nèicún: 内存 - Memory (Computer), RAM

• Keywords: 内存, nèicún, computer memory in Chinese, RAM in Chinese, memory card, internal storage, smartphone specs in Chinese, how to say RAM in Chinese, learn Chinese tech terms.
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese tech term 内存 (nèicún), which translates to “memory,” specifically referring to a computer's or smartphone's RAM (Random Access Memory). This page breaks down its literal meaning (“internal storage”), explains how to use it when buying electronics or troubleshooting a slow device in China, and clarifies the crucial difference between 内存 (RAM) and 硬盘 (hard drive storage).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): nèi cún
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: The internal, volatile working memory of a computer or electronic device; RAM.
• In a Nutshell: Think of a computer as a workshop. The hard drive (硬盘, yìngpán) is the big warehouse where you store all your tools and projects long-term. 内存 (nèicún) is your workbench. It's the temporary space where you lay out the tools and materials you're actively using right now. A bigger workbench (more 内存) lets you work on more complex projects at the same time without getting cluttered and slow.

• 内 (nèi): This character means “inside,” “inner,” or “internal.” It depicts an object entering a boundary, representing the concept of being within something.
• 存 (cún): This character means “to store,” “to save,” or “to exist.” It suggests keeping something safe or preserving it.
• When combined, 内存 (nèicún) literally means “internal storage.” This is a highly descriptive and logical term for a component that stores data inside a device for active use.

While 内存 (nèicún) is a modern technical term, its formation reflects a pragmatic aspect of the Chinese language. Instead of creating a new phonetic word or an acronym like the English “RAM,” Chinese often combines existing characters to create a new word that is self-explanatory. This approach, creating logical, descriptive compounds (内 “internal” + 存 “storage”), makes many technical terms surprisingly accessible once you understand the component characters. In modern China, a country at the forefront of technology and smartphone usage, 内存 (nèicún) is not just jargon for IT professionals; it's a common, everyday word. When buying a new phone or laptop, the amount of 内存 is a key selling point and a frequent topic of conversation among consumers. This demonstrates how deeply integrated technology and its specific vocabulary have become in daily Chinese life. The term's prevalence is a direct reflection of China's rapid technological advancement and consumer electronics market.

内存 (nèicún) is used almost exclusively in the context of computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Its connotation is neutral and technical.

• Shopping for Electronics: This is the most common scenario. You will use or hear 内存 when comparing product specifications. It's often discussed in Gigabytes (G).
• Troubleshooting: When a device is slow or freezing, lack of 内存 is a common culprit.
• Gaming and Professional Software: For gamers or professionals using demanding software (like video editing), having a large amount of 内存 is crucial for performance.

