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Vocabulary
自动取款机

A2 noun #4,000 most common 7 min read

自动取款机

zidongqukuanji Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 自动取款机 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 自动取款机 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should focus on the basic identification of the word '自动取款机'. You don't need to master the complex characters yet, but you should recognize the sound 'zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī' and understand that it means 'ATM'. At this stage, the most important phrase is '在哪里?' (zài nǎlǐ - Where is it?). You might use it in a very simple sentence like '自动取款机在哪里?' (Where is the ATM?). You should also know the word '钱' (qián - money), as these two words are always linked. Think of the ATM as the 'money machine' to help you remember the concept. Focus on the 'jī' at the end, which you will see in other words like 'shǒujī' (cell phone). This helps you build a pattern that words ending in 'jī' are often electronic devices.

At the A2 level, you are expected to use '自动取款机' in the context of daily survival tasks. You should be able to ask for directions to one and understand basic instructions on how to use it. You should learn the verb '取' (qǔ - to take/withdraw) and combine it with '钱' to form '取钱'. A typical A2 sentence would be: '我要去自动取款机取钱' (I want to go to the ATM to withdraw money). You should also be aware of the measure word '台' (tái) for machines. You might encounter simple problems, such as the machine being broken, so learning '坏了' (huàile - broken) is useful. At this stage, you start to see how Chinese words are built like LEGO blocks: 'Automatic' + 'Withdraw' + 'Money' + 'Machine'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '自动取款机' in more complex scenarios, such as discussing bank fees or daily limits. You should know the word '手续费' (shǒuxùfèi - service fee/commission) and be able to ask if an ATM charges a fee for international cards. You should also distinguish between '自动取款机' (withdrawal only) and '自动存取款机' (deposit and withdrawal). You might need to describe a sequence of events: 'I went to the ATM, but it didn't give me a receipt.' (我去了自动取款机，但是它没给我收据). Your vocabulary should expand to include '银行卡' (bank card) and '密码' (password). You are now moving beyond just finding the machine to actually managing the transaction and potential issues in Chinese.

At the B2 level, you can use the term '自动取款机' in discussions about banking habits and the shift toward a cashless society. You should be able to compare the convenience of ATMs with mobile payments like WeChat Pay. You might use the word in a formal context, such as explaining a problem to a bank employee: '这台自动取款机吞了我的卡，我该怎么办？' (This ATM swallowed my card, what should I do?). You should understand terms like '限额' (limit), '跨行' (inter-bank), and '境外' (overseas). You can participate in a debate about whether ATMs will eventually disappear. Your understanding of the word is now integrated into a broader financial and social context, and you can use it fluently without hesitating on the multi-syllable pronunciation.

At the C1 level, '自动取款机' is used in academic or professional discussions regarding financial infrastructure. You might analyze the distribution of ATMs in urban versus rural areas and how this affects financial inclusivity. You should be familiar with technical terms like '身份验证' (identity verification), '生物识别' (biometrics), and '非接触式' (contactless) in relation to modern ATMs. You can read news articles about bank security and the prevention of fraud at '自动取款机'. You understand the nuances between '柜员机', '自助终端', and '自动取款机' and choose the appropriate term based on the register of your conversation or writing. Your usage is precise, and you can use the term as a starting point for complex linguistic analysis of Chinese compound nouns.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of the term '自动取款机' and its place in the Chinese linguistic landscape. You can discuss the etymology of the characters and how the term has evolved alongside banking technology. You might use the word in a metaphorical sense or within a complex economic analysis of liquidity and physical currency circulation. You are aware of regional variations (e.g., terms used in Taiwan or Hong Kong vs. Mainland China) and can switch registers effortlessly. You can critically evaluate the impact of '自动取款机' on the labor market for bank tellers and use the term in high-level policy discussions. Your mastery is such that the word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a tool for expressing sophisticated thoughts on economics, technology, and society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

自动取款机 in 30 Seconds

A machine for withdrawing cash from a bank account.
Commonly found in banks, malls, and subway stations.
Literally means 'Automatic Take-Money Machine' in Chinese.
Essential vocabulary for travelers and residents in China.

