话筒

• Pinyin: huà tǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 话 = 讠+ 舌 (speech); 筒 = 竹 + 同 (tube/cylinder)

Meaning

A microphone or megaphone; a device for amplifying or transmitting the voice.

In modern usage, primarily refers to a microphone. Can also mean the mouthpiece of a telephone handset. Used in public speaking, singing, broadcasting, and recording. 无线话筒 is a wireless mic.

Examples

1. 演讲者拿起话筒，向台下数千名听众发表致辞。 The speaker picked up the microphone and delivered remarks to the thousands of people in the audience.
2. 这支话筒的音质非常清晰，适合专业录音使用。 This microphone has very clear sound quality and is suitable for professional recording.
3. 她轻轻敲了敲话筒，确认麦克风已经开启。 She gently tapped the microphone to make sure it was on.

Usage Guide

Context: events, broadcasting, technology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请把话筒递给下一位提问的观众。(Please pass the microphone to the next audience member who has a question.)
• 歌手握着话筒，深情演唱了一首经典老歌。(The singer held the microphone and performed a classic song with deep emotion.)

Don't Say

• 话筒 specifically for wireless microphones without clarification — add 无线话筒 to specify wireless; 有线话筒 for wired

Origin & History

话 (speech) + 筒 (tube/cylinder)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal