手册
shǒucè
In Chinese, the word for manual is 手册 (shǒucè).
手册 is used to refer to a handbook or a more formal, official manual. Other terms are used depending on the specific type of manual: 指南 (zhǐnán) refers to an instructional manual or guidebook, while 操作指南 (cāozuò zhǐnán) specifically describes a guide on how to operate a device or perform a certain action. If you are referring to the explanatory manual or instruction booklet that comes with a product, use 说明书 (shuōmíngshū).
Meaning: a booklet that instructs on the usage of a particular machine or product (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 手册 is composed of 手 (shǒu), meaning 'hand' and 册 (cè), meaning 'booklet' or 'volume'.
Which one should you use?
While 手册 refers to a formal handbook or manual, 说明书 is the more common term for the specific instruction sheet or manual found inside a product's packaging.
How do you pronounce it?
shǒucè
Did you know?
- While 手册 is a manual, the term 指南 (zhǐnán) literally means 'point south'. This is a reference to the ancient Chinese south-pointing chariot and the compass.
- The character 册 (cè) in 手册 originally referred to bamboo slips tied together with thread, which was the precursor to the modern book.
- In Chinese corporate culture, an 'employee handbook' is called a 员工手册 (yuángōng shǒucè), which is often treated as a legally binding contract rather than just a guide.
Examples in context
- 最好备一本家用医卫手册在枕头边，常常翻翻看看。It's best to keep a household medical manual by your pillow and read it from time to time.This sentence shows how to use 手册 in the context of a household medical manual.Tatoeba #420928 by sysko, translation #13559557 by LeviHighway
- 请问，有没有这个产品的使用指南？(Qǐngwèn, yǒu méiyǒu zhè ge chǎnpǐn de shǐyòng zhǐnán?)Excuse me, do you have the user manual for this product?
- 你有没有这个游戏的操作指南？(Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu zhè ge yóuxì de cāozuò zhǐnán?)Do you have the manual for this game?
- 请阅读这份使用手册。Qǐng yuèdú zhè fèn shǐyòng shǒucè.Please read this usage manual.
- 我还没看那本说明手册。Wǒ hái méi kàn nà běn shuōmíng shǒucè.I haven't looked at that instruction manual yet.
Example conversation
A man is trying to set up a new coffee machine.
- 雨婷 Yuting这台机器怎么用？Zhè tái jīqì zěnme yòng?How do you use this machine?
- 志强 Zhiqiang你可以看看操作手册。Nǐ kěyǐ kànkan cāozuò shǒucè.You can check the operation manual.
- 雨婷 Yuting手册在盒子里吗？Shǒucè zài hézi lǐ ma?Is the manual in the box?
- 志强 Zhiqiang对，就在盒子里。Duì, jiù zài hézi lǐ.Yes, it's in the box.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