The term 自动取款机 (zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī) is the standard Chinese designation for an Automated Teller Machine, or ATM. To understand this word, we can break it down into its constituent parts, which provides a masterclass in Chinese technical word formation. 自动 (zìdòng) means 'automatic' or 'self-moving,' 取 (qǔ) means 'to take' or 'to fetch,' 款 (kuǎn) refers to 'funds' or 'money,' and 机 (jī) is the suffix for 'machine.' When combined, it literally translates to 'self-moving money-taking machine.'

Daily Utility: In daily life, you will use this word whenever you need physical cash. While China is a leader in mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay), physical cash is still necessary for certain small vendors, government offices, or as a backup when traveling in rural areas.
Banking Context: When visiting a bank branch (银行), you might see a sign for the 'Self-Service Banking Area' (自助银行), which houses multiple 自动取款机. It is a formal term, yet it is the most common way to refer to the machine in both spoken and written Mandarin.

请问，这附近有自动取款机吗？ (Excuse me, is there an ATM nearby?)

The word is essential for travelers. Even if you don't speak much Chinese, being able to recognize the characters on a street sign or a mall directory can save you from a stressful situation. In modern urban China, these machines are often located in glass-enclosed cubicles for security, and they usually offer an English interface option once you insert your card.

Vocabulary Breakdown: The character '款' is particularly important in financial contexts, appearing in words like '贷款' (loan) and '存款' (deposit). Understanding this allows you to expand your financial vocabulary rapidly.

我的银行卡被自动取款机吞了。 (My bank card was swallowed by the ATM.)

Using 自动取款机 in a sentence requires an understanding of basic Chinese verbs related to movement and financial transactions. The most common verb used with it is 用 (yòng - to use) or 去 (qù - to go to). For example, 'I am going to the ATM' is '我要去自动取款机.'

Action Verbs: When you are at the machine, the primary action is 取钱 (qǔqián), which means 'to withdraw money.' You would say: '我在自动取款机上取钱' (I am withdrawing money at the ATM).

那台自动取款机坏了，不能取钱。 (That ATM is broken; you can't withdraw money.)

Grammatically, 自动取款机 functions as a standard noun. It can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a preposition, or the object of a verb. Because it is a five-character word, learners often find it helpful to practice saying it in chunks: 'zìdòng' + 'qǔkuǎn' + 'jī'. In casual conversation, you might hear people shorten it to just 取款机, omitting the 'automatic' part, as it's understood from context.

你可以通过自动取款机查询余额。 (You can check your balance through the ATM.)

Another common structure involves specifying which bank the ATM belongs to. You simply place the bank's name before the noun: '中国银行的自动取款机' (Bank of China's ATM). This is useful if your card only works with specific networks or if you want to avoid cross-bank transaction fees (手续费).

In China, you will encounter the term 自动取款机 in several specific environments. The most obvious is within the banking sector. If you enter a bank during business hours, a 'lobby manager' (大堂经理) might direct you to the machine to save time if your transaction is simple.

Public Transportation: Major subway hubs in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are filled with these machines. You'll hear announcements or see signage directing passengers to them, especially near ticket vending machines that might only accept cash or specific cards.

地铁站的自动取款机排队的人很多。 (There is a long queue at the subway station's ATM.)

In shopping malls and airports, the term is frequently used in directional audio announcements or by information desk staff. If you ask '哪里可以取现金？' (Where can I withdraw cash?), the response will almost certainly include the word '自动取款机'.

机场的自动取款机支持国际信用卡。 (The airport's ATM supports international credit cards.)

Furthermore, in news reports or financial educational content, the term is used to discuss the evolving landscape of 'fintech'. You might hear discussions about how '自动取款机' are being upgraded with facial recognition (人脸识别) technology, allowing users to withdraw money without a physical card.

For English speakers learning Chinese, several pitfalls exist when using the term 自动取款机. The most frequent error is redundancy. In English, we often say 'ATM machine,' which is technically 'Automated Teller Machine machine.' In Chinese, some learners mistakenly say 'ATM机' (ATM jī).

Confusing Withdraw vs. Deposit: A critical mistake is confusing '取款' (withdraw) with '存款' (deposit). A 自动存款机 (zìdòng cúnkuǎnjī) is a machine that only takes money. Many machines in China are actually CRS (Cash Recycling Systems), which are both 取 and 存. If you only say '取款机', you are specifically asking for a withdrawal machine.

错误：我要去自动存款机取钱。 (Incorrect: I am going to the CDM to withdraw money.)

Pronunciation of the third tone in '取' (qǔ) and '款' (kuǎn) can be tricky. When two third tones appear together, the first one changes to a second tone. However, in this five-character string, '取' (qǔ) is followed by '款' (kuǎn), so '取' becomes a rising tone (qú). Failing to apply this tone sandhi rule can make your speech sound robotic or difficult to understand.

注意：不要把自动取款机和自动售票机混淆。 (Note: Don't confuse the ATM with the automatic ticket machine.)

Finally, learners sometimes forget the measure word. When counting ATMs, use '台' (tái), which is the standard measure word for machines and appliances. Saying '一个自动取款机' is understandable but sounds less professional than '一台自动取款机'.

While 自动取款机 is the most comprehensive term, there are several alternatives and related terms you should know to sound more like a native speaker or to navigate a bank effectively.

ATM vs. 柜员机: 柜员机 (guìyuánjī) literally means 'teller machine.' You will often see this on formal bank documents or on the machines themselves. It is slightly more formal than 自动取款机.
ATM vs. 自动存取款机: 自动存取款机 (zìdòng cún-qǔkuǎnjī) is the term for a machine that can both deposit (存) and withdraw (取) money. This is the most accurate term for most modern machines in China.

这台机器是自动存取款机，可以存现金。 (This machine is an ATM/CDM combo; it can deposit cash.)

In casual conversation, people often just say ATM. Because the English acronym is so globally recognized, almost all young and middle-aged Chinese people will understand you if you say 'ATM'. However, using the full Chinese term shows a higher level of language proficiency.

比起自动取款机，我现在更常用手机支付。 (Compared to ATMs, I use mobile payments more often now.)

Another related term is 自助银行 (zìzhù yínháng), which refers to the 24-hour self-service banking lobby where the machines are located. If you are looking for a place with multiple machines, asking for the '自助银行' is often more natural than asking for a single machine.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before '自动取款机' became the standard, some early translations used '电子柜员' (Electronic Teller) or '自动出纳机'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌɔː.tə.meɪ.tɪd ˈtel.ə məˌʃiːn/

US /ˈɑː.t̬ə.meɪ.t̬ɪd ˈtel.ɚ məˌʃiːn/

zì-dòng qǔ-kuǎn-jī

Rhymes With

衣 (yī) 西 (xī) 鸡 (jī) 希 (xī) 期 (qī) 梯 (tī) 低 (dī) 泥 (ní)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'qǔ' as 'qù' (falling tone).
Missing the tone sandhi: 'qǔ' should rise slightly because 'kuǎn' is also a third tone.
Pronouncing 'jī' as 'jǐ' or 'jì'.
Mumbling the 'kuǎn' sound, losing the 'u' medial.
Stress on the wrong syllable; the primary stress is usually on 'qǔ' and 'jī'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are complex but logically structured. Once you know 'automatic', 'withdraw', and 'machine', it is easy.

Writing 4/5

Characters like '款' and '机' have many strokes and require practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, though five syllables can be a mouthful for beginners.

Listening 2/5

The word is very distinct and easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

钱 (money) 银行 (bank) 自动 (automatic) 机器 (machine) 取 (to take)

Learn Next

手续费 (fee) 密码 (password) 银行卡 (bank card) 余额 (balance) 转账 (transfer)

Advanced

金融普惠 (financial inclusion) 生物识别 (biometrics) 货币流通 (currency circulation) 非现金支付 (non-cash payment)

Grammar to Know

Measure Words for Machines

一台自动取款机 (One ATM)

Resultative Complements (坏了)

自动取款机坏了 (The ATM is broken/result of breaking)

Passive Voice with '被'

卡被自动取款机吞了 (The card was swallowed by the ATM)

Directional Prepositions (在...旁边)

在自动取款机旁边 (Next to the ATM)

Tone Sandhi (Third Tone)

取 (qǔ) + 款 (kuǎn) -> qú kuǎn

Examples by Level

自动取款机在那里。

The ATM is over there.

Uses '在那里' to indicate location.

我要找自动取款机。

I am looking for an ATM.

Uses the verb '找' (to look for).

这里有自动取款机吗？

Is there an ATM here?

A standard 'Is there...?' question structure.

自动取款机在银行里。

The ATM is in the bank.

Uses '在...里' for 'inside'.

那一台是自动取款机。

That one is an ATM.

