jìsuànjī: 计算机 - Computer

• Keywords: 计算机, jìsuànjī, computer in Chinese, learn Chinese computer, Chinese for computer, formal word for computer, what is jisuanji, difference between 计算机 and 电脑, diannao, Chinese technology terms
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 计算机 (jìsuànjī), the formal and technical Chinese word for “computer.” This page breaks down its characters, explains its use in academic and professional contexts, and contrasts it with the more common colloquial term, 电脑 (diànnǎo). Learn how to use it correctly in sentences and understand its cultural significance in China's rapidly advancing tech landscape.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jìsuànjī
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A machine that performs calculations and logical operations; a computer.
• In a Nutshell: 计算机 (jìsuànjī) is the literal and formal term for “computer.” It's a compound word that means “calculating machine.” While it's the technically correct term you'd see in a university department name or a technical manual, in everyday conversation, people almost always use the more casual and descriptive word 电脑 (diànnǎo), which means “electric brain.”

• 计 (jì): To calculate, to count, to plan. This character is associated with accounting, strategy, and measurement.
• 算 (suàn): To calculate, to figure, to reckon. This character strongly reinforces the mathematical function. Together, 计算 (jìsuàn) is the verb “to calculate” or “to compute.”
• 机 (jī): Machine, engine, device. This is a very common suffix for all kinds of machinery, from 手机 (shǒujī - hand machine/cell phone) to 飞机 (fēijī - fly machine/airplane).

Combining these, 计算机 (jìsuànjī) literally translates to “calculating machine,” a perfectly logical and descriptive name that reflects the original function of computers.

The term 计算机 (jìsuànjī) reveals a functional and scientific perspective on technology. Its creation emphasizes the device's core purpose: computation. This reflects the early introduction of computers into China, primarily in academic, military, and scientific research fields where their calculating power was paramount. The interesting cultural comparison isn't with the English word “computer” (which has a similar origin), but with China's own colloquial term, 电脑 (diànnǎo), or “electric brain.”

• 计算机 (jìsuànjī): Views the device as a tool, a powerful calculator. It's objective, technical, and slightly impersonal. It's about what the machine *does*.
• 电脑 (diànnǎo): Views the device as an entity, an artificial intelligence. It's more imaginative and personified, focusing on the seemingly magical ability of the machine to process information, store memories, and “think.” It's about what the machine *is like*.

This linguistic duality shows how the perception of computers in China evolved from a specialized scientific instrument (计算机) to an indispensable part of daily life with near-human capabilities (电脑).

Understanding the context for 计算机 (jìsuànjī) is key to sounding natural. It is almost exclusively used in formal, academic, or technical settings.

• Academic and Professional Fields: You will always see this term used for university majors, departments, and job titles.
  • `计算机科学 (jìsuànjī kēxué)` - Computer Science
  • `计算机工程 (jìsuànjī gōngchéng)` - Computer Engineering
  • `计算机程序员 (jìsuànjī chéngxùyuán)` - Computer Programmer
• Technical Specifications: When discussing the technical aspects of a computer, such as its processing power or architecture, 计算机 is the appropriate term.
  • `这台计算机的运算速度很快。(Zhè tái jìsuànjī de yùnsuàn sùdù hěn kuài.)` - This computer's processing speed is very fast.
• Formal Writing and News: In official documents, textbooks, and formal news reports about the tech industry, 计算机 is the standard.

In almost all other situations—chatting with friends, going shopping, talking about your work laptop—you should use 电脑 (diànnǎo).

