noun HSK 5
utensil · implement · tool · apparatus

Meaning

器具 refers to tools, implements, or utensils used for specific purposes or tasks. It's a somewhat formal term that encompasses a wide range of functional objects, from kitchen utensils to medical instruments to workshop tools. The word emphasizes the functional, purposeful nature of these objects.

Usage

器具 is more formal than everyday words like 工具 (tool) and is commonly used in written contexts, technical descriptions, or when referring to specialized equipment. It appears frequently in contexts like kitchen utensils (厨房器具), medical equipment (医疗器具), or laboratory apparatus (实验室器具). Native speakers might use more specific terms in casual conversation.

Examples

  1. 01
    这些厨房器具都是不锈钢制作的。
    Zhè xiē chú fáng dōu shì xiù gāng zhì zuò de.
    These kitchen utensils are all made of stainless steel.
  2. 02
    医院需要购买一批新的医疗器具
    yuàn yào gòu mǎi xīn de liáo .
    The hospital needs to purchase a batch of new medical instruments.

Characters

Measure words

  • jiàn一件器具
  • tào一套器具

Common collocations

  • 厨房器具
    chú fáng
    kitchen utensils
  • 医疗器具
    liáo
    medical instruments
  • 实验器具
    shí yàn
    laboratory apparatus
  • 运动器具
    yùn dòng
    sports equipment

Origin

Both characters relate to tools and implements. 器 originally depicted a container with a dog guarding it, later evolving to mean vessels and tools in general. 具 contains 貝 (shellfish/treasure) and originally meant to prepare or provide, extending to mean tools and implements.

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