‘附件’ (fù jiàn) literally combines ‘附’ (fù), meaning ‘to attach’ or ‘to append’, and ‘件’ (jiàn), a general measure word for items, documents, or objects. Together, they form a noun meaning ‘attachment’—specifically, a file attached to an email or electronic message. It is the standard, formal term used in digital communication, office settings, and official correspondence in Chinese.

Unlike English, where ‘attachment’ can refer to emotional bonds, ‘附件’ is almost exclusively technical and functional. It never means ‘appendage’ or ‘accessory’ in physical or biological senses. You’ll see it in email interfaces (e.g., ‘添加附件’ – ‘add attachment’), work instructions, and IT support contexts. While occasionally used metaphorically in very rare bureaucratic phrasing (e.g., ‘本文件附件’ – ‘annexes to this document’), its overwhelming usage is digital and document-related.