耳机
The English phrase headset is translated into Chinese as 耳机.
耳机 is the general term for an electronic device worn on the head. You can specify if you are referring to wireless models by using the term 蓝牙耳机 (Bluetooth headset/earphones).
Meaning: electronic device worn on the head (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 耳机 is composed of 耳 (ear) and 机 (machine/device), literally meaning earphone or earbud.
Which one should you use?
While 耳机 is the general term for earphones or headphones, 耳麦 specifically refers to a headset that includes a microphone.
Did you know?
- In some gaming communities, the term 耳麦 is used as a verb to describe the act of communicating via voice chat during a match.
- The character 耳 for 'ear' is a pictograph that originally looked like a human ear, and it remains one of the most visually intuitive characters in the word 耳机.
- While 耳机 literally means 'ear machine', the character 机 is also used in 手机 for 'mobile phone' and 飞机 for 'airplane'. This makes the word for headset part of a broad family of 'machine' words in Chinese.
Examples in context
- 我需要一副好的耳机。I need a good headset.
- 这个耳机的音质很好。This headset has great sound quality.
- 这个耳麦便宜又好用。This headset is cheap and easy to use.
- 你用什么样的耳麦？What kind of headset do you use?
- 这个耳机很好听。Zhège ěrjī hěn hǎutīng.This headset sounds great.
- 请戴上耳机。Qǐng dài shàng ěrjī.Please put on the headset.
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are at a cafe.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你的耳机坏了吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ de ěrjī huài le ma?Xiaowen, is your headset broken?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen对，耳机没声音了。Duì, ěrjī méi shēngyīn le.Yes, the headset has no sound.
- 伟 Wei我有一副新的耳机。Wǒ yǒu yī fù xīn de ěrjī.I have a new headset.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen真的吗？太谢谢你了！Zhēn de ma? Tài xièxiè nǐ le!Really? Thank you so much!
