Meanings of 手机
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About 手机
Podcast: 手机
Podcast: 手机
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AI Study Notes for 手机
电话 (diànhuà) refers specifically to a telephone, typically used for voice calls, while 手机 (shǒujī) encompasses mobile phones with additional functionalities like messaging and apps.
Think of 手机 as 'hand machine' (手 shǒu means 'hand' and 机 jī means 'machine'). Imagine holding a small machine in your hand that connects you to the world—this is your mobile phone!
Learners often confuse 手机 with 固定电话 (gùdìng diànhuà), which means 'landline phone.' Remember that 手机 is specifically for mobile devices. It's commonly used in informal settings, but can also be appropriate in formal discussions about technology.
As an HSK Level 2 word, 手机 connects students to other daily life vocabulary such as 家 (jiā, home) and 电脑 (diànnǎo, computer). Focus on phrases like '用手机' (yòng shǒujī, to use a mobile phone) to enhance understanding.
In China, mobile phones are not just for calls; they are integral to daily life, used for mobile payments through apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. This reflects the tech-savvy nature of Chinese society.
Learners might mistakenly say '手机的电话' (shǒujī de diànhuà), which translates to 'the phone of the mobile phone.' Instead, just use 手机 directly when referring to the mobile phone itself.
Pronunciation of 手机
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Component Characters
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Practice writing 手机 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 手机
手机 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.
Complete the Sentence
我的____在桌子上。
My phone is on the table.
Example Sentences for 手机 (2)
Cultural Notes for 手机
In China, mobile phones are not just for calls; they are integral to daily life, used for mobile payments through apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. This reflects the tech-savvy nature of Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 手机
手机 refers specifically to mobile phones, while 电话 can mean any type of phone, including landlines.