件 (jiàn) — measure word for clothing and matters

件 (jiàn)

A measure word used for individual items of clothing (typically upper-body garments) and for matters or events. 件 is one of the most important clothing classifiers.

Meanings

1. [measure word] Classifier for garments, especially tops, jackets, and shirts.
2. [measure word] Classifier for matters, affairs, or events.

What 件 counts

件 is used with:

• 衣服 (yīfu): clothing — 一件衣服 (one item of clothing)
• 上衣 (shàngyī): top/jacket — 一件上衣 (one top)
• 毛衣 (máoyī): sweater — 一件毛衣 (one sweater)
• 事 (shì): matter/affair — 一件事 (one matter/thing)
• 行李 (xíngli): luggage — 一件行李 (one piece of luggage)

Example Sentences

我想买一件衣服。 Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī jiàn yīfu. I want to buy one item of clothing.

这件衣服多少钱？ Zhè jiàn yīfu duōshao qián? How much does this item of clothing cost?

他有一件事想告诉你。 Tā yǒu yī jiàn shì xiǎng gàosu nǐ. He has something he wants to tell you.

我带了三件衣服。 Wǒ dàile sān jiàn yīfu. I brought three items of clothing.

Collocations

Common Learner Mistake

件 applies to upper-body garments and individual items of clothing. For trousers and skirts, use 条 instead. Saying 一件裤子 (pants) is incorrect. The correct form is 一条裤子.