型号

• Pinyin: xíng hào
• Hanzi breakdown: 型 = 刑 (form) + 土 (earth); 号 = 口 (mouth) + 丂 (phonetic) — a name called out to identify something

Meaning

Model number; the specific designation of a product design or variant.

Used to identify a specific version or variant of a product, machine, or device. Essential when ordering parts, seeking technical support, or comparing products. More specific than 型 alone; always refers to a manufacturer-assigned designation.

Examples

1. 买打印机的墨盒之前，一定要先查清楚打印机的型号。 Before buying ink cartridges for a printer, you must first check the printer's model number.
2. 这款手机的型号是最新版本，拍照效果非常好。 This phone's model is the latest version and takes excellent photos.
3. 客服人员要求他提供产品的型号，才能帮他查找保修记录。 The customer service representative asked him to provide the product's model number before they could look up his warranty record.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, shopping, customer service

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请问你的手机是什么型号？(May I ask what model your phone is?)
• 这个零件的型号和我们需要的不一样，要换一个。(The model number of this part doesn't match what we need — we'll have to swap it.)

Don't Say

• 用型号描述人，如他是什么型号的员工。(Don't use 型号 to describe people — use 类型 or a descriptive phrase instead.)

Origin & History

Compound of 型 (type/model) and 号 (number/name), together meaning the specific number assigned to a model.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal