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March 24, 2026
电动(電動)diàndòng(dian4dong4)
电动 (diàn dòng) refers to devices or machinery that are powered by electricity. It is commonly used in contexts involving electric vehicles, tools, or appliances, emphasizing their reliance on electric power rather than manual operation or other energy sources.
Frequency#10550DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, electric bikes and scooters are prevalent in urban areas, making '电动' a common term in daily life. The rise of electric vehicles is part of China's larger strategy for sustainable transportation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a toy that runs on batteries, buzzing and moving as if it has its own life. The character 电 (diàn) looks like an electric wire, while 动 (dòng) resembles movement; together, they evoke the image of something that 'moves with electricity'.
Meanings of 电动
diàndòng(dian4dong4)
1electric-powered
2(Tw) video game
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About 电动
电动Simplified
電動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 电动
Podcast: 电动
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AI Study Notes for 电动
Quick Contrast
电气 (diànqì) refers to electrical systems or technology in general, while 电动 (diàndòng) specifically emphasizes devices powered by electricity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a toy that runs on batteries, buzzing and moving as if it has its own life. The character 电 (diàn) looks like an electric wire, while 动 (dòng) resembles movement; together, they evoke the image of something that 'moves with electricity'.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone of '动' (dòng) as mispronouncing it can change the meaning. This term is generally informal but is widely understood in both casual and technical discussions. Common collocations include 电动汽车 (electric car) and 电动工具 (electric tools).
HSK Study Tips
While '电动' is not an official HSK word, it incorporates the HSK character 电 (electric) and 动 (to move). Students should focus on how this word is used in technology and everyday life, connecting it with other HSK vocabulary related to transportation or energy.
Cultural Note
In China, electric bikes and scooters are prevalent in urban areas, making '电动' a common term in daily life. The rise of electric vehicles is part of China's larger strategy for sustainable transportation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '电动' with '电池' (battery), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, '电动' refers to electric-powered devices, while '电池' specifically means a battery or power source.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 电动
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Cultural Notes for 电动
🏮Cultural insight
In China, electric bikes and scooters are prevalent in urban areas, making '电动' a common term in daily life. The rise of electric vehicles is part of China's larger strategy for sustainable transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 电动
Make sure to use a falling tone for '电' (diàn) and a falling tone for '动' (dòng).
'电' refers to electricity itself, while '电动' specifically describes something that operates due to electric power.
'电动' is mainly used for devices that require electricity to operate, not for electrical phenomena or concepts.
