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March 24, 2026
电脑(電腦)diànnǎo(dian4nao3)
电脑 (diànnǎo) means 'computer' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, referring to any electronic device capable of processing data. The term combines '电' (electricity) and '脑' (brain), emphasizing the computer's function as an electronic brain.
Frequency#957DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
Computers play a significant role in China's rapid technological advancement. The word 电脑 reflects the country's embrace of technology, which is evident in the widespread use of computers in education, business, and everyday life.
Memory Tip
Think of '电' (electric) as a lightning bolt and '脑' (brain) as a brain with wires. Imagine a brain powered by electricity, working quickly like a computer. Remember: '电' sounds like 'dian' and '脑' sounds like 'nao', making 'diànnǎo' easy to visualize as an electric brain.
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AI Study Notes for 电脑
Quick Contrast
笔记本电脑 (bǐjìběn diànnǎo) refers specifically to a 'laptop computer', emphasizing portability, while 电脑 (diànnǎo) is a general term for 'computer' that includes desktops and other forms.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '电' (electric) as a lightning bolt and '脑' (brain) as a brain with wires. Imagine a brain powered by electricity, working quickly like a computer. Remember: '电' sounds like 'dian' and '脑' sounds like 'nao', making 'diànnǎo' easy to visualize as an electric brain.
Usage Notes
Be mindful when using 电脑 in different contexts; while it's often used in everyday conversation, in more formal settings, you might see it paired with technical terms. A common mistake is confusing 电脑 with '计算机' (jìsuànjī), which is a more formal term for 'computer'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 电脑 connects with other basic terms related to technology and daily activities. Focus on its components and pronunciation, and practice using it in simple sentences to reinforce your understanding.
Cultural Note
Computers play a significant role in China's rapid technological advancement. The word 电脑 reflects the country's embrace of technology, which is evident in the widespread use of computers in education, business, and everyday life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the correct tones, pronouncing it as 'dian nao' instead of 'diàn nǎo'. Additionally, some may confuse it with other tech-related terms, leading to incorrect usage in sentences.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 电脑
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Grammar Patterns of 电脑
电脑 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Ninety-nine per cent of primary pupils now have hands-on experience of computers.
Cultural Notes for 电脑
🏮Cultural insight
Computers play a significant role in China's rapid technological advancement. The word 电脑 reflects the country's embrace of technology, which is evident in the widespread use of computers in education, business, and everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 电脑
It is pronounced as 'diàn nǎo', with the tones being fourth tone for '电' and third tone for '脑'.
电脑 is more commonly used in everyday language, while 计算机 is a formal term often found in academic or technical contexts.
Yes, 电脑 generally refers to computers, which can include desktops, laptops, and sometimes tablets.
