zhè gè dōngxi bú tài guì, wǒ xiān shìshi.

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Breakdown of zhè gè dōngxi bú tài guì, wǒ xiān shìshi.

• 不bù: not
• 这zhè: this
• 个gè: noun classifier

Questions & Answers about zhè gè dōngxi bú tài guì, wǒ xiān shìshi.

Why is there a measure word 个 (gè) after 这 (zhè)? Can I say 这东西 instead of 这个东西?

Chinese normally uses the pattern demonstrative + measure word + noun: 这 + 个 + 东西 = “this thing.”

• Saying 这个东西 is the safest, most neutral option.
• In casual speech you can drop the measure word and say 这东西; it’s common and natural.
• Don’t say 这件东西 unless you really mean “this piece/item” in a stylistic or specific context; for everyday speech, use 个 with 东西.
• You can also hear the colloquial pronunciation zhèi ge for 这个.

Why is 不 pronounced bú here and not bù?

Tone sandhi: 不 (bù) changes to the second tone bú when it comes directly before a fourth-tone syllable.

• Here it’s before 太 (tài) (4th tone), so you say bú tài.
• More examples: bú shì (不是), bú duì (不对).
• Before 1st/2nd/3rd tones, 不 stays bù.

How do I pronounce 东西? Is the second syllable neutral?

When 东西 means “thing/stuff,” it’s pronounced dōngxi and the second syllable is a neutral tone (light).
When it literally means “east and west,” both syllables keep their tones: dōng xī.

What exactly does 不太贵 mean? Does it mean “cheap”?