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照相机 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
照相机zhàoxiàngjīcameraHSK 3, n, 28 strokes, rank #6522, Medium
zhàoxiàngjī(zhao4xiang4ji1)zhao xiang ji T4
  1. 1camera
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March 24, 2026

照相机(照相機)zhàoxiàngjī(zhao4xiang4ji1)

照相机 (zhàoxiàngjī) refers to a device used to capture images, commonly known as a camera. It is frequently used in photography, whether for personal, professional, or artistic purposes. The term encompasses both traditional film cameras and modern digital cameras, emphasizing its role in preserving memories and moments.

Strokes28Frequency#6522DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, photography plays a significant role during festivals and family gatherings, where capturing moments is seen as essential for preserving memories. The popularity of selfies and social media has further integrated the use of cameras into daily life.

Memory tip

Imagine a light shining on a '照' (zhào) - which means to shine or illuminate - that captures the '相' (xiàng) or 'image' of a beautiful scene, all with the help of a '机' (jī) or 'machine'. The sound 'zhao' can remind you of 'zooming in' on a picture.

Meanings of 照相机

zhàoxiàngjī(zhao4xiang4ji1)
1camera
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 照相机

照相机Simplified
照相機Traditional
28Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6522Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L3TOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 照相机

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Podcast: 照相机

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AI study notes for 照相机

Quick Contrast

相机 (xiàngjī) vs 照相机 (zhàoxiàngjī): use 照相机 when emphasizing the function of taking photos, while 相机 is a more general term for a camera without that specific focus.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 照相机, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words. The term is generally informal, so it's suitable for everyday conversations and casual settings. Common collocations include '使用照相机' (to use a camera) and '带照相机' (to bring a camera).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 3 word, 照相机 connects with other vocabulary related to technology and daily activities, such as 手机 (shǒujī - mobile phone) and 电脑 (diànnǎo - computer). Focus on learning how to use it in different contexts, such as giving instructions or discussing photography.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 照相机 with other photography-related terms like 摄影机 (shèyǐngjī). For example, saying '我有一个摄影机' (I have a camera) is incorrect if referring to a still camera; use '照相机' instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 照相机

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Component characters

照zhàoto shine
HSK 313 strokes灬
View full entry
相Xiāngeach other
9 strokes目
View full entry
机Jīmachine
HSK 16 strokes木
View full entry

How to say camera in Chinese

“camera” in Chinese is照相机zhàoxiàngjī

照相机 (zhàoxiàngjī) refers to a device used to capture images, commonly known as a camera. It is frequently used in photography, whether for personal, professional, or artistic purposes. The term encompasses both traditional film cameras and modern digital cameras, emphasizing its role in preserving memories and moments.

When to use 照相机

Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 照相机, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words. The term is generally informal, so it's suitable for everyday conversations and casual settings. Common collocations include '使用照相机' (to use a camera) and '带照相机' (to bring a camera).

照相机 or something close to it

相机 (xiàngjī) vs 照相机 (zhàoxiàngjī): use 照相机 when emphasizing the function of taking photos, while 相机 is a more general term for a camera without that specific focus.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 照相机 with other photography-related terms like 摄影机 (shèyǐngjī). For example, saying '我有一个摄影机' (I have a camera) is incorrect if referring to a still camera; use '照相机' instead.

Write 照相机

照
相
机

Practice writing 照相机 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 照相机

照相机 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他突然扑向摄影师,痛打了他一顿,还摔碎了他的____。

He pounced on the photographer, beat him up and smashed his camera.

Example sentences for 照相机 (10)

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1
他突然扑向摄影师,痛打了他一顿,还摔碎了他的照相机。

tā tūrán pū xiàng shèyǐngshī, tòng dǎ le tā yī dùn, hái shuāi suì le tā de zhàoxiàngjī。

He pounced on the photographer, beat him up and smashed his camera.
2
在过去10年里,这些照相机的价格只是略有提高。

zài guòqù10 nián lǐ, zhèxiē zhàoxiàngjī de jiàgé zhǐshì lüè yǒu tígāo。

These cameras have increased only marginally in value over the past decade.
3
谁擅自用过我的照相机?

shéi shànzì yòng guò wǒ de zhàoxiàngjī?

Who interfered with my camera?
4
安东尼拿着照相机下了车,走向离城墙更远的地方,为拍摄构图。

Ān dōng ní ná zhe zhàoxiàngjī xià le chē, zǒu xiàng lí chéngqiáng gèng yuǎn de dìfang, wèi pāishè gòu tú。

Anthony dismounted with his camera and walked away from the walls to compose a shot.
5
你能教我如何使用这个照相机 吗 ?

nǐ néng jiāo wǒ rúhé shǐyòng zhège zhàoxiàngjī ma?

Can you show me how I can handle this camera?
6
比较贵的照相机有可调焦距.

bǐjiào guì de zhàoxiàngjī yǒu kě diào jiāojù.

More expensive cameras have adjustable focusing.
7
这架照相机太贵了.

zhè jià zhàoxiàngjī tài guì le.

This camera is too dear.
8
更多的垂钓者去钓鱼的时候带上了照相机,以便钓上鱼后留个纪念。

gèng duō de chuí diào zhě qù diàoyú de shíhou dài shàng le zhàoxiàngjī, yǐbiàn diào shàng yú hòu liú gè jìniàn。

More anglers are taking cameras when they go fishing to provide a memento of catches.
9
通过调整照相机的角度,他的脸将被巧妙地遮住。

tōngguò tiáozhěng zhàoxiàngjī de jiǎodù, tā de liǎn jiāng bèi qiǎomiào dì zhē zhù。

His face will be discreetly concealed by camera angles.
10
这种照相机现在廉价出售,只卖十九元.

zhè zhǒng zhàoxiàngjī xiànzài liánjià chūshòu, zhī mài shí jiǔ yuán.

This camera is now on sale for 19 dollars only.

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Frequently asked questions about 照相机

照相机 refers to a camera for still images, while 摄影机 (shèyǐngjī) specifically refers to a video camera.

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