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| 维修 [2025/08/04 01:43] – created xiaoer | 维修 [2025/08/04 01:44] (current) – xiaoer |
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| ====== wéixiū: 维修 - To Maintain and Repair, Maintenance, Service ====== | ====== wéixiū: 维修 - To Repair, To Maintain, Maintenance ====== |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | ===== Quick Summary ===== |
| * **Keywords:** weixiu, 维修, Chinese for repair, Chinese for maintenance, fix in Chinese, service in Chinese, car repair Chinese, computer repair Chinese, weixiu meaning, elevator repair, under maintenance Chinese. | * **Keywords:** 维修, weixiu, Chinese for repair, Chinese for maintenance, fix in Chinese, service in Chinese, car repair, phone repair, building maintenance, technical service, Chinese HSK 4 |
| * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **维修 (wéixiū)**, which means to repair, maintain, or service. This comprehensive guide explains its meaning, character origins, and cultural context. Perfect for beginners, it includes over 10 practical example sentences for situations like car service, computer repair, and reading "under maintenance" signs in China. Understand the difference between 维修 (wéixiū), 修理 (xiūlǐ), and 保养 (bǎoyǎng) to use the word like a native speaker. | * **Summary:** 维修 (wéixiū) is the essential Chinese word for "repair" and "maintenance." Whether you need to fix a broken phone, service your car, or see a notice about elevator maintenance, 维修 is the term you'll encounter. It's a practical, everyday word that covers both fixing something that's broken and the ongoing work required to keep machines, electronics, and infrastructure in working order. Understanding 维修 is crucial for navigating daily life and commerce in modern China. |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | ===== Core Meaning ===== |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** wéixiū | * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** wéi xiū |
| * **Part of Speech:** Verb / Noun | * **Part of Speech:** Verb, Noun |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 | * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 |
| * **Concise Definition:** To maintain and/or repair something, especially machinery, equipment, or infrastructure. | * **Concise Definition:** To maintain and repair something to restore or preserve its function. |
| * **In a Nutshell:** `维修` is the go-to word for professional or systematic repair and maintenance. It's more than just a quick fix; it implies a process of restoring something to its proper working condition or keeping it that way. Think of the service light in your car, an "out of order" sign on an elevator, or calling IT support for your computer—these are all situations involving `维修`. | * **In a Nutshell:** 维修 is your go-to, standard term for fixing things, especially anything mechanical, electronic, or structural. Think of the sign on a repair shop (维修店), the "service" department of a company, or what you'd tell a friend about your broken-down car. It carries a professional, technical connotation and combines the ideas of "maintaining" something's condition and "repairing" its faults. |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | ===== Character Breakdown ===== |
| * **维 (wéi):** This character originally referred to the main ropes of a large net. By extension, it means "to hold together," "to preserve," or "to maintain." It's about keeping a system intact. | * **维 (wéi):** This character's original meaning relates to tying, binding, or holding things together. Think of it as the "maintenance" aspect – preserving the integrity and structure of something, keeping it all connected and in one piece. |
