Table of Contents

jiādiàn: 家电 - Home Appliance, Household Electrical Appliance

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

While “home appliances” might seem like a simple vocabulary word, 家电 (jiādiàn) holds significant cultural weight in modern China as a symbol of prosperity, modernity, and family well-being. In the latter half of the 20th century, owning the “三大件” (sān dà jiàn), or “the three big items,” was a major life goal and status symbol for Chinese families. These items evolved with the economy:

This second set of “三大件” are all classic examples of 家电. Owning them signified that a family had “made it” and was part of China's rapid economic development. A home filled with modern 家电 was—and still is—a source of pride and a way to show care for one's family. This contrasts with the Western concept of “keeping up with the Joneses,” which can carry a negative connotation of consumerist competition. In China, acquiring a full set of 家电 is often seen more positively as a foundational step in building a comfortable, modern life for the family, especially for newlyweds.

Practical Usage in Modern China

家电 (jiādiàn) is a high-frequency, neutral term used in a wide variety of everyday situations.

The term is standard and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without issue.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 家电 (jiādiàn) and 电器 (diànqì).

Common Mistake: Using 家电 (jiādiàn) to describe an industrial machine.

Another point to note is that personal electronics like smartphones (手机 shǒujī) and laptops (笔记本电脑 bǐjìběn diànnǎo) are generally not considered 家电. They fall under the category of 数码产品 (shùmǎ chǎnpǐn), or “digital products.”