接收器
jiēshōuqì
The English word 'receiver' is translated into Chinese as 接收器 (jiēshōuqì).
In Chinese, the word for 'receiver' changes depending on whether you are talking about a piece of hardware or a person. 接收器 refers specifically to a mechanical or electronic device. If you want to refer to a person who receives something, you should use different terms depending on the context.
Meaning: person who receives (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 接收器 is composed of 接收 (jiēshōu), meaning 'to receive' and 器 (qì), meaning 'device' or 'instrument'.
Which one should you use?
Use 接收器 (jiēshōuqì) when referring to a piece of hardware or equipment. Use 接收者 (jiēshōuzhě) when referring to a person who receives something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the term 收件人 is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
jiēshōuqì
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 接收器 when you are talking about a person. This term refers specifically to a mechanical or electronic device.
Did you know?
- If you accidentally call a person a 接收器, it sounds as though you are describing them as a mindless piece of machinery or a piece of equipment.
- In ancient Chinese, the character 器 referred to bronze ritual vessels, which were symbols of power and status long before they meant electronic 'devices'.
- If you are talking about the 'receiver' part of a telephone, Chinese uses 听筒, which literally means 'listening tube'.
Examples in context
- 请将此报告发送给接收者。Please send this report to the receiver.
- 这是给接收人的个人卡片。This is a personal card for the receiver.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are setting up a wireless speaker.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，接收器在哪里？Jiāyí, jiēshōuqì zài nǎlǐ?Jiayi, where is the receiver?
- 佳怡 Jiayi在桌子上面，伟。Zài zhuōzi shàngmiàn, Wěi.It's on the table, Wei.
- 伟 Wei我没看到接收器。Wǒ méi kàndào jiēshōuqì.I don't see the receiver.
- 佳怡 Jiayi就在那个小盒子里面。Jiù zài nàgè xiǎo hézi lǐmiàn.It's right inside that small box.
