noun HSK 4
Traditional 電器
diàn
electrical appliance · electric apparatus · electrical equipment

Meaning

电器 refers to any device or appliance that operates using electricity. This is a general term covering everything from small household items like toasters and fans to larger appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. It's commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing home appliances or electronic devices.

Usage

This is a broad, general term used in daily life and commercial contexts. When shopping, you'll see 电器 in store names (电器商店) and product categories. Native speakers use it for any electrically-powered device, though they might use more specific terms like 家电 (household appliances) when the context is clear. It's neutral register and appropriate for both spoken and written contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    这家商店卖各种家用电器
    Zhè jiā shāng diàn mài zhǒng jiā yòng diàn .
    This store sells all kinds of household electrical appliances.
  2. 02
    使用电器时要注意安全。
    Shǐ yòng diàn shí yào zhù ān quán.
    You must pay attention to safety when using electrical appliances.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个电器
  • tái一台电器
  • jiàn一件电器

Common collocations

  • 家用电器
    jiā yòng diàn
    household electrical appliances
  • 电器商店
    diàn shāng diàn
    electrical appliance store
  • 电器故障
    diàn zhàng
    electrical appliance malfunction
  • 电器
    xiǎo diàn
    small appliances

Origin

电器 is a compound word combining 电 (electricity) and 器 (device/apparatus). It emerged as a modern term in Chinese as electrical appliances became common in the 20th century.

Related