• Example 1:
  • 我的电脑太慢了，可能需要加一条内存。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de diànnǎo tài màn le, kěnéng xūyào jiā yī tiáo nèicún.
  • English: My computer is too slow, I might need to add a stick of memory (RAM).
  • Analysis: This is a classic troubleshooting sentence. “加 (jiā)” means “to add,” and “一条 (yī tiáo)” is the measure word for RAM sticks.
• Example 2:
  • 这款新手机有16G的内存，运行速度非常快。
  • Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn xīn shǒujī yǒu shíliù G de nèicún, yùnxíng sùdù fēicháng kuài.
  • English: This new phone model has 16G of RAM, so its operating speed is extremely fast.
  • Analysis: A typical sentence you'd hear from a salesperson or read in a product review. “G” is pronounced just like the English letter.
• Example 3:
  • 你觉得8G内存对于一个程序员来说够用吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ juéde bā G nèicún duìyú yī gè chéngxùyuán lái shuō gòu yòng ma?
  • English: Do you think 8G of RAM is enough for a programmer?
  • Analysis: Shows how to ask for an opinion on technical specifications. “够用 (gòu yòng)” means “enough to use.”
• Example 4:
  • 买电脑时，不能只看处理器，内存和硬盘也很重要。
  • Pinyin: Mǎi diànnǎo shí, bùnéng zhǐ kàn chùlǐqì, nèicún hé yìngpán yě hěn zhòngyào.
  • English: When buying a computer, you can't just look at the processor; the RAM and hard drive are also very important.
  • Analysis: This sentence helpfully places 内存 in context with other key components.
• Example 5:
  • 请问，怎么查看我电脑的内存大小？
  • Pinyin: Qǐngwèn, zěnme chákàn wǒ diànnǎo de nèicún dàxiǎo?
  • English: Excuse me, how can I check my computer's memory size?
  • Analysis: A practical question for getting technical help. “查看 (chákàn)” means “to check” or “to view.”
• Example 6:
  • 同时打开太多程序会占用大量内存，导致电脑卡顿。
  • Pinyin: Tóngshí dǎkāi tài duō chéngxù huì zhànyòng dàliàng nèicún, dǎozhì diànnǎo kǎdùn.
  • English: Opening too many programs at the same time will occupy a large amount of RAM, causing the computer to lag.
  • Analysis: This explains the consequence of insufficient memory. “卡顿 (kǎdùn)” is a very common word for “lagging” or “stuttering.”
• Example 7:
  • 他的电脑内存只有4G，玩不了这个游戏。
  • Pinyin: Tā de diànnǎo nèicún zhǐyǒu sì G, wán bu liǎo zhè ge yóuxì.
  • English: His computer only has 4G of RAM, it can't run this game.
  • Analysis: “玩不了 (wán bu liǎo)” is a common potential complement structure meaning “unable to play.”
• Example 8:
  • 升级内存是提升旧电脑性能最有效的方法之一。
  • Pinyin: Shēngjí nèicún shì tíshēng jiù diànnǎo xìngnéng zuì yǒuxiào de fāngfǎ zhī yī.
  • English: Upgrading the RAM is one of the most effective ways to improve an old computer's performance.
  • Analysis: “升级 (shēngjí)” means “to upgrade.” “性能 (xìngnéng)” means “performance.”
• Example 9:
  • 你要分清楚，内存（RAM）和存储空间（ROM/硬盘）是两回事。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ yào fēn qīngchǔ, nèicún (RAM) hé cúnchǔ kōngjiān (ROM/yìngpán) shì liǎng huí shì.
  • English: You need to be clear that memory (RAM) and storage space (ROM/hard drive) are two different things.
  • Analysis: This sentence directly addresses the most common point of confusion for learners. “是两回事 (shì liǎng huí shì)” means “are two different matters.”
• Example 10:
  • 该服务器配置了256G的ECC纠错内存，确保数据稳定。
  • Pinyin: Gāi fúwùqì pèizhì le èrbǎi wǔshí liù G de ECC jiūcuò nèicún, quèbǎo shùjù wěndìng.
  • English: This server is configured with 256G of ECC error-correcting memory to ensure data stability.
  • Analysis: A more formal, technical example you might find in a product manual or on a specification sheet.

• 内存 (nèicún) is NOT Storage: This is the most critical mistake for English speakers. In English, “memory” can casually refer to a phone's storage (“My phone's memory is full”). In Chinese, this is incorrect.
  • 内存 (nèicún): RAM (Random Access Memory). It's temporary, volatile, and affects the speed and multitasking ability of the device.
  • 硬盘 (yìngpán) / 存储空间 (cúnchǔ kōngjiān): Hard Drive / Storage Space. This is where you save your files, photos, and apps permanently.
  • Incorrect: 我的手机内存满了，存不了新照片了。(My phone's RAM is full, I can't save new photos.)
  • Correct: 我的手机存储空间满了，存不了新照片了。(My phone's storage space is full, I can't save new photos.)
• 内存 (nèicún) is NOT Human Memory: Do not use 内存 to talk about your ability to remember things. The correct word for a person's memory is 记忆 (jìyì) or 记性 (jìxing).
  • Incorrect: 我今天内存不好，忘了他的名字。(My RAM is bad today, I forgot his name.)
  • Correct: 我今天记性不好，忘了他的名字。(My memory is bad today, I forgot his name.)

• 硬盘 (yìngpán): Hard Drive. The main long-term storage of a computer. The direct counterpart to 内存.
• 存储空间 (cúnchǔ kōngjiān): Storage Space. A more general term for storage capacity, often used for phones and SSDs.
• 处理器 (chùlǐqì): Processor (CPU - Central Processing Unit). The “brain” of the computer.
• 显卡 (xiǎnkǎ): Graphics Card (GPU). A component that handles visual output, crucial for gaming and design.
• 配置 (pèizhì): Configuration / Specs. The overall specifications of a device, including its 内存, processor, etc.
• 升级 (shēngjí): To Upgrade. You can upgrade (升级) your computer's 内存.
• 卡顿 (kǎdùn): To Lag / Stutter. A common performance issue often caused by insufficient 内存.
• 记忆 (jìyì): Memory (human/biological). The correct term for a person's memory; a “false friend” of 内存.
• 闪存 (shǎncún): Flash Memory. The type of memory used in SSDs and USB drives. While a type of storage, it's distinct from 内存 (RAM).