HSK 3, n, 5 strokes, radical 曰, rank #1724, Medium
电
diàn
electricity
HSK 3, n, 5 strokes, radical 曰, rank #1724, Medium
电
diàn
electrical
HSK 3, n, 5 strokes, radical 曰, rank #1724, Medium
电
diàn
electricity; electric; lightning
HSK 3, n, 5 strokes, radical 曰, rank #1724, Medium
diàn(dian4) T4
1electric
2electricity
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March 24, 2026
电(電)diàn(dian4)
The character 电 (diàn) refers to electricity or electrical phenomena. It is commonly used in contexts involving electrical appliances, power, and lightning. The term can also denote electrical energy in general and is essential in discussions related to technology and energy.
Strokes5Radical曰Frequency#1724DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the rapid expansion of electrical infrastructure symbolizes modernization and economic growth. The character 电 is frequently seen in the context of discussions about renewable energy initiatives and technological advancements.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lightning bolt striking a power line, illuminating everything around it. The character 电 has a radical that resembles a spark, reminding you that it represents electricity. You can think of 'diàn' sounding like 'dance,' as if electricity dances through wires.
Meanings of 电
diàn(dian4)
1electric
2electricity
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 电
电Simplified
電Traditional
5Strokes
曰Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1724Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL1YCTL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 电
Podcast: 电
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AI Study Notes for 电
Quick Contrast
电 (diàn) vs 能 (néng): use 电 when specifically referring to electricity or electrical phenomena, while 能 refers to the ability or capability to do something.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone, as 'diàn' (电) has a falling tone, which can easily be confused with 'diǎn' (点), meaning 'dot' or 'point.' It's commonly paired with other characters like '力' (lì) to form '电力' (diànlì), meaning 'electric power.' This term is used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
While 电 (diàn) itself may not be a specific HSK level word, it connects to the theme of technology and energy found in HSK vocabulary. Focus on recognizing it in compound words and phrases commonly encountered in daily conversations about technology.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 电 (diàn) with 点 (diǎn), leading to confusion between 'electricity' and 'dot.' Always remember the tone difference to avoid this mistake.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 电
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Originally a variant form of 申, a pictograph of a lightning bolt. The traditional form 電 adds the 雨 (rain) component.
1The giveawaySimplified form of 電; lightning 申 from 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 电? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 电?
Decomposition of 电
IDS Structure⿻曰乚
电Full Character
=
曰yue1
outer
乚gou1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 电?
How to say electric in Chinese
“electric” in Chinese is电diàn
The character 电 (diàn) refers to electricity or electrical phenomena. It is commonly used in contexts involving electrical appliances, power, and lightning. The term can also denote electrical energy in general and is essential in discussions related to technology and energy.
When to use 电
Be cautious with the tone, as 'diàn' (电) has a falling tone, which can easily be confused with 'diǎn' (点), meaning 'dot' or 'point.' It's commonly paired with other characters like '力' (lì) to form '电力' (diànlì), meaning 'electric power.' This term is used in both formal and informal contexts.
电 or something close to it
电 (diàn) vs 能 (néng): use 电 when specifically referring to electricity or electrical phenomena, while 能 refers to the ability or capability to do something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 电 (diàn) with 点 (diǎn), leading to confusion between 'electricity' and 'dot.' Always remember the tone difference to avoid this mistake.
Write 电
电
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Practice writing 电 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 电
电 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