Uses the measure word '台'.

我看见了自动取款机。

I saw the ATM.

Uses the past-tense marker '了'.

自动取款机很近。

The ATM is very close.

Uses the adjective '近' (near/close).

请问，自动取款机在哪？

Excuse me, where is the ATM?

Uses '请问' for politeness.

我去自动取款机取钱。

I am going to the ATM to withdraw money.

Subject + 去 + Place + Do something.

这台自动取款机坏了。

This ATM is broken.

Uses '坏了' to describe a broken state.

超市旁边有自动取款机。

There is an ATM next to the supermarket.

Uses '...旁边有...' to describe proximity.

我会用自动取款机。

I know how to use an ATM.

Uses '会' for an acquired skill.

你在自动取款机等我。

Wait for me at the ATM.

Uses '在...等' structure.

自动取款机可以取现金。

ATMs can withdraw cash.

Uses '可以' for possibility/capability.

请给我找一个自动取款机。

Please find an ATM for me.

Uses '给我' (for me) structure.

我要去自动取款机查余额。

I'm going to the ATM to check my balance.

Uses '查余额' (check balance).

这台自动取款机收手续费吗？

Does this ATM charge a service fee?

Uses '收' (to collect/charge) and '手续费'.

你可以用自动取款机转账。

You can use the ATM to transfer money.

Uses '转账' (to transfer funds).

自动取款机每天有取款限额。

ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit.

Uses '限额' (limit).

我的卡被自动取款机吞了。

My card was swallowed by the ATM.

Uses the '被' (passive) construction.

请在自动取款机前排队。

Please line up in front of the ATM.

Uses '排队' (to line up).

有些自动取款机不支持外卡。

Some ATMs do not support foreign cards.

Uses '不支持' (does not support).

自动取款机里没有现金了。

There is no cash left in the ATM.

Uses '没有...了' to indicate a change in state.

我需要自动取款机的收据。

I need the receipt from the ATM.

Uses '收据' (receipt).

随着手机支付的普及，自动取款机越来越少了。

With the popularity of mobile payments, ATMs are becoming fewer and fewer.

Uses '随着...的普及' (with the popularity of...).

为了安全，请在自动取款机输入密码时遮挡。

For safety, please cover the keypad when entering your password at the ATM.

Uses '为了' (for the purpose of) and '遮挡' (to cover/shield).

这台自动取款机具有人脸识别功能。

This ATM has a facial recognition function.

Uses '具有...功能' (to possess a function).

跨行在自动取款机取钱通常需要额外费用。

Withdrawing money from an inter-bank ATM usually requires an extra fee.

Uses '跨行' (inter-bank).

自动取款机为那些没有智能手机的人提供了便利。

ATMs provide convenience for those who do not have smartphones.

Uses '为...提供' (to provide for...).

银行正在逐步更换旧的自动取款机。

Banks are gradually replacing old ATMs.

Uses '逐步' (gradually) and '更换' (to replace).

他在自动取款机旁边遭遇了抢劫。

He was robbed next to the ATM.

Uses '遭遇' (to encounter/suffer - usually something bad).

自动取款机的维护成本其实很高。

The maintenance cost of ATMs is actually very high.

Uses '维护成本' (maintenance cost).

自动取款机在农村地区的金融普惠中起着关键作用。

ATMs play a key role in financial inclusion in rural areas.

Uses '在...中起着关键作用' (plays a key role in...).

尽管数字货币兴起，自动取款机依然是基础金融设施的一部分。

Despite the rise of digital currency, ATMs remain part of the basic financial infrastructure.

Uses '尽管...依然' (despite... still).

针对自动取款机的犯罪手段日益智能化。

Criminal methods targeting ATMs are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Uses '针对' (targeting/aimed at) and '日益' (day by day).

自动取款机的普及标志着银行服务从人工向自动化的转变。

The popularization of ATMs marks the transformation of banking services from manual to automated.

Uses '标志着' (marks/signifies).

银行通过分析自动取款机的使用数据来优化网点布局。

Banks optimize branch layouts by analyzing ATM usage data.

Uses '通过...来' (by means of... in order to).

这种新型自动取款机集成了多项自助服务功能。

This new type of ATM integrates multiple self-service functions.

Uses '集成' (to integrate).

自动取款机的故障率是衡量银行服务质量的一个指标。

The failure rate of ATMs is an indicator of a bank's service quality.

Uses '衡量...的指标' (an indicator for measuring...).

在全球范围内，自动取款机的数量正在经历结构性调整。

On a global scale, the number of ATMs is undergoing structural adjustments.

Uses '在全球范围内' (on a global scale).

自动取款机作为物理金融触角的延伸，其战略意义不容小觑。

As an extension of the physical financial reach, the strategic significance of ATMs should not be underestimated.

Uses '不容小觑' (cannot be underestimated/ignored).

在后现金时代，自动取款机的功能正由单一的现金存取向综合性金融终端演变。

In the post-cash era, the function of ATMs is evolving from simple cash transactions to comprehensive financial terminals.

Uses '由...向...演变' (evolve from... to...).

自动取款机的布局密度往往折射出一个地区的经济活跃程度。

The density of ATM layouts often reflects the level of economic activity in a region.

Uses '折射出' (to reflect/refract).

银行需在自动取款机的便利性与安全性之间寻求动态平衡。

Banks need to seek a dynamic balance between the convenience and security of ATMs.

Uses '在...之间寻求动态平衡'.

自动取款机的软硬件升级需紧跟网络安全协议的更迭。

Hardware and software upgrades for ATMs must keep pace with the changes in cybersecurity protocols.

Uses '紧跟' (to keep close pace with) and '更迭' (alternation/change).

虽然移动支付极具优势，但自动取款机在应急资金保障方面仍具不可替代性。

Although mobile payments have great advantages, ATMs remain irreplaceable in terms of emergency fund security.

Uses '不可替代性' (irreplaceability).

通过对自动取款机投放量的宏观调控，可以间接影响货币流通速度。

The velocity of money circulation can be indirectly influenced through the macro-control of ATM deployment.

Uses '宏观调控' (macro-control).

自动取款机的交互界面设计需充分考量不同年龄层用户的认知差异。

The design of ATM interactive interfaces needs to fully consider the cognitive differences among users of different age groups.

Uses '充分考量' (to fully consider) and '认知差异' (cognitive differences).

Common Collocations

寻找自动取款机

使用自动取款机

自动取款机故障

自动取款机密码

自动取款机手续费

跨行自动取款机

自动取款机网点

自动取款机吞卡

自动取款机屏幕

自动取款机插卡口

Common Phrases

去自动取款机

— To go to the ATM.

我要去自动取款机。

在自动取款机取钱

— To withdraw money at the ATM.

他在自动取款机取钱。

附近的自动取款机

— The nearby ATM.

附近的自动取款机在哪？

自动取款机坏了

— The ATM is broken.

别去了，自动取款机坏了。

找自动取款机

— To look for an ATM.

帮我找个自动取款机。

用自动取款机查钱

— To check money (balance) using an ATM.

我可以用自动取款机查钱吗？

自动取款机排队

— To queue at the ATM.

自动取款机排队太长了。

自动取款机没钱了

— The ATM is out of money.

这台自动取款机没钱了。

自动取款机取款限额

— ATM withdrawal limit.

你知道自动取款机取款限额吗？

自动取款机手续费

— ATM service fee.

跨行取款有手续费。

Often Confused With

自动取款机 vs 自动存款机

A machine only for deposits.

自动取款机 vs 自动售票机

A machine for buying tickets (e.g., at a train station).

自动取款机 vs 自动贩卖机

A vending machine for drinks or snacks.

Idioms & Expressions

"腰缠万贯"

— Extremely wealthy (literally: ten thousand strings of coins around the waist). Related to having much money to withdraw.

他虽然腰缠万贯，但也经常用自动取款机。

Literary

"取之不尽"

— Inexhaustible. Used jokingly when an ATM seems to have endless money.

你以为自动取款机的钱是取之不尽的吗？

Neutral

"金蝉脱壳"

— To escape like a cicada shedding its skin. Used in crime stories involving ATMs.

小偷在自动取款机作案后金蝉脱壳了。

Literary

"见钱眼开"

— To be greedy for money. A warning for security at ATMs.

在自动取款机前不要见钱眼开，要注意安全。

Colloquial

"一诺千金"

— A promise is worth a thousand gold pieces. Related to the trust in banking systems.

银行对自动取款机的安全性是一诺千金的。

Formal

"大手大脚"

— To spend money extravagantly. Often said after visiting an ATM.

