air conditioner (including units that have a heating mode)
HSK 3, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #6489, Medium
kōngtiáo(kong1tiao2) T1
1air conditioning
2air conditioner
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March 24, 2026
空调(空調)kōngtiáo(kong1tiao2)
空调 (kōngtiáo) refers to air conditioning or an air conditioner, a device that cools or heats the air in a room. It is commonly used in homes, offices, and vehicles, especially in hot climates or during summer months. The term literally means 'empty regulation,' indicating its function of regulating air temperature.
Strokes18Frequency#6489DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, air conditioning is almost considered essential due to the hot summer months, especially in cities. Many public spaces, including shopping malls and restaurants, are heavily air-conditioned, reflecting a cultural preference for comfort in the heat.
Memory Tip
Think of 空 (kōng) as 'empty' and 调 (tiáo) as 'adjust' – together, they help you adjust the empty air around you. Imagine a hot day, you walk into a room and feel the cool breeze from the air conditioner, instantly refreshing you.
Meanings of 空调
kōngtiáo(kong1tiao2)
1air conditioning
2air conditioner
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About 空调
空调Simplified
空調Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6489Frequency Rank
台Measure Word
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 空调
Podcast: 空调
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AI Study Notes for 空调
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation; 空调 is pronounced with a first tone on 空 and a second tone on 调. In conversations, people often shorten it to just 空调 when discussing air conditioning. Note that the term is informal, so in very formal contexts, you might refer to it as '空调设备' (kōngtiáo shèbèi) meaning air conditioning equipment.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 空调 connects well with other everyday vocabulary related to weather and home appliances. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences related to comfort and weather conditions to reinforce its meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 空调 with 冷气, mistakenly using 冷气 when they mean air conditioner in a broader sense. Remember, 空调 encompasses both cooling and heating functions, while 冷气 is more limited.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 空调
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空调 (kōngtiáo) refers to air conditioning or an air conditioner, a device that cools or heats the air in a room. It is commonly used in homes, offices, and vehicles, especially in hot climates or during summer months. The term literally means 'empty regulation,' indicating its function of regulating air temperature.
When to use 空调
Be cautious with the pronunciation; 空调 is pronounced with a first tone on 空 and a second tone on 调. In conversations, people often shorten it to just 空调 when discussing air conditioning. Note that the term is informal, so in very formal contexts, you might refer to it as '空调设备' (kōngtiáo shèbèi) meaning air conditioning equipment.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 空调 with 冷气, mistakenly using 冷气 when they mean air conditioner in a broader sense. Remember, 空调 encompasses both cooling and heating functions, while 冷气 is more limited.
Write 空调
空
调
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Grammar Patterns of 空调
空调 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 3 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.
To save energy, we recommend setting the air conditioning temperature one degree higher.
Cultural Notes for 空调
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While air conditioning is common in both Chinese and Western cultures, the reliance on it in China is often more pronounced due to the extreme summer heat in many regions, leading to a widespread installation in homes and public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about 空调
空调 (kōngtiáo) refers specifically to the air conditioning unit that can both cool and heat, while 冷气 (lěngqì) typically refers to cold air or air conditioning that cools only.
You can say, '请问，有空调吗?' (Qǐngwèn, yǒu kōngtiáo ma?) which means 'Excuse me, is there air conditioning?'
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