on the sofa.
妳的小貓窩在沙發上時真是個可愛的小東西。
Old Mr. Lakan fell asleep in the chair, the dear old thing.
老 Lakan 先生在椅子上睡著了，真是可愛的老傢伙。
Folake is not a bad thing at heart — just a little shy around new people.
她本質上不是個壞傢伙——只是在新朋友面前有點害羞。
The injured bird was a fragile little thing with a broken wing.
那隻受傷的鳥是個脆弱的小東西，翅膀都斷了。
文法句型
[adjective] thing
you/old/young etc. [adjective] thing
用法筆記
Always appears with a preceding adjective (poor, sweet, dear, little, old). Can be used for people, animals, or even personified objects. The adjective carries the emotional tone — 'thing' itself is neutral. Avoid in formal writing.