Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 空調 / 空调 | kōngtiáo | |
| 冷氣機 / 冷气机 | lěngqìjī | regional |
An air conditioner is a machine used to control the temperature and humidity in an enclosed space. When talking about operating the device, use the verbs 開 or 關 to mean 'turn on' or 'turn off'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 空調 is a contraction of 空气调节 (kōngqì tiáojié), which literally means 'air regulation'. The term 冷氣機 / 冷气机 is composed of 冷 (cold), 氣 (air/gas) and 機 (machine), which translates to 'cold air machine'.
Which one should you use?
空調 / 空调 is the standard term in Mainland China. In Cantonese-speaking regions, you may also see 冷氣機 / 冷气机.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mainland China, the simplified form 空调 is used, whereas the traditional form 空調 is used in Taiwan and Hong Kong. In Cantonese-speaking regions like Hong Kong and Guangdong, the term 冷氣機 / 冷气机 is used. In Hokkien-speaking regions, 冷气机 is also common.
How do you pronounce it?
kōngtiáo
Did you know?
- The word 冷氣 can also be used to describe a 'cold atmosphere' or a social chill during an awkward silence.
- In Chinese culture, the 'air conditioner disease' 空调病 is a common colloquial term for a set of symptoms caused by spending too much time in chilled air.
- The word for 'air' in 冷氣機 / 冷气机, which is 氣 / 气, also means 'energy' or 'spirit' in many philosophical contexts.
Examples in context
- 弗兰克：请确保空调在整个会议期间保持开启。Frank: Please ensure that the air conditioner remains on throughout the entire meeting.
- 艾丽斯：今天好热！冷气机打开了吗？Alice: It's so hot today! Did we turn on the air conditioner?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “air conditioner” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
