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March 24, 2026
失灵(失靈)shīlíng(shi1ling2)
失灵 refers to a machine or system that is malfunctioning or not operating as intended. It can describe various contexts, from everyday appliances to complex systems, indicating a failure in functionality that may require repair or attention.
Frequency#9643DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In modern China, technology plays a crucial role in daily life, making the concept of devices or systems '失灵' particularly relevant as many rely on technology for work and leisure.
Memory Tip
Imagine a light bulb (灯) that has lost its ability to shine (失). It has '失' (lost) its '灵' (spirit or functioning essence). Picture a dim room where the light is 'out of order', making it hard to see and navigate.
Meanings of 失灵
shīlíng(shi1ling2)
1out of order (of machine)
2not working properly
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 失灵
失灵Simplified
失靈Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 失灵
Podcast: 失灵
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AI Study Notes for 失灵
Quick Contrast
故障 (gùzhàng) - use 失灵 for a temporary malfunction, while 故障 implies a more permanent or serious breakdown.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a light bulb (灯) that has lost its ability to shine (失). It has '失' (lost) its '灵' (spirit or functioning essence). Picture a dim room where the light is 'out of order', making it hard to see and navigate.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 失灵 with 失去 (to lose), which implies a more permanent state. It is more commonly used in informal contexts, especially when discussing technology. Be cautious with tone; 失 (shi1) must be pronounced with a high tone to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
Although not specifically listed in HSK, 失灵 can be associated with HSK Level 4 vocabulary related to technology and functionality, such as 故障 (malfunction). Focus on context and common collocations like '机器失灵' (the machine is out of order).
Cultural Note
In modern China, technology plays a crucial role in daily life, making the concept of devices or systems '失灵' particularly relevant as many rely on technology for work and leisure.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 失灵 to describe a broken relationship, thinking it means 'to lose'. The correct term for a breakup would be 分手 (to part ways).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 失灵
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Cultural Notes for 失灵
🏮Cultural insight
In modern China, technology plays a crucial role in daily life, making the concept of devices or systems '失灵' particularly relevant as many rely on technology for work and leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions about 失灵
No, 失灵 specifically refers to machines or systems. For people, you might use 失常 (to be abnormal) instead.
You can say 电脑失灵 (the computer is out of order).
Primarily, yes. It describes the malfunction of mechanical or electronic systems.
