机器

• Pinyin: jī qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 机 = 木 (wood) + 几 (small table, phonetic) — originally a wooden loom mechanism; 器 = 口×4 (many openings/vessels) + 犬 (dog, phonetic) — a complex vessel or implement

Meaning

Machine; machinery. A device or apparatus that performs work through mechanical or powered operation.

Refers broadly to machines of all types — industrial equipment, household appliances, and automated devices. Common collocations include 机器人 (robot) and 开机器/关机器 (turn on/off a machine). Often contrasted with 人工 (manual/human labour).

Examples

1. 工厂里有很多大型机器。 There are many large machines in the factory.
2. 这台机器坏了，需要修理。 This machine has broken down and needs repairing.
3. 用机器做这件事比手工快多了。 Doing this with a machine is much faster than by hand.

Usage Guide

Context: industry, technology, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这台机器的效率很高。(This machine is very efficient.)
• 工人们在操作机器。(The workers are operating the machines.)

Don't Say

• 我的手机是一个机器。(Don't use 机器 for smartphones or computers — use 手机 or 电脑. 机器 implies industrial or physical machinery.)

Origin & History

Compound of 机 (machine/opportunity; originally loom mechanism) and 器 (implement/vessel). Together they denote mechanical implements or devices.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal