数码

• Pinyin: shù mǎ
• Hanzi breakdown: 数 = 娄 (phonetic) + 攵 (to strike), meaning number; 码 = 石 (stone) + 马 (horse, phonetic), meaning code

Meaning

Digital; relating to digital technology and electronic devices.

Used as a modifier for electronic and digital products such as cameras, phones, and other gadgets. Common in retail contexts and product descriptions. Equivalent to 'digital' in English when referring to consumer electronics.

Examples

1. 他在数码商城买了一台新电脑。 He bought a new computer at the electronics mall.
2. 现在的数码产品更新换代特别快。 Nowadays digital products get upgraded and replaced especially quickly.
3. 她对数码相机非常感兴趣。 She is very interested in digital cameras.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, shopping

Tone: modern

Do Say

• 这家数码店的东西质量很好。(The products at this electronics shop are very good quality.)
• 你喜欢什么品牌的数码产品？(What brand of digital products do you like?)

Don't Say

• 我买了一个数码的书。(Don't use 数码 for books — use 电子书 for e-books. 数码 refers to electronic gadgets, not digital content.)

Origin & History

Compound of 数 (number) and 码 (code), literally 'number code' — adapted to mean digital technology.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal