zhèjiàn yīfu suōshuǐ le.

change-of-state particle

Breakdown of zhèjiàn yīfu suōshuǐ le.

• 衣服yīfu: clothes
• 这件zhèjiàn: this

Questions & Answers about zhèjiàn yīfu suōshuǐ le.

Why is 件 used in 这件衣服?

件 is a measure word (or classifier) for items of clothing and some other individual objects.

In Mandarin, when you say this / that / one / two + noun, you usually need a measure word between the number or demonstrative and the noun:

• 这件衣服 = this item of clothing
• 那件外套 = that coat
• 一件衬衫 = one shirt

So 这件衣服 follows the common pattern:

这 + 件 + 衣服

Using a measure word here is normal Mandarin grammar.

Why can’t I just say 这个衣服?

In standard Mandarin, 这 + noun usually needs a measure word in between, so 这个衣服 sounds unnatural.

The standard form is:

• 这件衣服

not

• 这个衣服

Why? Because 个 is a very general measure word, but clothing often has its own more natural classifier, such as 件.

A learner tip:

• 个 is often used when you do not know the correct classifier.
• But with common nouns like clothing, native speakers usually prefer the proper classifier.

So 这件衣服 is the natural way to say this piece of clothing / this garment.

What exactly does 衣服 mean here? Is it singular or plural?