Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
硬件 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
硬件yìngjiànhardwareHSK 5, n, rank #15548, Hard
yìngjiàn(ying4jian4) T4
  1. 1hardware
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
硬件yìngjiàn(ying4jian4)

硬件 (yìngjiàn) refers to the physical components of a computer or electronic system, such as the motherboard, hard drives, and peripherals. It contrasts with software, which consists of programs and operating systems. This term is widely used in technology discussions, especially in contexts related to IT and electronics.

Frequency#15548DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, the focus on hardware is significant due to the country's robust manufacturing sector. The development of hardware technology is often linked to economic growth and innovation, making this term relevant in discussions about China's position in the tech industry.

Memory Tip

Think of 硬 (yìng) as 'hard' and 件 (jiàn) as 'piece' or 'component.' Visualize a sturdy computer part, like a hard drive, which is essential for the system to function. The 'hard' nature of hardware can remind you of solid materials, making it easier to link the meaning to the character.

Meanings of 硬件

yìngjiàn(ying4jian4)
1hardware
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 硬件

硬件Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15548Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 硬件

JasonAmy

Podcast: 硬件

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 硬件

Quick Contrast

软件 (ruǎnjiàn) - use 硬件 when discussing physical components, whereas 软件 refers to programs and operating systems.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 硬 (yìng) as 'hard' and 件 (jiàn) as 'piece' or 'component.' Visualize a sturdy computer part, like a hard drive, which is essential for the system to function. The 'hard' nature of hardware can remind you of solid materials, making it easier to link the meaning to the character.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 硬件 with 软件 (ruǎnjiàn), which means software. The term is informal and mostly used in technical discussions, so avoid using it in overly formal contexts. Common collocations include '硬件设备' (hardware equipment) and '硬件升级' (hardware upgrade).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 硬件 connects well with other technology-related vocabulary at this level, such as 软件 (software) and 系统 (system). Focus on the context in which these terms are used together, as they often appear in discussions about technology.

Cultural Note

In China, the focus on hardware is significant due to the country's robust manufacturing sector. The development of hardware technology is often linked to economic growth and innovation, making this term relevant in discussions about China's position in the tech industry.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 硬件 to refer to software, resulting in phrases like '硬件程序' (hardware program), which is incorrect. The correct term for software is 软件 (ruǎnjiàn).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 硬件

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 硬件 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

yìnghard
HSK 512 strokes
View full entry
jiànitem
HSK 16 strokes
View full entry

Write 硬件

Practice writing 硬件 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 硬件

硬件 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

____指的是计算机的机械部分.

Hardware is the mechanical components of a computer.

Example Sentences for 硬件 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
硬件指的是计算机的机械部分.

yìng jiàn zhǐ de shì jì suàn jī de jī xiè bù fēn.

Hardware is the mechanical components of a computer.

Cultural Notes for 硬件

🏮Cultural insight

In China, the focus on hardware is significant due to the country's robust manufacturing sector. The development of hardware technology is often linked to economic growth and innovation, making this term relevant in discussions about China's position in the tech industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about 硬件

硬件 refers to the physical components of technology, while 软件 refers to the programs and applications that run on these components.