录音

• Pinyin: lù yīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 录 = simplified from 錄, meaning to record; 音 = 立 (stand) + 日 (sun/mouth), meaning sound — a tone that stands out

Meaning

To record audio; a recording. The act of capturing sound, or the resulting audio file.

Used both as a verb (录音 = to record audio) and as a noun (一段录音 = a recording). Very common in daily life — recording lectures, voice messages, music, etc. Related terms include 录音机 (tape recorder), 录音室 (recording studio), and 录音笔 (voice recorder pen).

Examples

1. 你能把这段话录音吗？ Can you make a recording of what was said?
2. 我听了老师上课的录音。 I listened to the recording of the teacher's class.
3. 这段录音很重要，不要删掉。 This recording is very important — don't delete it.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, education, media

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这个录音很清楚。(This recording is very clear.)
• 上课的时候我喜欢录音。(I like to record audio during class.)

Don't Say

• 我录音了一个视频。(Don't use 录音 for video — 录音 is audio only. For video, say 录像 or 录视频.)

Origin & History

录 means to record; 音 means sound. Together: to record sound — audio recording.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal