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March 24, 2026
电视(電視)diànshì(dian4shi4)
电视 (diànshì) refers to 'television' in Mandarin. It is a common noun used to describe the electronic device that broadcasts audio-visual content. In everyday conversation, it can refer to both the device itself and the programs watched on it.
Frequency#668DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In China, television plays a significant role in daily life, with various state-run channels providing news and entertainment. The rise of streaming services has also transformed viewing habits, reflecting modern trends in media consumption.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 电 (diàn), which means 'electricity', and 视 (shì), which relates to 'sight' or 'vision'. Imagine a magical box powered by electricity that brings moving images and sounds into your living room to create a vivid 'sight' experience.
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AI Study Notes for 电视
Quick Contrast
电视 (diànshì) vs 电视机 (diànshìjī) — use 电视 for the concept of television in general, and 电视机 specifically for the physical device.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 电 (diàn), which means 'electricity', and 视 (shì), which relates to 'sight' or 'vision'. Imagine a magical box powered by electricity that brings moving images and sounds into your living room to create a vivid 'sight' experience.
Usage Notes
When using 电视, be careful with the measure words; the most common ones are 台 (tái) for machines and 个 (gè) for general items. For example, you would say 一台电视 (yī tái diànshì) to mean 'one television'. Be mindful of informal versus formal contexts when discussing media.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 电视 is essential for discussing everyday topics like entertainment. It connects to other basic vocabulary such as 电影 (diànyǐng, 'movie') and 书 (shū, 'book'), allowing students to form comparisons about different media types.
Cultural Note
In China, television plays a significant role in daily life, with various state-run channels providing news and entertainment. The rise of streaming services has also transformed viewing habits, reflecting modern trends in media consumption.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the measure words, saying 一电视 (yī diànshì) instead of 一台电视 (yī tái diànshì). Remember to use the correct measure word based on the type of object you’re referring to.
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Pronunciation of 电视
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Grammar Patterns of 电视
电视 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 4 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.
Television companies tend to censor bad language in feature films.
Cultural Notes for 电视
🏮Cultural insight
In China, television plays a significant role in daily life, with various state-run channels providing news and entertainment. The rise of streaming services has also transformed viewing habits, reflecting modern trends in media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions about 电视
You would say 看电视 (kàn diànshì).
You can ask 你有电视吗？(Nǐ yǒu diànshì ma?).
'电视' usually refers to television in general, while '电视机' specifically refers to the television set.
