diànyā: 电压 - Voltage

• Keywords: dianya, 电压, what is dianya, Chinese for voltage, electricity in Chinese, China voltage, China power adapter, 220V China, standard voltage in China, 电 (diàn), 压 (yā), electric pressure
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 电压 (diànyā), meaning voltage. This comprehensive guide breaks down the characters 电 (electricity) and 压 (pressure) to reveal the word's logic. Discover its vital practical importance for using electronics and traveling in China, where the standard voltage is 220V. This page includes numerous example sentences, cultural notes for travelers, and a guide to related electrical terms, making it a must-read for anyone living in or visiting China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): diànyā
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A (Characters: 电 HSK 1, 压 HSK 4)
• Concise Definition: The electric potential difference between two points, also known as electromotive force.
• In a Nutshell: 电压 is the technical term for “voltage.” Think of it as the “pressure” or “push” that forces electricity to flow through a wire. Just as water needs pressure to flow through a pipe, electricity needs voltage (电压) to move and power your devices. The word itself is a literal combination of “electricity” and “pressure.”

• 电 (diàn): This character means “electricity” or “lightning.” Its traditional form (電) is a pictograph showing a lightning bolt under a cloud with rain (雨), vividly capturing the power of nature.
• 压 (yā): This character means “to press,” “to push down,” or “pressure.” It often carries a sense of force being applied from above.
• The word 电压 (diànyā) is a perfect example of a logical compound word in Chinese. It combines 电 (electricity) with 压 (pressure) to literally mean “electricity pressure,” which is a very intuitive way to describe the concept of voltage.

While a scientific term, 电压 has immense practical and cultural significance in the context of globalization, travel, and technology. Its meaning is universal, but its application is local. The most critical piece of information for any English speaker traveling to or living in China is that China's standard residential voltage is 220V at 50Hz. This is a stark contrast to the standard in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), which is 110V/120V at 60Hz. This difference isn't just a trivial fact; it has major consequences for your electronics. Plugging a device designed only for 110V into a 220V outlet without a proper converter will instantly and permanently damage it. This makes understanding the word 电压 and being able to read it on devices and chargers a crucial survival skill for modern life in China. It reflects a practical aspect of Chinese infrastructure that directly impacts foreigners. Unlike abstract cultural concepts, the “culture” of voltage is a hard-and-fast rule with immediate consequences, highlighting the importance of adapting to local technical standards.

The use of 电压 is almost always literal and technical. You will encounter it in the following situations:

• Travel and Electronics: When buying electronics, checking your existing devices, or purchasing adapters, you will see “电压” printed on labels. For example, a laptop charger might say “输入电压: 100-240V” (Input Voltage: 100-240V), indicating it's safe to use worldwide.
• Technical Fields: In engineering, physics, construction, and any work done by an electrician, 电压 is a fundamental and common term.
• Daily Conversation: People might mention it if the power is unstable. For example, “I think the voltage is a bit unstable today; my lights are flickering.” (我觉得今天电压有点不稳，灯一直在闪。)

The term is neutral and has no special connotation. It is used in both formal, technical writing and informal, everyday conversation about electronics.