| * **修 (xiū):** This character shows the "person" radical (亻) next to a component (攸) that suggests using a tool or taking action. It means "to repair," "to build," "to fix," or even "to study/cultivate." | * **修 (xiū):** This character means to repair, to fix, to mend, or even to build or decorate. It represents the active "fixing" part of the word—the action of correcting a fault or improving something's condition. |
| * Together, **维修 (wéixiū)** literally means "to maintain and repair." The combination creates a comprehensive and slightly formal term that covers both fixing what's broken and performing regular upkeep to prevent future breakdowns. | * **Combined Meaning:** The combination is very logical: 维 (to maintain) + 修 (to fix) = 维修 (to maintain and repair). It perfectly captures the dual nature of keeping something functional, covering both preventative upkeep and fixing what's broken. |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== |
| While `维修` is a practical, modern term, it connects to the traditional Chinese value of thrift (节俭, jiéjiǎn) and making things last. In contrast to the "throwaway culture" that became prevalent in some Western countries, the instinct to repair rather than replace has deep roots in China. | While 维修 is a highly practical term, its prevalence speaks to modern Chinese culture. In bustling cities, you'll see countless small `维修店 (wéixiū diàn)`—repair shops—for everything from smartphones to electric scooters and home appliances. This reflects a practical mindset of fixing and extending the life of objects, a value that persists alongside a growing consumer culture. |
| In modern China, this concept has evolved. On one hand, you'll see tiny, hole-in-the-wall shops dedicated to `维修` for everything from shoes to smartphones, a testament to this enduring value. On the other hand, `维修` is the backbone of China's massive industrial and service economy. The term is used formally by large companies offering warranties (保修, bǎoxiū), by property management companies maintaining buildings, and by the state for massive infrastructure projects. The word reflects a society that is both building rapidly and diligently working to keep what it has built in good order. | A helpful comparison for English speakers is the distinction between "repair" and "maintenance." |
| | * **Repair:** Usually means fixing something after it has broken. |
| | * **Maintenance:** Usually means preventative service to stop something from breaking. |
| | `维修` conveniently covers both concepts. A sign that reads `电梯维修中 (diàntī wéixiū zhōng)` could mean the elevator is broken and being fixed, or that it's undergoing scheduled maintenance. The context usually clarifies which it is. For example, `定期维修 (dìngqī wéixiū)` is clearly "scheduled maintenance," while `紧急维修 (jǐnjí wéixiū)` is "emergency repair." This all-in-one term is efficient and reflects a holistic view of an object's lifecycle: it's not just about the one-time fix, but the continuous effort of keeping it running. |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== |
| `维修` is used ubiquitously in daily life, especially in technical or formal contexts. It can function as both a verb (to repair) and a noun (the act of repair/maintenance). | `维修` is a high-frequency word used in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversation to formal contracts. |
| * **As a Verb:** "My computer needs to be repaired." (我的电脑需要**维修**。) | * **Daily Life:** You'll use this term when any of your belongings break. "My air conditioner is broken, I need to call someone for a repair." (`我的空调坏了，要找人来维修。`) The person who comes is a `维修师傅 (wéixiū shīfu)` or `维修工 (wéixiū gōng)`. |
| * **As a Noun:** "The maintenance fee is very expensive." (这个**维修**费用很贵。) | * **Commercial/Business:** The term `售后维修 (shòuhòu wéixiū)`, or "after-sales repair service," is a critical part of any product warranty or service agreement in China. |
