Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
机器 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
机器jīqìmachineHSK 5, n, 22 strokes, rank #1599, Hard
jīqì(ji1qi4)ji qi T1
  1. 1machine
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

机器(機器)jīqì(ji1qi4)

The term 机器 (jīqì) refers to a machine, an apparatus designed to perform specific tasks or operations. It is commonly used in various contexts, from industrial machinery to household appliances. The word emphasizes the mechanical aspect and functionality of devices.

Strokes22Frequency#1599DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In modern Chinese culture, the concept of 机器 reflects the rapid advancement in technology and automation, symbolizing China's growing manufacturing sector and innovation in smart devices.

Memory tip

Think of 机器 as 'ji' (like 'gee!' for excitement about technology) and 'qi' (sounds like 'key' which unlocks the power of machines). Imagine a big key that starts a fascinating machine, illustrating the connection between the word and its meaning.

Meanings of 机器

jīqì(ji1qi4)
1machine
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 机器 means.

About 机器

机器Simplified
機器Traditional
22Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1599Frequency Rank
台Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 机器

JasonAmy

Podcast: 机器

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 机器

Quick Contrast

机器 (jīqì) vs 器械 (qìxiè) — use 机器 for general machines and 器械 for specialized or medical instruments.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing either syllable can change the meaning. 机器 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but in technical discussions, ensure you pair it with specific types of machines for clarity (e.g., 电脑机器 for computer machines).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, focus on its usage in both everyday and technical vocabulary. Connecting it with other related terms, like 工具 (gōngjù, tool) and 设备 (shèbèi, equipment), can help solidify understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 机器 with 人工 (réngōng, artificial) when discussing automation. It's incorrect to say '人工机器'; instead, use '自动机器' (zìdòng jīqì, automatic machine) for clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 机器

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 机器, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 机器 to you

Let me explain 机器 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 机器 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 机器?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 机器 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

机Jīmachine
HSK 16 strokes木
View full entry
器qìdevice
HSK 716 strokes口
View full entry

How to say machine in Chinese

“machine” in Chinese is机器jīqì

The term 机器 (jīqì) refers to a machine, an apparatus designed to perform specific tasks or operations. It is commonly used in various contexts, from industrial machinery to household appliances. The word emphasizes the mechanical aspect and functionality of devices.

When to use 机器

Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing either syllable can change the meaning. 机器 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but in technical discussions, ensure you pair it with specific types of machines for clarity (e.g., 电脑机器 for computer machines).

机器 or something close to it

机器 (jīqì) vs 器械 (qìxiè) — use 机器 for general machines and 器械 for specialized or medical instruments.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 机器 with 人工 (réngōng, artificial) when discussing automation. It's incorrect to say '人工机器'; instead, use '自动机器' (zìdòng jīqì, automatic machine) for clarity.

Write 机器

机
器

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar patterns of 机器

机器 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.

我讨厌被看作政治____。

I get sick of being thought of as a political automaton.

Example sentences for 机器 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我讨厌被看作政治机器。

wǒ tǎoyàn bèi kànzuò zhèngzhì jīqì。

I get sick of being thought of as a political automaton.
2
电梯修理工可以转动这根杠杆直接操作机器。

diàntī xiūlǐ gōng kěyǐ zhuàndòng zhè gēn gànggǎn zhíjiē cāozuò jīqì。

An elevator mechanic can work the machinery directly by turning this lever.
3
一名技师把一盒录影带装进其中一台机器。

yī míng jì Shī bǎ yī hé lù yǐng dài zhuāng jìn qízhōng yī tái jīqì。

A technician loads a video tape into one of the machines.
4
国际商用机器公司一直是个家长作风很强的雇主。

guójì shāngyòng jīqì gōngsī yìzhí shì gè jiāzhǎng zuòfēng hěn jiàng de gùzhǔ。

IBM has always been a paternalistic employer.
5
请为今天下午的课准备好机器.

qǐng wèi jīntiān xiàwǔ de kè zhǔnbèi hǎo jīqì.

Please fit the machine up for this afternoon's class.
6
我们三人站在机器周围,若有所悟地点着头。

wǒmen sān rén zhàn zài jīqì zhōuwéi, ruò yǒusuǒ wù dìdiǎn zhe tóu。

The three of us stood around the machine nodding wisely.
7
机器能自动将需要的信息下载到传真机上。

jīqì néng zìdòng jiāng xūyào de xìnxī xiàzài dào chuánzhēn Jī shàng。

The machine automatically downloads the required information to his or her fax.
8
对哈夫纳机器的修理即将结束。

duì Hā fū nà jīqì de xiūlǐ jíjiāng jiéshù。

The repairs to the Hafner machine were near to completion.
9
许多机器尘封在地下室里。

xǔduō jīqì chén fēng zài dìxiàshì lǐ。

Many of the machines are gathering dust in basements.
10
他厉行节约地把这台机器的各种零件放进仔细标记的盒子里收好。

tā lì xíng jiéyuē dì bǎ zhè tái jīqì de gèzhǒng língjiàn fàng jìn zǐxì biāojì de hézi lǐ shōu hǎo。

He frugally saved various bits of the machine in carefully marked boxes.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 机器?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 机器

机器 refers to machines that perform specific functions, while 工具 refers to tools used manually or with less complexity.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 机器?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab