电脑

• Pinyin: diàn nǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 电 (electricity) + 脑 (brain) — electronic brain, i.e. computer

Meaning

Computer. The general term for desktop or laptop computers.

Covers all personal computers including desktops and laptops. For laptops specifically, 笔记本电脑 or just 笔记本 is used. Common phrases: 用电脑 (use a computer), 电脑游戏 (computer games), 开电脑 (turn on the computer).

Examples

1. 我用电脑写作业。 I use the computer to do homework.
2. 你的电脑在哪里？ Where is your computer?
3. 这台电脑是新的。 This computer is new.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我在电脑上看视频。(I watch videos on the computer.)
• 这台电脑很快。(This computer is very fast.)

Don't Say

• 打开电脑机 (电脑 is already complete — don't add 机; just say 打开电脑)

Origin & History

Compound of 电 (electricity) and 脑 (brain) — an electronic brain, i.e. a computer.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal