收音机

• Pinyin: shōu yīn jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 收 = 丩 + 攵 (to gather); 音 = 立 (stand) + 日 (sound indicator); 机 = 木 (wood) + 几 (small table), simplified from 機

Meaning

Radio; a device for receiving and playing radio broadcasts.

While smartphones have largely replaced traditional radios, the word is still widely understood. Older generations may still use physical radios. In modern usage, 收音机 can also refer to radio apps on phones.

Examples

1. 爷爷喜欢用收音机听京剧。 Grandpa likes to use the radio to listen to Peking opera.
2. 这台老式收音机还能用。 This old-fashioned radio still works.
3. 现在手机上也有收音机功能。 Nowadays phones also have a radio function.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, technology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你家还有收音机吗？(Do you still have a radio at home?)
• 他用收音机听天气预报。(He uses the radio to listen to the weather forecast.)

Don't Say

• 我用收音机看电视。(Don't use 收音机 for watching TV — a 收音机 is audio-only. Use 电视 for television.)

Origin & History

收 (receive) + 音 (sound) + 机 (machine). Literally 'sound-receiving machine'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal