Meanings of 机关
By ear
Play it, then pick what 机关 means.
About 机关
Podcast: 机关
Podcast: 机关
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 机关
机关 (jīguān) vs 机构 (jīgòu): use 机关 when referring specifically to mechanisms or systems in operation, while 机构 emphasizes the organizational structure or institution itself.
When using 机关, be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 机 (jī) which means 'machine' on its own. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about government or large organizations. Common collocations include '机关单位' (jī guān dān wèi - agency unit) and '机关枪' (jī guān qiāng - machine gun).
Although 机关 is not officially part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be beneficial for learners at HSK 4 or higher as it connects with terms related to organizations and systems, like '组织' (zǔ zhī - organization) and '机构' (jī gòu - institution). Focus on the contexts of usage to enhance your vocabulary related to formal settings.
Learners often confuse 机关 with 机构 (jī gòu), which means 'institution.' For example, saying '我在机构工作' (Wǒ zài jīgòu gōngzuò - I work at a mechanism) is incorrect; it should be '我在机关工作' (Wǒ zài jī guān gōngzuò - I work at an agency).
Pronunciation of 机关
Drill the tone of 机关 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 机关 to You
Let me explain 机关 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 机关 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 机关?
Learning Lab
Knowing 机关 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 mechanism in Chinese
“mechanism” in Chinese is机关
机关 (jī guān) refers to a mechanism or device that operates through a system of parts working together. It is commonly used to describe machines, organizations, or institutions, particularly those that function systematically, such as government agencies or offices. The term can also connote strategic schemes or plots in certain contexts.
When to use 机关
When using 机关, be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 机 (jī) which means 'machine' on its own. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about government or large organizations. Common collocations include '机关单位' (jī guān dān wèi - agency unit) and '机关枪' (jī guān qiāng - machine gun).
机关 or something close to it
机关 (jīguān) vs 机构 (jīgòu): use 机关 when referring specifically to mechanisms or systems in operation, while 机构 emphasizes the organizational structure or institution itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 机关 with 机构 (jī gòu), which means 'institution.' For example, saying '我在机构工作' (Wǒ zài jīgòu gōngzuò - I work at a mechanism) is incorrect; it should be '我在机关工作' (Wǒ zài jī guān gōngzuò - I work at an agency).
Write 机关
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 机关 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 机关?
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 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 机关
The literal translation of 机关 is 'mechanism' or 'device,' but it also encompasses broader meanings like 'agency' or 'organization.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 机关?
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.