Meanings of 手动
By ear
Play it, then pick what 手动 means.
About 手动
Podcast: 手动
Podcast: 手动
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 手动
自动 (zìdòng) - use 手动 when emphasizing manual operation as opposed to automated processes.
Learners often confuse 手动 with 自动 (zìdòng), which means automatic. Use 手动 in contexts where human effort is required. This term is more common in technical discussions and less so in casual conversation.
While not currently listed in the HSK vocabulary, understanding 手动 can enhance comprehension of related terms like 自动 (automatic) and 机械 (mechanical). Focus on recognizing how these terms are often used together in discussions about technology.
A common mistake is to use 手动 when referring to automatic features, such as saying '这个机器是手动的' (This machine is manual) when it is actually automatic. The correct phrase would be '这个机器是自动的'.
Pronunciation of 手动
Drill the tone of 手动, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 手动 to you
Let me explain 手动 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 手动 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 手动?
Learning Lab
Knowing 手动 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say manual in Chinese
“manual” in Chinese is手动
手动 (shǒudòng) refers to something that is operated by hand rather than automatically. It is commonly used in contexts such as machinery, vehicles, and technology where manual control is necessary, distinguishing it from automated functions.
When to use 手动
Learners often confuse 手动 with 自动 (zìdòng), which means automatic. Use 手动 in contexts where human effort is required. This term is more common in technical discussions and less so in casual conversation.
手动 or something close to it
自动 (zìdòng) - use 手动 when emphasizing manual operation as opposed to automated processes.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to use 手动 when referring to automatic features, such as saying '这个机器是手动的' (This machine is manual) when it is actually automatic. The correct phrase would be '这个机器是自动的'.
Write 手动
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 手动 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 手动?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 手动
The opposite is 自动 (zìdòng), which means automatic.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 手动?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.