显微镜
xiǎnwéijìng
The Mandarin word for microscope is 显微镜 (xiǎnwéijìng).
显微镜 refers to an optical instrument.
Meaning: an optical instrument (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 显 (xiǎn) meaning 'show/reveal', 微 (wēi) meaning 'tiny/micro' and 镜 (jìng) meaning 'lens/mirror'.
Which one should you use?
While 显微镜 (xiǎnwéijìng) is used for objects that are too small to see, 望远镜 (wàngyuǎnjìng) is used for objects that are too far away (telescope).
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎnwéijìng
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese slang, saying someone is looking at you through a 显微镜 can imply they are being overly critical or searching for tiny mistakes in your behavior.
- The character 显 (xiǎn) in 显微镜 is also used in the word 显示器 (xiǎnshìqì) for a computer monitor, as both involve 'revealing' or 'displaying' an image.
- The character 镜 in 显微镜 can also mean 'mirror' or 'glasses'. In Mandarin, any optical device that uses a lens or a reflective surface often shares this same character.
Examples in context
- 你知道显微镜和望远镜的差别吗？Do you know the difference between a microscope and a telescope?This sentence is useful for practicing the distinction between a microscope and a telescope using 显微镜.Tatoeba #4262117 by notabene, translation #239415 by CK
- 这个显微镜的放大倍数很高。This microscope has a high magnification power.
- 我正在学习如何使用光学显微镜。I am learning how to use an optical microscope.
- 这种电子显微镜在研究微观世界中非常有用。This type of electron microscope is very useful for studying the microcosm.
- 他在实验室里用显微镜观察细胞。Tā zài shíyànshì lǐ yòng xiǎnwēijìng guānchá xìbāo.He is using a microscope to observe cells in the laboratory.
- 这台显微镜非常先进。Zhè tái xiǎnwēijìng fēicháng xiānjìn.This microscope is very advanced.
Example conversation
A student asks a lab assistant about a piece of equipment.
- 欣怡 Xinyi志强，这个显微镜在哪儿？Zhìqiáng, zhège xiǎnwēijìng zài nǎ'er?Zhiqiang, where is this microscope?
- 志强 Zhiqiang就在那张桌子上。Jiù zài nà zhāng zhuōzi shàng.It is right on that table.
- 欣怡 Xinyi谢谢你，我得用它观察样本。Xièxiè nǐ, wǒ děi yòng tā guānchá yàngběn.Thank you, I need to use it to observe the specimen.
- 志强 Zhiqiang不客气，请小心使用。Bú kèqì, qǐng xiǎoxīn shǐyòng.You're welcome, please use it carefully.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
