Meaning
电源 refers to any device or system that provides electrical power. It can mean a power supply unit in electronics, an electrical outlet, or more broadly any source of electricity. The term is commonly used in both everyday situations (like plugging in devices) and technical contexts (like computer hardware).
Usage
This is a neutral, technical term used in both formal and informal contexts. Native speakers use it when discussing electronics, asking where to plug something in, or talking about power infrastructure. It's commonly seen on buttons (电源键 'power button'), in manuals, and in everyday conversation about electrical devices.
Examples
- 01请把电源线插到墙上的插座里。.Please plug the power cord into the wall outlet.
- 02电脑突然关机了，可能是电源出了问题。, .The computer suddenly shut down; there might be a problem with the power supply.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个电源
Common collocations
- 电源线power cord
- 电源插座power outlet
- 电源开关power switch
- 切断电源to cut off power
Origin
Compound word combining 电 (electricity) and 源 (source), literally meaning 'electricity source'. This is a modern term that emerged with the spread of electrical technology in the 20th century.