电源

• Pinyin: diàn yuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 电 = lightning/electricity; 源 = 氵(water) + 原 (original, source)

Meaning

Power source; power supply. The source of electrical energy for a device.

Refers to any source of electrical power, including wall sockets, batteries, and power supply units. Commonly used in phrases like 接通电源 (connect to power), 关掉电源 (turn off the power), and 电源插座 (power socket). Frequent in technical and everyday contexts.

Examples

1. 请先检查一下电源有没有接好。 Please check first whether the power source is properly connected.
2. 离开办公室前记得关掉电源。 Remember to turn off the power before leaving the office.
3. 这台电脑的电源出了问题。 There is a problem with this computer's power supply.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 电脑不开机，先看看电源接了没有。(If the computer won't turn on, first check if the power is connected.)
• 走的时候把电源关了。(Turn off the power when you leave.)

Don't Say

• 把'电源'和'电池'混用 (Don't confuse 电源 with 电池 — 电源 means power source or supply, while 电池 means battery)

Origin & History

Compound of 电 (electricity) and 源 (source, origin). Literally 'electricity source.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal