Meanings of 電
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About 電
Podcast: 電
Podcast: 電
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AI Study Notes for 電
电 (diàn, electricity) vs 能 (néng, energy) — use 电 when specifically referring to electricity or electrical phenomena, while 能 encompasses a broader range of energy types.
This character is often used in compound words, such as 電話 (diànhuà, telephone) and 電視 (diànshì, television). Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you're using the correct tones and context for clarity.
Although 電 is not included in the official HSK levels, it is a useful character for learners at HSK 2 or higher, especially when discussing technology or daily life. Focus on its usage in phrases related to electricity and electronics.
Learners often confuse 電 with the character for 'radio' (收音机, shōuyīn jī), mistakenly using it in sentences about communication devices. The correct usage would be to use 電 in contexts related to electricity or electrical devices.
Pronunciation of 電
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Etymology of 電
Originally a variant form of 申, a pictograph of a lightning bolt. The traditional form 電 adds the 雨 (rain) component.
A thunderbolt 电 cast by a storm cloud 雨
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 電
Originally a variant form of 申, a pictograph of a lightning bolt. The traditional form 電 adds the 雨 (rain) component.
- 1The giveawayA thunderbolt 电 cast by a storm cloud 雨
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 電? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 電?
Decomposition of 電
Identify the Components
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How to say electricity; electric; lightning in Chinese
“electricity; electric; lightning” in Chinese is電
The character 電 (diàn) primarily means 'electricity' or 'electric.' It is commonly used in contexts related to power, energy, and electrical devices. Additionally, it can refer to 'lightning,' capturing the natural phenomenon that is closely associated with electricity.
When to use 電
This character is often used in compound words, such as 電話 (diànhuà, telephone) and 電視 (diànshì, television). Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you're using the correct tones and context for clarity.
電 or something close to it
电 (diàn, electricity) vs 能 (néng, energy) — use 电 when specifically referring to electricity or electrical phenomena, while 能 encompasses a broader range of energy types.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 電 with the character for 'radio' (收音机, shōuyīn jī), mistakenly using it in sentences about communication devices. The correct usage would be to use 電 in contexts related to electricity or electrical devices.
Write 電
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Practice writing 電 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 電
Compound Meaning
What does 电话 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 電
It is pronounced as diàn with a falling tone.
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