| * **Common Collocations:** | * **Public Notices:** It's extremely common to see signs in public spaces like subway stations, malls, and residential buildings. `道路维修 (dàolù wéixiū)` means "road maintenance/repair," and `暂停服务，正在维修 (zàntíng fúwù, zhèngzài wéixiū)` means "service suspended, currently under repair." |
| * **汽车维修 (qìchē wéixiū):** Car repair/maintenance | * **As a Noun:** `维修` can also act as a noun. You might ask, `这次的维修要多少钱？ (Zhè cì de wéixiū yào duōshǎo qián?)` - "How much will this repair cost?" |
| * **电脑维修 (diànnǎo wéixiū):** Computer repair | The term is neutral in connotation and standard in formality, making it safe to use in almost any situation requiring a repair. |
| * **手机维修 (shǒujī wéixiū):** Cell phone repair | |
| * **家电维修 (jiādiàn wéixiū):** Home appliance repair | |
| * **Public Signage:** One of the most common places you'll see this word is on signs. The phrase **维修中 (wéixiū zhōng)** means "Under Maintenance" or "In the process of being repaired." You'll see this on elevators, escalators, and public restrooms. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | ===== Example Sentences ===== |
| * **Example 1:** | * **Example 1:** |
| * 电梯**维修**中，请走楼梯。 | * 我的电脑坏了，需要**维修**。 |
| * Pinyin: Diàntī **wéixiū** zhōng, qǐng zǒu lóutī. | * Pinyin: Wǒ de diànnǎo huài le, xūyào **wéixiū**. |
| * English: The elevator is under maintenance, please take the stairs. | * English: My computer is broken and needs to be repaired. |
| * Analysis: This is a very common sign you'll encounter in China. `维修中 (wéixiū zhōng)` literally means "in the middle of repair." | * Analysis: A classic, simple use of `维修` as a verb for a common problem. |
| * **Example 2:** | * **Example 2:** |
| * 我的车需要送去**维修**了。 | * 这家店提供专业的手机**维修**服务。 |
| * Pinyin: Wǒ de chē xūyào sòng qù **wéixiū** le. | * Pinyin: Zhè jiā diàn tígōng zhuānyè de shǒujī **wéixiū** fúwù. |
| * English: My car needs to be sent for maintenance/repair. | * English: This shop provides professional mobile phone repair services. |
| * Analysis: Here, `维修` is used as a noun, referring to the act or service of repair. | * Analysis: Here, `维修` is used as a noun, part of the compound "repair service" (`维修服务`). |
| * **Example 3:** | * **Example 3:** |
| * 你知道附近哪里有**维修**电脑的吗？ | * 电梯**维修**中，请走楼梯。 |
| * Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào fùjìn nǎli yǒu **wéixiū** diànnǎo de ma? | * Pinyin: Diàntī **wéixiū** zhōng, qǐng zǒu lóutī. |
| * English: Do you know where there's a place that repairs computers nearby? | * English: The elevator is under maintenance/repair, please take the stairs. |
| * Analysis: A very practical question. The `的 (de)` at the end turns the phrase `维修电脑 (wéixiū diànnǎo)` into a noun phrase: "(a place) that repairs computers." | * Analysis: This demonstrates `维修中 (wéixiū zhōng)`, a common phrase on public signs meaning "in the process of repair." |
| * **Example 4:** | * **Example 4:** |
| * 这台空调的**维修**费用是多少？ | * **维修**费用是谁来承担？ |
| * Pinyin: Zhè tái kōngtiáo de **wéixiū** fèiyòng shì duōshǎo? | * Pinyin: **Wéixiū** fèiyòng shì shéi lái chéngdān? |
| * English: How much is the repair fee for this air conditioner? | * English: Who is responsible for the repair costs? |
| * Analysis: `维修费用 (wéixiū fèiyòng)` is a standard set phrase for "maintenance/repair fee." | * Analysis: `维修` acts as a noun modifier for `费用 (fèiyòng)`, creating the specific term "repair cost." |
| * **Example 5:** | * **Example 5:** |
| * 他是一名专业的**维修**工。 | * 我们公司有专门的**维修**部门。 |
| * Pinyin: Tā shì yī míng zhuānyè de **wéixiū** gōng. | * Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī yǒu zhuānmén de **wéixiū** bùmén. |
| * English: He is a professional maintenance worker. | * English: Our company has a dedicated maintenance department. |
