元件
yuánjiàn
The English word component can be translated into Chinese as 元件 (yuánjiàn) or 部件.
Meaning: smaller, self-contained part of larger entity (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 元件 | yuánjiàn |
| 部件 | bùjiàn |
What does it mean word for word?
The word 元件 consists of 元 (element/unit) and 件 (piece/item). The word 部件 consists of 部 (part/section) and 件 (piece/item).
Which one should you use?
The term 元件 is typically used for small, discrete electronic or electrical components like resistors or capacitors. In contrast, the term 部件 is typically used for mechanical parts or larger structural components of a machine or device.
How do you pronounce it?
yuánjiàn
Did you know?
- In professional Mandarin, 部件 can be further subdivided into 子部件, which adds the character 子 ('son' or 'small') to indicate a sub-component.
- The character 件 originally depicted a piece of silk being cut. This historical origin emphasizes the idea of a larger whole being divided into separate pieces.
- The character 部 in 部件 can also mean 'department' or 'ministry' in a government. It describes a section of a larger organization just as it describes a section of a machine.
Examples in context
- 在计算机编程中，组件是构成一个软件系统的基本单元。In computer programming, components are the fundamental units that make up a software system.
- 这个电子设备的元件需要更换。The components of this electronic device need to be replaced.
- 这种玩具由多个小零件组成。This toy is made up of multiple small components.
- 我需要更换这个机器的某个部件。I need to replace a certain component of this machine.
- 这个电脑的元件坏了。Zhège diànnǎo de yuánjiàn huài le.A component of this computer is broken.
- 这些元件非常精密。Zhèxiē yuánjiàn fēicháng jīngmì.These components are very precise.
Example conversation
Junjie and Yuting are looking at a broken machine in a workshop.
- 俊杰 Junjie这台机器的哪个元件出了问题？Zhè tái jīqì de nǎge yuánjiàn chūle wèntí?Which component of this machine is having a problem?
- 雨婷 Yuting可能是内部的一个小元件。Kěnéng shì nèibù de yīgè xiǎo yuánjiàn.It might be a small internal component.
- 俊杰 Junjie雨婷，你能帮我检查一下吗？Yǔtíng, nǐ néng bāng wǒ jiǎnchá yīxià ma?Yuting, can you help me check it?
- 雨婷 Yuting没问题，我马上来看。Méi wèntí, wǒ mǎshàng lái kàn.No problem, I will come look at it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “component” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
