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March 24, 2026
电话(電話)diànhuà(dian4hua4)
电话 (diànhuà) refers to a telephone or phone call in Mandarin. It can also denote a phone number when used in context. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings when discussing communication via telephones.
Frequency#219DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, phone calls are an important means of maintaining relationships, especially among family members. The use of 电话 can often signify a more personal touch compared to texting, reflecting the value placed on direct communication.
Memory Tip
Think of 电话 as a 'electric speech tool'. The character 电 (diàn) means 'electric', and 话 (huà) means 'speech' or 'talk'. Imagine a phone buzzing with electric energy while you talk to someone, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 电话
diànhuà(dian4hua4)
1telephone
2phone call
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About 电话
电话Simplified
電話Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
部Measure Word
HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1YCTL2
Podcast: 电话
Podcast: 电话
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AI Study Notes for 电话
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 电话 as a 'electric speech tool'. The character 电 (diàn) means 'electric', and 话 (huà) means 'speech' or 'talk'. Imagine a phone buzzing with electric energy while you talk to someone, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 电话 with other forms of communication, such as 书 (shū, book) or 短信 (duǎnxìn, text message). Remember that 电话 is specifically related to voice communication. Also, note that it is more formal than simply saying 'call' (打电话).
HSK Study Tips
While 电话 is not explicitly listed in the HSK vocabulary, it is essential for daily conversation and related to other HSK words like 打 (dǎ, to hit/call) and 聊天 (liáotiān, to chat). Focusing on its usage in context will enhance your speaking and listening skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, phone calls are an important means of maintaining relationships, especially among family members. The use of 电话 can often signify a more personal touch compared to texting, reflecting the value placed on direct communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly say '电话' when they mean to say '打电话' (dǎ diànhuà, to make a phone call). Make sure to use the complete phrase when referring to the action of calling.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 电话
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Cultural Notes for 电话
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, phone calls are an important means of maintaining relationships, especially among family members. The use of 电话 can often signify a more personal touch compared to texting, reflecting the value placed on direct communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about 电话
You can say '我想打电话' (wǒ xiǎng dǎ diànhuà).
电话 refers to a telephone in general, while 手机 (shǒujī) specifically means 'mobile phone'.
Yes, in context, 电话 can refer to a phone number, but it is more commonly used to mean a phone or phone call.