• Example 1:
  • 我大学的专业是计算机科学。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ dàxué de zhuānyè shì jìsuànjī kēxué.
  • English: My university major is Computer Science.
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example of the academic use of the term. Using 电脑 here would be incorrect.
• Example 2:
  • 他是一名经验丰富的计算机工程师。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yī míng jīngyàn fēngfù de jìsuànjī gōngchéngshī.
  • English: He is an experienced computer engineer.
  • Analysis: Job titles in the tech field formally use 计算机.
• Example 3:
  • 第一台电子计算机是在1946年发明的。
  • Pinyin: Dì yī tái diànzǐ jìsuànjī shì zài 1946 nián fāmíng de.
  • English: The first electronic computer was invented in 1946.
  • Analysis: This sentence discusses the historical and technical concept of a computer, making 计算机 the appropriate choice.
• Example 4:
  • 这个程序可以在任何计算机上运行。
  • Pinyin: Zhège chéngxù kěyǐ zài rènhé jìsuànjī shàng yùnxíng.
  • English: This program can run on any computer.
  • Analysis: “Any computer” refers to the general class of machine, making the formal term suitable, especially in a technical context.
• Example 5:
  • 计算机视觉是人工智能的一个重要领域。
  • Pinyin: Jìsuànjī shìjué shì réngōng zhìnéng de yī ge zhòngyào lǐngyù.
  • English: Computer vision is an important field of artificial intelligence.
  • Analysis: Here, 计算机 is used as part of a compound technical term, “computer vision.”
• Example 6:
  • 这家公司专门生产高性能计算机。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī zhuānmén shēngchǎn gāoxìngnéng jìsuànjī.
  • English: This company specializes in producing high-performance computers.
  • Analysis: In a business or industrial context, especially referring to powerful machines like servers or workstations, 计算机 is common.
• Example 7:
  • 学习计算机编程需要很强的逻辑思维。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí jìsuànjī biānchéng xūyào hěn qiáng de luójí sīwéi.
  • English: Learning computer programming requires strong logical thinking.
  • Analysis: The subject of “computer programming” is a formal skill, so 计算机 is used.
• Example 8:
  • 病毒感染了整个公司的计算机网络。
  • Pinyin: Bìngdú gǎnrǎn le zhěnggè gōngsī de jìsuànjī wǎngluò.
  • English: The virus infected the entire company's computer network.
  • Analysis: “Computer network” is a semi-technical term where 计算机 is standard.
• Example 9:
  • 他是全国计算机等级考试的考官。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì quánguó jìsuànjī děngjí kǎoshì de kǎoguān.
  • English: He is an examiner for the National Computer Rank Examination.
  • Analysis: Official names of tests, certifications, and government initiatives will always use the formal term.
• Example 10:
  • 手机在某种程度上也可以被看作是一台微型计算机。
  • Pinyin: Shǒujī zài mǒu zhǒng chéngdù shàng yě kěyǐ bèi kànzuò shì yī tái wēixíng jìsuànjī.
  • English: In a way, a mobile phone can also be seen as a miniature computer.
  • Analysis: This sentence is analytical and defines a phone in a technical sense, making 计算机 a fitting choice.

The most common mistake for learners is using 计算机 (jìsuànjī) in everyday, casual situations. It's not grammatically wrong, but it sounds unnatural and overly formal. Mistake: Talking about your personal laptop or desktop.

• Incorrect: 我的计算机太慢了，我想买一台新的。 (Wǒ de jìsuànjī tài màn le, wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī tái xīn de.)
• Why it's wrong: This sounds like you're a scientist complaining about a supercomputer in a lab. It's too technical for a personal complaint.
• Correct: 我的电脑太慢了，我想买一台新的。 (Wǒ de diànnǎo tài màn le, wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī tái xīn de.)
• Explanation: For personal electronics you use daily, 电脑 (diànnǎo) is the natural, default word. Think of it as the difference between saying “I need to repair my personal computing device” versus “I need to fix my computer” in English.

Rule of thumb: If you're talking about the *concept*, *field of study*, or *technical class* of computers, use 计算机. If you're talking about the physical box or laptop on your desk, use 电脑.

• 电脑 (diànnǎo) - The common, colloquial word for “computer” (literally “electric brain”). Use this in 95% of daily conversations.
• 笔记本 (bǐjìběn) - Literally “notebook,” this is the specific word for a laptop computer. Often used as `笔记本电脑`.
• 平板 (píngbǎn) - A tablet computer. Short for `平板电脑 (píngbǎn diànnǎo)`.
• 软件 (ruǎnjiàn) - Software (literally “soft item”).
• 硬件 (yìngjiàn) - Hardware (literally “hard item”).
• 网络 (wǎngluò) - Network, or the Internet.
• 程序员 (chéngxùyuán) - Programmer, coder.
• 计算 (jìsuàn) - The root verb meaning “to calculate” or “to compute.”
• 科技 (kējì) - Science and Technology (Sci-Tech), the broader field that computer science belongs to.
• 服务器 (fúwùqì) - Server (a type of powerful computer).