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Summary: Discover the meaning of 电脑 (diànnǎo), the essential Chinese word for “computer.” Literally translating to “electric brain,” this term is a fundamental part of modern Chinese vocabulary and one of the first nouns you'll learn. This guide breaks down its characters, cultural relevance, and practical usage with over 10 example sentences, helping you master how to talk about technology in Mandarin.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): diànnǎo
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 1
Concise Definition: An electronic computer.
In a Nutshell:电脑 (diànnǎo) is the standard, everyday word for “computer” in Mandarin Chinese. Its genius lies in its literal meaning: “electric brain.” This makes it incredibly intuitive and easy to remember for learners. It's a catch-all term for desktops, laptops, and any general-purpose computing device.
Character Breakdown
电 (diàn): This character means “electric,” “electricity,” or “lightning.” It's a foundational component for many modern technological terms, such as 电话 (diànhuà, telephone) and 电视 (diànshì, television).
脑 (nǎo): This character simply means “brain.” The left part (月) is a radical often related to parts of the body (it's a form of 肉, ròu, “flesh”).
When combined, 电 (diàn) + 脑 (nǎo) literally and logically form “electric brain,” a perfect and vivid description of what a computer does.
Cultural Context and Significance
A Window into Modern Chinese Vocabulary: The term 电脑 (diànnǎo) is a prime example of how modern Chinese creates new words for new technologies. Instead of transliterating a foreign word (like “computer”), the language often combines existing characters to create a descriptive, self-explanatory term. This “electric brain” is far more transparent than the English “computer,” which comes from the Latin computare, “to calculate.”
The Great Digital Leap: China's rapid technological development over the past few decades has made the 电脑 a central part of life. From sprawling internet cafes (网吧, wǎngbā) in the early 2000s to the near-universal adoption of computers in schools and offices, the 电脑 symbolizes China's modernization and integration into the global digital economy. While the smartphone (手机, shǒujī) has become the primary device for daily tasks, the 电脑 remains essential for work, education, and gaming.
Practical Usage in Modern China
General and Versatile:电脑 is used in all contexts, from casual conversation with friends to formal business presentations. It is the default term for “computer.”
Specifying Types: To be more specific, you add words before 电脑:
笔记本电脑 (bǐjìběn diànnǎo): Laptop computer (literally “notebook electric brain”)
台式电脑 (táishì diànnǎo): Desktop computer (literally “desk-style electric brain”)
平板电脑 (píngbǎn diànnǎo): Tablet computer (literally “flat-board electric brain”)
Common Verbs: Common verbs used with 电脑 include:
用电脑 (yòng diànnǎo): To use a computer
玩电脑 (wán diànnǎo): To “play” on the computer (often implies games or leisure)
开/关电脑 (kāi/guān diànnǎo): To turn on/off the computer
买电脑 (mǎi diànnǎo): To buy a computer
修电脑 (xiū diànnǎo): To repair a computer
Example Sentences
Example 1:
我需要一台新电脑。
Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào yī tái xīn diànnǎo.
English: I need a new computer.
Analysis: A simple, common sentence. Note the use of the measure word 台 (tái) for machines like computers and TVs.
Example 2:
我的电脑坏了，开不了机。
Pinyin: Wǒ de diànnǎo huài le, kāi bu liǎo jī.
English: My computer is broken, it won't turn on.
Analysis: 坏了 (huài le) is a very common way to say something is broken. 开不了机 (kāi bu liǎo jī) is a set phrase for “cannot boot up/turn on.”
Example 3:
你可以用我的电脑查一下资料。
Pinyin: Nǐ kěyǐ yòng wǒ de diànnǎo chá yīxià zīliào.
English: You can use my computer to look up some information.
Analysis: This shows the structure 用 (yòng) + [tool] + [verb], a very common pattern in Chinese.
Example 4:
他整天就知道玩电脑游戏。
Pinyin: Tā zhěng tiān jiù zhīdào wán diànnǎo yóuxì.
English: All he does all day is play computer games.
Analysis: 玩电脑 (wán diànnǎo) often has a connotation of leisure or “messing around,” which is made explicit here with 游戏 (yóuxì), “games.”
English: Please send the file to me from your computer.
Analysis: This uses the common 把 (bǎ) structure to talk about doing something to an object (the file).
Nuances and Common Mistakes
电脑 (diànnǎo) vs. 计算机 (jìsuànjī):
电脑 (diànnǎo) is the word used by virtually everyone in daily life.
计算机 (jìsuànjī) also means “computer” (literally “calculating machine”). However, it is a very formal and technical term. You will see it in academic contexts (e.g., 计算机科学, jìsuànjī kēxué - Computer Science), official documents, or in the names of tech companies.
Mistake: Using 计算机 (jìsuànjī) in a casual conversation like “My 计算机 is broken” would sound unnaturally stiff and academic. Always use 电脑 (diànnǎo) for everyday speech.
Forgetting the Measure Word: When counting computers, don't forget the measure word 台 (tái). It's “一台电脑 (yī tái diànnǎo),” not “一个电脑 (yī gè diànnǎo).” While people will understand you if you use 个 (gè), using 台 (tái) is more correct and natural.
Related Terms and Concepts
笔记本电脑 (bǐjìběn diànnǎo) - The specific term for a laptop, literally “notebook electric brain.”
手机 (shǒujī) - Mobile phone; the other essential “computer” in modern Chinese life.
上网 (shàng wǎng) - To go online/use the internet. Literally “to get on the net.”