自从有了自动取款机，他花钱总是大手大脚。

Colloquial

"入不敷出"

— Income not meeting expenses. Why one might visit an ATM frequently.

他入不敷出，天天跑自动取款机。

Formal

"挥金如土"

— To spend money like dirt. Describing high-volume withdrawals.

他在自动取款机前挥金如土。

Literary

"财源滚滚"

— Wealth flowing in. A wish often made near financial institutions.

祝你自动取款机里财源滚滚。

Casual

"身无分文"

— To not have a penny. The state before finding an ATM.

我现在身无分文，急需找个自动取款机。

Neutral

Easily Confused

自动取款机 vs 取 (qǔ)

Sounds like 去 (qù).

取 is 3rd tone (take); 去 is 4th tone (go).

我要去(qù)取(qǔ)钱。

自动取款机 vs 款 (kuǎn)

Related to 钱 (qián).

款 is formal 'funds'; 钱 is general 'money'.

取款 (formal) vs 取钱 (common).

自动取款机 vs 机 (jī)

Appears in many words.

机 refers to the machine itself; other words might refer to the service.

手机 (phone), 电视机 (TV).

自动取款机 vs 自助 (zìzhù)

Sounds like 自动 (zìdòng).

自助 means 'self-service'; 自动 means 'automatic'.

自助银行 (self-service bank).

自动取款机 vs 支票 (zhīpiào)

Financial term.

支票 is a check; 自动取款机 deals with cash.

我不能在自动取款机用支票。

Sentence Patterns

...在哪里？

自动取款机在哪里？

去...取钱

去自动取款机取钱。

被...吞了

卡被自动取款机吞了。

用...查余额

用自动取款机查余额。

随着...的普及

随着自动取款机的普及...

支持...卡

自动取款机支持外国卡。

标志着...

这标志着自动取款机时代的终结。

不容小觑

自动取款机的安全性不容小觑。

Word Family

Nouns

款项 (funds)

存款 (deposit)

贷款 (loan)

罚款 (fine)

货款 (payment for goods)

Verbs

取钱 (withdraw money)

存款 (to deposit)

拨款 (to allocate funds)

付款 (to pay)

退款 (to refund)

Adjectives

自动的 (automatic)

手动的 (manual)

金融的 (financial)

自助的 (self-service)

银行 (bank)

信用卡 (credit card)

借记卡 (debit card)

密码 (password)

现金 (cash)

How to Use It

frequency

High in daily life, though slightly declining due to mobile payments.

Common Mistakes

Using '一个' instead of '一台'. → 一台自动取款机
Machines require the specific measure word '台'.
Confusing '取' (withdraw) with '存' (deposit). → 去取钱 (Go to withdraw money)
Using the wrong verb can lead you to a machine that doesn't do what you need.
Saying 'ATM机'. → 自动取款机 or ATM
Adding '机' (machine) to 'ATM' (which already includes 'machine') is redundant.
Mispronouncing '款' as 'kun'. → kuǎn
The 'u' medial is essential. Practice 'k-u-an'.
Forgetting the tone sandhi. → qú kuǎn
Two 3rd tones in a row require the first to change to 2nd tone for flow.

Tips

Tone Sandhi

Remember that '取' (qǔ) changes to a 2nd tone when followed by '款' (kuǎn) because they are both 3rd tones. This makes it sound more natural.

Shield your PIN

Even in safe areas, always use your hand to cover the keypad. 'Skimming' devices are rare but possible in any country.

Notify your bank

Before traveling to China, tell your bank you will be using the '自动取款机' there so they don't block your card for suspicious activity.

Cash is for small things

In China, use the ATM to get cash for small street vendors or old-fashioned restaurants that don't take mobile payments.

Use '台'

Always use the measure word '台' (tái) when counting ATMs. It shows you have a good grasp of Chinese grammar.

Shorten it

In casual talk, just say '取款机'. Everyone will understand you, and it's easier to say.

Look for logos

Look for the 'UnionPay' (银联) logo. If an ATM has it, it is part of the national network.

Cardless Withdrawal

Some machines allow you to withdraw money by scanning a QR code with your bank's app. This is called '无卡取款'.

Avoid peak hours

Avoid using ATMs near subway stations during rush hour, as the lines can be very long.

Wait your turn

In China, people often stand quite close in line. If you want more space, politely gesture or say '请离远一点' (Please stand a bit further).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Zidong' (Automatic) robot that 'Qu' (Takes) your 'Kuan' (Coins/Funds) from a 'Ji' (Machine).

Visual Association

Imagine a machine with a giant robot arm (Automatic) grabbing a bag of money (Withdraw Funds).

Word Web

Bank Money Card Password Cash Screen Keypad Receipt

Challenge

Try to find three different ATMs in your city and identify which bank they belong to using Chinese bank names.

Word Origin

The term is a modern loan-translation (calque) from English. It was introduced to the Chinese language in the late 20th century as banking technology modernized.

Original meaning: Automatic (自动) + Withdraw (取) + Money/Funds (款) + Machine (机).

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese Mandarin).

Cultural Context

Always ensure the machine is in a well-lit area. In China, it is common for ATMs to be in private glass booths for safety.

In English-speaking countries, 'ATM' is the universal term, and 'cash machine' is common in the UK. 'Automatic Teller Machine' is rarely said in full.

The first ATM in China was installed by the Bank of China in Zhuhai in 1986. ATMs are often featured in Chinese 'heist' movies as a symbol of modern urban life. Public service announcements in China often warn citizens about 'ATM fraud' (取款机诈骗).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traveling in China

哪里有自动取款机？
这台机器支持Visa吗？
我想取一千块。
手续费是多少？

Banking Problems

我的卡被吞了。
机器没给钱。
密码不对。
屏幕坏了。

Daily Errands

我去取点钱。
帮我看着包，我去取款机。
还没到取款限额。
我需要收据。

Asking for Directions

自动取款机在几楼？
拐角处有取款机。
银行里面有自动取款机。
离这儿远吗？

Security Warnings

注意周围的人。
遮挡密码。
别忘了拿卡。
取完钱快走。

Conversation Starters

"你通常在哪个银行的自动取款机取钱？ (Which bank's ATM do you usually use?)"

"你觉得现在自动取款机还必要吗？ (Do you think ATMs are still necessary now?)"

"你有没有被自动取款机吞过卡？ (Have you ever had your card swallowed by an ATM?)"

"在你的国家，自动取款机多吗？ (Are there many ATMs in your country?)"

"你最后一次用自动取款机是什么时候？ (When was the last time you used an ATM?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你在外国使用自动取款机的经历。 (Describe an experience using an ATM in a foreign country.)

讨论移动支付是否会完全取代自动取款机。 (Discuss whether mobile payments will completely replace ATMs.)

如果你在自动取款机捡到了钱，你会怎么办？ (What would you do if you found money at an ATM?)

写一段关于银行服务自动化的看法。 (Write a paragraph about your views on the automation of banking services.)

想象一个没有自动取款机的世界会是什么样子。 (Imagine what a world without ATMs would look like.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, most ATMs in major Chinese cities belong to the UnionPay network and support international networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Cirrus. Look for the logos on the machine's exterior.

Standard limits are usually between 2,000 to 5,000 RMB per transaction, with a daily total of around 20,000 RMB. However, this depends on your specific bank's policies.

Yes, almost all modern ATMs in China offer an English language option. Usually, you insert your card first, and then a 'Language/English' button will appear on the screen.

Do not leave the machine immediately. Look for a phone number on the machine (usually a 24-hour customer service line) and call it. You will likely need to visit the bank branch with your passport the next business day.

Yes, 'cross-bank' (跨行) fees usually range from 2 to 5 RMB per transaction. If you are using an international card, your home bank may also charge a significant foreign transaction fee.

No, you must use a 'Cash Deposit Machine' (自动存款机) or a 'Cash Recycling System' (自动存取款机). Look for the characters '存' (deposit) on the machine.

Generally, yes. China is very safe, and most ATMs are located in secure, well-lit booths. However, always be aware of your surroundings and cover your PIN.

Most Chinese ATMs only dispense 100 RMB notes. Some newer machines might offer 10 or 50 RMB notes, but this is less common.

You can use map apps like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode) and search for '自动取款机' or 'ATM'. Most hotels and malls also have them clearly marked.

Chinese bank cards use 6-digit PINs. If your international card has a 4-digit PIN, try entering it as is. If that doesn't work, try adding two zeros at the end, but check with your bank first.