维修

• Pinyin: wéi xiū
• Hanzi breakdown: 维 = 纟(thread) + 隹 (phonetic); 修 = 亻(person) + 攸 + 彡 (decorative, phonetic)

Meaning

To repair; to service; maintenance of equipment or infrastructure.

Refers to fixing or servicing mechanical, electrical, or physical systems. Slightly more specific than 修理 (xiūlǐ) in that it often implies professional or scheduled maintenance. 维修人员 means maintenance staff; 正在维修 (currently under maintenance/repair) is a common sign on roads and websites.

Examples

1. 这台冰箱出了故障，需要联系售后人员来维修。 This refrigerator has broken down and needs after-sales staff to come and repair it.
2. 前方道路正在维修，请各位驾驶员绕道行驶。 The road ahead is under repair — all drivers please take a detour.
3. 公司每年定期对所有生产设备进行维修和安全检查。 The company carries out regular annual maintenance and safety inspections on all production equipment.

Usage Guide

Context: work, everyday, technology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 电梯正在维修，请走楼梯。(The lift is under maintenance — please use the stairs.)
• 维修这辆旧车要花不少钱。(Repairing this old car will cost quite a lot.)

Don't Say

• 维修 ≠ 修理 in all registers — 维修 often implies professional or scheduled upkeep, while 修理 is more general and colloquial. Both are acceptable but register differs.

Origin & History

Compound of 维 (to hold together/maintain) and 修 (to repair/fix, from 亻 person + 攸 + 彡 decorative strokes), together meaning to restore and keep something in working order.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal