关机
guānjī
The English phrase 'power off' is translated into Chinese as 关机 (guānjī).
关机 means to shut down an electronic device by turning off its power. You will often see this used in formal instructions, such as 请关机 (Please power off), which is common in environments like cinemas or airplanes. For a more descriptive way to say one should turn off the power source itself rather than just shutting down a specific device, you can use 关掉电源.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 关机 is composed of 关 (guān), meaning to close or shut and 机 (jī), meaning machine or device.
Which one should you use?
While 关机 specifically refers to shutting down an electronic device, you should use 关灯 if you are referring to turning off a light.
Is it said differently in some regions?
切电源 is a colloquial phrase used in certain regions such as Taiwan to mean 'cut the power source.'
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that the action of powering off has already been completed, you can add the particle 了 (le) after the verb to say 关机了 (powered off).
How do you pronounce it?
guānjī
Did you know?
- While 关机 is the standard term for electronics, some older generations might use 熄火, which literally means 'extinguish the fire', when shutting down old or noisy machinery.
- The character 关 originally depicted a gate with a bolt. This is why the same word is used for both 'powering off' a phone and 'closing' a physical door.
- The character 机 in 关机 is a versatile root used in 飞机 for 'airplane' and 机会 for 'opportunity', linking mechanical devices to the 'mechanisms' of chance.
Examples in context
- 请关闭电源。Please power off the device.
- 把电视断电。Power off the TV.
- 能关掉电脑吗？Can you power off the computer?
- 请关掉投影仪。Please power off the projector.
- 请记得关机。Qǐng jìde guānjī.Please remember to power off.
- 我的电脑自动关机了。Wǒ de diànnǎo zìdòng guānjī le.My computer powered off automatically.
- 睡觉前要记得把手机关机。Shuìjiào qián yào jìde bǎ shǒujī guānjī.Remember to power off your phone before sleeping.
Example conversation
Xiaowen asks Haoran to shut down his laptop in the office.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen浩然，你要下班了吗？Hàorán, nǐ yào xiàbān le ma?Haoran, are you about to get off work?
- 浩然 Haoran是的，我准备关机了。Shì de, wǒ zhǔnbèi guānjī le.Yes, I am preparing to power off.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen别忘了关掉显示器。Bié wàngle guāndiào xiǎnshìqì.Don't forget to turn off the monitor.
- 浩然 Haoran好的，我这就关机。Hǎo de, wǒ zhè jiù guānjī.Okay, I'll power off now.
