電 (diàn) - Electricity — refers to electrical energy, lightning, telegrams,

電Tone 4

diàn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

電 · diàn

Electricity — refers to electrical energy, lightning, telegrams, and anything related to electrical phenomena or technology.

Electricity — refers to electrical energy, lightning, telegrams,

Usage highlights

ElectricityTelephoneTelevisionComputerLightningBattery

Synonyms

  • 电— electricity (general term)
  • 闪电— lightning (natural electricity)

Antonyms

  • 静— still/quiet (opposite of electrical activity)
  • 暗— dark (opposite of electric light)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Turn on the light (开电灯).
  • I need to charge my phone (给手机充电).
  • Watch television (看电视).
  • There was lightning during the storm (暴风雨中有闪电).

Collocations

  • Electricity(电)
  • Telephone(电话)
  • Television(电视)
  • Computer(电脑)
  • Lightning(闪电)
  • Battery(电池)

Idioms

  • Swift as lightning(风驰电掣)
  • Lightning speed(电光石火)
  • Thunder and lightning(雷霆电闪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted lightning in oracle bone script, representing natural electrical phenomena.
  • Modern usage expanded to include all man-made electrical technology and power.
  • Represents technological progress and modernization in contemporary Chinese culture.

FAQ