jīqì: 机器 - Machine, Robot

• Keywords: jīqì, 机器, machine in Chinese, robot in Chinese, jīqìrén, what is jīqì, learn Chinese machine, Chinese for machine, technology in Chinese, automation
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word for “machine,” 机器 (jīqì). This guide covers its core meaning, from simple appliances to complex robots, and explores its significance in modern China's tech-driven culture. Discover how to use 机器 in everyday conversation with practical examples, understand its character origins, and avoid common mistakes when distinguishing it from related terms like “robot” (机器人) and “equipment” (设备).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jī qì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A device with moving parts that uses power to perform a specific task; a machine.
• In a Nutshell: 机器 is the go-to word for any kind of machine. If it has an engine, gears, or a power source and does a job, it's probably a 机器. Think of factory equipment, washing machines, computers, or even robots. It's a fundamental and very common word in our modern, technological world.

• 机 (jī): This character originally referred to the trigger or a key mechanism on a loom. Today, it represents concepts like “machine,” “engine,” or a “crucial point.” Think of it as the mechanical or pivotal part of something.
• 器 (qì): This character means “device,” “tool,” “utensil,” or “implement.” It broadly refers to an object made to serve a purpose.
• Together, 机器 (jīqì) literally translates to “mechanical device,” a straightforward and logical combination that perfectly captures the modern meaning of “machine.”

In modern China, 机器 is more than just a word for a mechanical object; it's a symbol of progress, efficiency, and national ambition. With China's rapid rise as a global leader in manufacturing, AI, and automation, the concept of the “machine” is deeply tied to the country's development narrative. Public discourse is filled with excitement about advanced 机器 that can build skyscrapers, perform surgery, and explore space. This can be contrasted with some Western cultural perspectives where “machine” can carry a negative, dehumanizing connotation, as in “a cog in the machine” or the “rage against the machine” trope. While these ideas exist in China, the overwhelmingly dominant cultural view of 机器 is positive. It represents the power to overcome challenges, create wealth, and build a futuristic society. To talk about 机器 in China today is to talk about the future.

机器 is used constantly in a wide variety of contexts, from home life to heavy industry.

• Everyday Appliances: It's used in the names of many household machines. For example, 洗衣机 (xǐyījī, washing machine), 咖啡机 (kāfēijī, coffee machine), and 打印机 (dǎyìnjī, printer).
• Industrial and Technical Fields: In factories, labs, and construction sites, 机器 refers to any piece of heavy machinery or technical apparatus.
• Technology and AI: In discussions about the future, 机器 is the base word for more complex ideas like 机器人 (jīqìrén, robot) and 机器学习 (jīqì xuéxí, machine learning).
• Metaphorical Use: Occasionally, a person who works tirelessly and without emotion might be called a “工作机器” (gōngzuò jīqì, work machine) or “学习机器” (xuéxí jīqì, study machine). This is informal and implies the person lacks human warmth or creativity.

• Example 1:
  • 这台机器坏了，我们得找人来修。
  • Pinyin: Zhè tái jīqì huài le, wǒmen děi zhǎo rén lái xiū.
  • English: This machine is broken, we have to find someone to fix it.
  • Analysis: A very common, practical sentence. Note the measure word for machines is often 台 (tái).
• Example 2:
  • 工厂里有很多大型机器。
  • Pinyin: Gōngchǎng lǐ yǒu hěn duō dàxíng jīqì.
  • English: There are many large machines in the factory.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates its use in an industrial context. 大型 (dàxíng) means “large-scale.”
• Example 3:
  • 机器人是一种智能机器。
  • Pinyin: Jīqìrén shì yī zhǒng zhìnéng jīqì.
  • English: A robot is a type of intelligent machine.
  • Analysis: This sentence clearly shows the relationship between “robot” (机器人) and the broader category of “machine” (机器).
• Example 4:
  • 你会操作这台咖啡机吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ huì cāozuò zhè tái kāfēijī ma?
  • English: Do you know how to operate this coffee machine?
  • Analysis: Here, 机 is used as a suffix in 咖啡机 (kāfēijī). This is extremely common for specific appliances.
• Example 5:
  • 他每天工作16个小时，简直像个机器。
  • Pinyin: Tā měitiān gōngzuò shíliù gè xiǎoshí, jiǎnzhí xiàng ge jīqì.
  • English: He works 16 hours a day, he's simply like a machine.
  • Analysis: This is a great example of the metaphorical use, implying he works tirelessly but perhaps without passion.
• Example 6:
  • 这台自动售货机只收现金。
  • Pinyin: Zhè tái zìdòng shòuhuò jī zhǐ shōu xiànjīn.
  • English: This vending machine only accepts cash.
  • Analysis: Another example of a compound noun: 自动售货机 (zìdòng shòuhuò jī), literally “automatic selling goods machine.”
• Example 7:
  • 机器的噪音太大了，我无法集中注意力。
  • Pinyin: Jīqì de zàoyīn tài dà le, wǒ wúfǎ jízhōng zhùyìlì.
  • English: The machine's noise is too loud, I can't concentrate.
  • Analysis: A simple sentence describing a common attribute of machines.
• Example 8:
  • 未来，很多工作可能会被机器取代。
  • Pinyin: Wèilái, hěn duō gōngzuò kěnéng huì bèi jīqì qǔdài.
  • English: In the future, many jobs might be replaced by machines.
  • Analysis: This touches upon a common topic in modern society related to automation and AI.
• Example 9:
  • 说明书上写了如何保养这台机器。
  • Pinyin: Shuōmíngshū shàng xiěle rúhé bǎoyǎng zhè tái jīqì.
  • English: The instruction manual says how to maintain this machine.
  • Analysis: This sentence is useful for anyone buying a new appliance or device.
• Example 10:
  • “机器学习”是人工智能的一个重要领域。
  • Pinyin: “Jīqì xuéxí” shì réngōng zhìnéng de yī ge zhòngyào lǐngyù.
  • English: “Machine learning” is an important field of artificial intelligence.
  • Analysis: Shows how 机器 is a building block for advanced technical terms.

• 机器 (jīqì) vs. 机器人 (jīqìrén): This is the most common mistake for learners. 机器 is the general term for “machine.” 机器人 (jīqìrén) specifically means “robot” (literally “machine person”).
  • Correct: 机器人是一种机器。(A robot is a type of machine.)
  • Incorrect: 我的洗衣机是一个机器人。(My washing machine is a robot.)
• 机器 (jīqì) vs. 设备 (shèbèi): 设备 means “equipment” or “facilities.” It's a broader, more encompassing term. A factory has 设备, which includes many 机器, but also things like workbenches, safety gear, and computer systems. 机器 refers to a specific, functional unit with moving parts.
  • Example: 我们公司买了一批新设备 (shèbèi)，其中包括三台新机器 (jīqì)。(Our company bought a batch of new equipment, which includes three new machines.)
• “False Friend” with English: The English metaphorical phrase “the political machine” does not translate to 政治机器 (zhèngzhì jīqì). In Chinese, you would use words like 机构 (jīgòu - organization/apparatus) or 体系 (tǐxì - system) to describe such a concept.

• 机器人 (jīqìrén) - Robot. A specific type of intelligent machine.
• 机械 (jīxiè) - Machinery; mechanical. Often used as an adjective (e.g., 机械臂 - mechanical arm) or as a collective noun for a set of machinery.
• 设备 (shèbèi) - Equipment; facilities. A broader term that includes machines, tools, and other apparatus.
• 工具 (gōngjù) - Tool. Typically refers to smaller, often hand-held, implements like a hammer or screwdriver.
• 发动机 (fādòngjī) - Engine; motor. The core power source for many machines.
• 自动化 (zìdònghuà) - Automation. The concept of using machines to perform tasks automatically.
• 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) - Artificial Intelligence (AI). The “intelligence” that powers modern advanced machines.
• 洗衣机 (xǐyījī) - Washing machine. A perfect example of a common compound word using 机.
• 打印机 (dǎyìnjī) - Printer. Literally “print-character machine.”
• 仪器 (yíqì) - Instrument; apparatus. Often refers to precision instruments used in science or measurement, a more specific type of 器.