| * Analysis: `维修工 (wéixiū gōng)` means "repairman" or "maintenance worker." | * Analysis: Shows its use in a corporate or organizational context. |
| * **Example 6:** | * **Example 6:** |
| * 这座桥正在进行大规模**维修**。 | * 他是一名经验丰富的汽车**维修**工。 |
| * Pinyin: Zhè zuò qiáo zhèngzài jìnxíng dà guīmó **wéixiū**. | * Pinyin: Tā shì yī míng jīngyàn fēngfù de qìchē **wéixiū** gōng. |
| * English: This bridge is currently undergoing large-scale maintenance. | * English: He is an experienced car mechanic (repair worker). |
| * Analysis: Shows how `维修` is used for large infrastructure projects. `进行...维修 (jìnxíng...wéixiū)` is a formal way to say "carry out repairs." | * Analysis: `维修` is used to specify the type of worker (`工`). |
| * **Example 7:** | * **Example 7:** |
| * 我们的产品提供一年免费**维修**服务。 | * 这座古桥正在进行大规模的**维修**。 |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen de chǎnpǐn tígōng yī nián miǎnfèi **wéixiū** fúwù. | * Pinyin: Zhè zuò gǔ qiáo zhèngzài jìnxíng dà guīmó de **wéixiū**. |
| * English: Our product comes with a one-year free repair service. | * English: This ancient bridge is undergoing large-scale restoration. |
| * Analysis: This demonstrates `维修` used in a business or warranty context. `维修服务 (wéixiū fúwù)` means "repair/maintenance service." | * Analysis: Demonstrates that `维修` can be used for large, structural projects, not just small appliances. |
| * **Example 8:** | * **Example 8:** |
| * 手机掉进水里后，就无法**维修**了。 | * 所有产品都享有一年的免费**维修**。 |
| * Pinyin: Shǒujī diào jìn shuǐ lǐ hòu, jiù wúfǎ **wéixiū** le. | * Pinyin: Suǒyǒu chǎnpǐn dōu xiǎngyǒu yī nián de miǎnfèi **wéixiū**. |
| * English: After the phone fell into the water, it was impossible to repair. | * English: All products come with one year of free repairs. |
| * Analysis: Here, `维修` is used as a verb. `无法 (wúfǎ)` means "unable to" or "no way to." | * Analysis: A common phrase related to warranties and after-sales service (`售后服务`). |
| * **Example 9:** | * **Example 9:** |
| * 房东负责所有家电的**维修**。 | * 由于系统**维修**，网站将于午夜关闭一小时。 |
| * Pinyin: Fángdōng fùzé suǒyǒu jiādiàn de **wéixiū**. | * Pinyin: Yóuyú xìtǒng **wéixiū**, wǎngzhàn jiāng yú wǔyè guānbì yī xiǎoshí. |
| * English: The landlord is responsible for the maintenance of all home appliances. | * English: Due to system maintenance, the website will be down for one hour at midnight. |
| * Analysis: A common phrase in a rental agreement. Here, `维修` functions as a noun. `负责 (fùzé)` means "to be responsible for." | * Analysis: This highlights its use in the digital and IT world for "system maintenance." |
| * **Example 10:** | * **Example 10:** |
| * 公司的IT部门提供技术支持和设备**维修**。 | * 我得找个**维修**师傅来看看我家的洗衣机。 |
| * Pinyin: Gōngsī de IT bùmén tígōng jìshù zhīchí hé shèbèi **wéixiū**. | * Pinyin: Wǒ děi zhǎo ge **wéixiū** shīfu lái kànkan wǒ jiā de xǐyījī. |
| * English: The company's IT department provides technical support and equipment maintenance. | * English: I have to find a repairman to take a look at my washing machine. |
| * Analysis: Shows the use of `维修` in a corporate setting. `设备维修 (shèbèi wéixiū)` means "equipment maintenance." | * Analysis: `维修师傅 (wéixiū shīfu)` is a very common and polite way to refer to a repair technician. |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== |
| * **`维修 (wéixiū)` vs. `修理 (xiūlǐ)`:** | The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `维修` and its close synonym, `修理 (xiūlǐ)`. |
| * These two terms are very similar and often interchangeable for fixing broken objects. However, `维修` can strongly imply //preventative maintenance// in addition to repair, while `修理 (xiūlǐ)` focuses more on fixing something that is already broken. | * **维修 (wéixiū) vs. 修理 (xiūlǐ):** |
| * **Crucial Difference:** `修理` can be used figuratively to mean "to teach someone a lesson" or "to sort someone out" (e.g., 我要修理你! - "I'm gonna fix you!"). **`维修` is NEVER used this way; it only applies to inanimate objects and systems.** | * **`维修`** is more formal and technical. It's the standard term for contracts, official notices, and complex machinery (cars, computers, elevators, infrastructure). It implies both maintenance and repair. |
| * **`维修 (wéixiū)` vs. `修 (xiū)`:** | * **`修理`** is more colloquial and common in everyday speech. It usually refers to a simple, one-time fix for a less complex item. You would `修理` a broken chair, a leaky pipe, or a toy. |
| * `修 (xiū)` is the single-character, more general, and often more informal verb "to fix." You can use it for small, simple tasks. For example, "Can you fix this chair for me?" (你能帮我**修**一下这个椅子吗?). | * **Examples of correct distinction:** |
| * `维修` is more formal and implies a more complex or professional job. You `维修` a car's engine; you `修` a wobbly chair leg. | * `我爸爸正在**修理**桌子。` (Wǒ bàba zhèngzài **xiūlǐ** zhuōzi.) - My dad is fixing the table. (Natural and common) |
| * **`维修 (wéixiū)` vs. `保养 (bǎoyǎng)`:** | * `这台服务器需要专业人员来**维修**。` (Zhè tái fúwùqì xūyào zhuānyè rényuán lái **wéixiū**.) - This server needs a professional to repair it. (Technical and formal) |
| * `保养 (bǎoyǎng)` is specifically about //preventative maintenance// and upkeep to keep something in good condition. It's what you do to //avoid// needing `维修`. | * **Mistake:** Saying `我爸爸正在维修桌子` is grammatically correct but sounds overly formal and strange, as if the table were a complex piece of machinery. |
| * You take your car for regular `保养` (maintenance, oil change, check-up). If your car breaks down, you need `维修` (repairs). `保养` is also used for skincare and health. | * **Don't use for abstract concepts:** You cannot `维修` a relationship or a mistake. For fixing a relationship, you would use `修复关系 (xiūfù guānxì)`. For correcting an error, you would use `改正错误 (gǎizhèng cuòwù)`. `维修` is reserved for physical or electronic objects and systems. |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== |
| * `[[修理]] (xiūlǐ)` - A very close synonym for "to repair," but with a stronger focus on fixing what's broken and can be used figuratively for people. | * [[修理]] (xiūlǐ) - A more colloquial synonym for "to fix" or "to repair," typically used for simpler jobs. |
| * `[[保养]] (bǎoyǎng)` - To maintain; upkeep. Focuses on preventative care to keep things in good condition (e.g., cars, skin, health). | * [[保养]] (bǎoyǎng) - To maintain (in a preventative sense). Used for car maintenance, skincare, or general upkeep to prevent issues. |
| * `[[修]] (xiū)` - The single character "to fix" or "to repair." More versatile and can be used informally. | * [[维修工]] (wéixiū gōng) - Repair worker, mechanic. A general term for a technician. |
| * `[[安装]] (ānzhuāng)` - To install. A service often provided by the same people who do `维修`. | * [[维修师傅]] (wéixiū shīfu) - A more polite and common way to say "repairman" or "master technician." |
| * `[[故障]] (gùzhàng)` - A fault, malfunction, or breakdown. This is the //reason// you need `维修`. | * [[售后服务]] (shòuhòu fúwù) - After-sales service. A broad category that almost always includes a `维修` plan. |
| * `[[零件]] (língjiàn)` - Spare parts. The components used during a `维修` job. | * [[故障]] (gùzhàng) - A fault, glitch, malfunction, or breakdown. This is the //reason// you need `维修`. |
| * `[[客服]] (kèfú)` - Customer Service. The department you contact to schedule a `维修`. | * [[检修]] (jiǎnxiū) - To inspect and repair, to overhaul. This implies a thorough check is part of the repair process. |
| * `[[保修]] (bǎoxiū)` - Warranty. The policy that determines if your `维修` will be free of charge. (Literally "guarantee repair"). | * [[安装]] (ānzhuāng) - To install. Often, the same company or person that does `安装` will also provide `维修` services. |
| | * [[修补]] (xiūbǔ) - To mend or to patch. Suggests a smaller-scale fix, like patching a tire or mending a hole in a wall. |