When combined, 电子 (diànzǐ) means “electronic,” and 词典 (cídiǎn) means “dictionary” (literally “word standard”). Together, 电子词典 (diànzǐ cídiǎn) is a direct and logical construction for “electronic dictionary.”
For many Chinese people born in the 80s and 90s, the `电子词典` is an object of powerful nostalgia, deeply tied to their school years and the immense pressure of the *gaokao* (高考), the national college entrance exam. In the West, while electronic dictionaries existed, they were never as culturally central. Western students might have used a paperback thesaurus or a dictionary program on a family computer. In China, however, owning a `电子词典` was a significant event. It was often a major purchase for a family, seen as a crucial investment in their child's education and future. Brands like 文曲星 (Wénqūxīng) and 步步高 (Bùbùgāo) became household names, synonymous with academic diligence. This contrasts with the Western concept of “study tools,” which are often just seen as functional. The `电子词典` was more than a tool; it was a status symbol among students, a sign of being a serious learner, and a tangible representation of the family's hopes. It reflects the high value placed on education, English proficiency as a path to success, and the memorization-heavy learning style that was prevalent. The device's focused nature—free from the distractions of a modern smartphone—is now looked back on with a certain fondness.
The term `电子词典` has evolved. While the physical devices are now rare, the term lives on.
The connotation is generally neutral and practical, but when discussing the past, it becomes overwhelmingly positive and nostalgic.