• Example 1:
  • 中国的标准电压是220伏。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó de biāozhǔn diànyā shì èr bǎi èr shí fú.
  • English: China's standard voltage is 220 volts.
  • Analysis: A simple, factual statement that every traveler should know. 伏 (fú) is the Chinese word for “volt.”
• Example 2:
  • 你去美国需要一个电压转换器。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ qù Měiguó xūyào yī gè diànyā zhuǎnhuànqì.
  • English: You need a voltage converter to go to the United States.
  • Analysis: This sentence demonstrates a common practical need. 转换器 (zhuǎnhuànqì) means “converter.”
• Example 3:
  • 请问，这里的电压是多少？
  • Pinyin: Qǐngwèn, zhèlǐ de diànyā shì duōshǎo?
  • English: Excuse me, what is the voltage here?
  • Analysis: A very useful question to ask at a hotel or service desk if you are unsure about the power supply.
• Example 4:
  • 小心！高电压危险！
  • Pinyin: Xiǎoxīn! Gāo diànyā wēixiǎn!
  • English: Be careful! High voltage danger!
  • Analysis: This is a common warning sign found near electrical equipment. 高 (gāo) means “high.”
• Example 5:
  • 这个充电器支持宽电压，从100伏到240伏都能用。
  • Pinyin: Zhège chōngdiànqì zhīchí kuān diànyā, cóng yī bǎi fú dào èr bǎi sì shí fú dōu néng yòng.
  • English: This charger supports a wide voltage range, it can be used from 100V to 240V.
  • Analysis: This describes a dual-voltage or universal device, which is very convenient for international travel. 宽 (kuān) means “wide.”
• Example 6:
  • 如果电压不稳，可能会损坏电器。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ diànyā bù wěn, kěnéng huì sǔnhuài diànqì.
  • English: If the voltage is unstable, it might damage electrical appliances.
  • Analysis: This explains a common problem, especially in areas with less reliable power grids. 不稳 (bù wěn) means “not stable.”
• Example 7:
  • 电池的电压太低了，这个玩具不动了。
  • Pinyin: Diànchí de diànyā tài dī le, zhège wánjù bù dòng le.
  • English: The battery's voltage is too low, this toy won't move anymore.
  • Analysis: This shows the use of the term in a common, everyday context related to batteries. 低 (dī) means “low.”
• Example 8:
  • 电工正在检查线路的电压是否正常。
  • Pinyin: Diàngōng zhèngzài jiǎnchá xiànlù de diànyā shìfǒu zhèngcháng.
  • English: The electrician is checking if the circuit's voltage is normal.
  • Analysis: A sentence you might hear in a professional or repair context. 正常 (zhèngcháng) means “normal.”
• Example 9:
  • 变压器的作用就是改变交流电的电压。
  • Pinyin: Biànyāqì de zuòyòng jiùshì gǎibiàn jiāoliúdiàn de diànyā.
  • English: The function of a transformer is to change the voltage of alternating current.
  • Analysis: A more technical sentence explaining the purpose of a 变压器 (biànyāqì), or transformer.
• Example 10:
  • 在购买电器前，一定要先确认它的额定电压。
  • Pinyin: Zài gòumǎi diànqì qián, yīdìng yào xiān quèrèn tā de édìng diànyā.
  • English: Before buying an electrical appliance, you must first confirm its rated voltage.
  • Analysis: This gives practical advice using the term 额定电压 (édìng diànyā), or “rated voltage.”

• Confusing Voltage (电压) with Current (电流): This is a common mistake for anyone new to electrical concepts.
  • 电压 (diànyā): Voltage is the “pressure” or “push.”
  • 电流 (diànliú): Current is the “flow” or amount of electricity moving.
  • Incorrect: “这个插座的电压很大，我的手机充得很快。” (The voltage of this outlet is high, so my phone charges fast.)
  • While related, charging speed is more directly a function of power (功率 gōnglǜ), which is a product of both voltage and current. A higher current (at the correct voltage) is what typically leads to faster charging.
• Assuming Universal Voltage: The biggest practical mistake is assuming the voltage in China is the same as in your home country. Always check the label on your device for “100-240V”. If it only says “110V” or “120V”, do NOT plug it into a Chinese outlet without a step-down voltage converter.

• 电流 (diànliú) - Electric current; the “flow” of electricity, contrasted with the “pressure” of voltage.
• 电源 (diànyuán) - Power source; where the electricity comes from (e.g., an outlet, a power strip).
• 插座 (chāzuò) - Electrical socket; the outlet in the wall.
• 插头 (chātóu) - Electrical plug; the part at the end of a cord that you plug into a socket.
• 变压器 (biànyāqì) - Transformer / Voltage converter; a device that changes voltage from one level to another.
• 充电器 (chōngdiànqì) - Charger; the device used to charge batteries (e.g., for a phone or laptop).
• 高压 (gāoyā) - High voltage; often used in warnings.
• 低压 (dīyā) - Low voltage; often used to describe batteries or safer electrical systems.
• 伏特 (fútè) - Volt; the unit of measurement for voltage. This is a phonetic loanword from “volt.”
• 功率 (gōnglǜ) - Power (in the physics sense, measured in watts); the rate at which electrical energy is transferred.