器械

• Pinyin: qì xiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 器 = 犬 + 口×4 (implement/vessel); 械 = 木 (wood) + 戒 (caution/shackle) (mechanical device — originally a wooden restraining implement)

Meaning

Apparatus; instrument; device. Mechanical instruments or devices, especially those used in medicine, military applications, science, or fitness.

More specific than 器材, often implying precision or mechanical instruments. 医疗器械 (medical devices) is a legally defined product classification in China. 健身器械 (fitness apparatus), 军事器械 (military instruments). Regulated under strict national standards in the medical field.

Examples

1. 这家医疗机构引进了一批达到国际先进水平的诊断器械，大幅提升了医院的整体临床诊疗能力。 The medical institution introduced a batch of diagnostic instruments that meet internationally advanced standards, greatly improving the hospital’s overall clinical capacity.
2. 健身房内陈列的各类有氧与力量训练器械一应俱全，满足了不同层次学员多样化的训练需求。 The gym is stocked with a full range of cardio and strength-training machines, meeting the diverse training needs of members at different levels.
3. 古代战争中，攻城器械的技术水平往往直接决定了攻防双方在战场上最终的胜负走向。 In ancient warfare, the technological level of siege engines often directly determined the ultimate outcome for attackers and defenders on the battlefield.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, military, fitness, science

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 根据国家相关法规，所有进入市场的医疗器械必须经过严格的临床试验与行政审批程序。(Under national regulations, all medical devices entering the market must undergo rigorous clinical trials and administrative approval procedures.)
• 这批健身器械的设计符合人体工程学原理，有效降低了使用者在日常训练过程中的受伤风险。(The design of this fitness apparatus conforms to ergonomic principles, effectively reducing the risk of injury during daily training.)

Don't Say

• 日常器械 for common household tools — use 工具/用具 for everyday items; 器械 implies mechanical precision instruments, not ordinary household objects

Origin & History

器 (implement/vessel) + 械 (mechanical device; shackles) — mechanical implements or precision devices

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal