录音机

• Pinyin: lù yīn jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 录 = 彐 + 水 simplified, record; 音 = 立 + 日, sound; 机 = 木 + 几, machine

Meaning

Tape recorder; audio recording device. A machine for recording and playing back sound.

Originally referred to cassette tape recorders, now sometimes used for any audio recording device. Largely replaced by digital recorders and smartphones. Still seen in: 语言实验室录音机 (language lab recorders), 老式录音机 (vintage tape recorders). Related: 录音 (audio recording), 录音笔 (voice recorder pen).

Examples

1. 小时候学英语都是用录音机听磁带，现在手机就能搞定。 When studying English as a child, we listened to cassettes on tape recorders; now phones can handle it.
2. 记者采访时带了一台录音机，确保不会遗漏重要信息。 The reporter brought a voice recorder to the interview to ensure no important information was missed.
3. 爷爷把他的老录音机保存得很好，偶尔还拿出来听老歌。 Grandpa has kept his old tape recorder in great condition and occasionally takes it out to listen to old songs.

Usage Guide

Context: audio, education, nostalgia

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 以前上课都用录音机。(We used tape recorders in class before.)
• 这台录音机还能用吗？(Does this tape recorder still work?)

Don't Say

• 把录音机和播放器混淆 (录音机 can record; some 播放器 only play back)

Origin & History

Compound of 录音 (record sound) + 机 (machine). A machine that records sound.

Cultural Context

Generation: Older generations

Social background: Universal