起重器
qǐzhòngqì
In Chinese, the English word 'jack' can be translated in different ways depending on whether you are referring to a lifting device or a name. If unsure, use 起重器 (qǐzhòngqì). Wiktionary also lists 千斤頂 / 千斤顶 (qiānjīndǐng).
Meaning: device for raising and supporting a heavy object (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 起重器 | qǐzhòngqì |
| 千斤頂 / 千斤顶 | qiānjīndǐng |
When referring to a mechanical device used for raising and supporting heavy objects, you should use 千斤顶 for a standard jack or 起重器 for larger lifting machinery. Note that the word 'jack' can also relate to the verb 'to steal' (偷) or be an anglicized version of the name Jacques (傑克 / 杰克).
What does it mean word for word?
The term 千斤顶 literally translates to 'thousand-jin top', where 'jin' is a traditional unit of weight.
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to lifting, 起重器 is more commonly used for large-scale cranes or heavy lifting machinery. In contrast, 千斤顶 specifically refers to a mechanical jack used for lifting heavy loads, such as a car jack.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation for 起重器 is qǐzhòngqì.
Did you know?
- The word 斤 used in 千斤顶 is still used today in Chinese markets for weighing vegetables and fruit, though its exact weight has varied across different dynasties.
- While 千斤顶 means 'thousand-jin top', the number 'thousand' is often used in Chinese idioms to represent an immense or insurmountable weight rather than a specific digit.
- The character 顶 in 千斤顶 is an example of a 'polysemous' word, as it can mean 'the top of the head' and 'to push up' simultaneously.
Examples in context
- 你好，我叫杰克。Hello, my name is Jack.
- 杰克是一位出色的钢琴家。Jack is an excellent pianist.
- 嘿，小杰，我们晚点去吃东西吧！Hey Jack, let's grab some food later!
Example conversation
Yuting and Zhiqiang are in a garage fixing a car.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，起重器在哪里？Zhìqiáng, qǐzhòngqì zài nǎlǐ?Zhiqiang, where is the jack?
- 志强 Zhiqiang在那个工具箱里面。Zài nàge gōngjùxiāng lǐmiàn.It is inside that toolbox.
- 雨婷 Yuting找到了，我这就用起重器把它顶起来。Zhǎodào le, wǒ zhè jiù yòng qǐzhòngqì bǎ tā dǐng qǐlái.Found it, I'll use the jack to lift it up now.
- 志强 Zhiqiang小心一点，注意安全。Xiǎoxīn yīdiǎn, zhùyì ānquán.Be careful and stay safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jack” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
