An electric fan is a common appliance used to create airflow for cooling and ventilation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- An appliance that creates wind by rotating blades.
- Used for cooling and ventilation, especially in summer.
- A common household item, cheaper than air conditioning.
Overview
电扇（diàn shàn）是一个非常常见的中文词汇，指利用电力驱动，通过旋转扇叶来产生空气流动，从而达到降温或通风效果的电器。它在现代家庭和办公环境中扮演着重要的角色，尤其是在夏季高温时节，是空调的经济实惠的替代品或补充品。
电扇的使用非常普遍，几乎在任何需要空气流通或降温的场合都可以看到。它可以单独使用，也可以配合空调使用，以加速冷空气的扩散，提高制冷效率。电扇的种类多样，包括落地扇、台扇、吊扇、壁扇等，适用于不同的空间和需求。
电扇最常出现在家庭（客厅、卧室、书房）、办公室、商店、教室、工厂车间等室内环境中。人们在感到热、空气不流通或需要改善室内环境时，会打开电扇。例如：'夏天太热了，我得开电扇。' '办公室里开了空调，但还是有点闷，需要开个电扇。'
与电扇最常被比较的是空调（kōng tiáo）。空调通过制冷剂来降低室内温度，效果更强劲，但耗电量大且成本高。电扇则通过空气流动来带走热量，感觉上是凉爽，但实际温度变化不大，它更侧重于通风和体感降温，价格便宜，耗电少。此外，还有风扇（fēng shàn），这是电扇的简称，在口语中更常用。有时也用'扇子'（shàn zi）来指手持的、非电动的纳凉工具，与电扇是完全不同的概念。
Examples
夏天到了，天气很热，我每天晚上都开电扇睡觉。
everydaySummer has arrived, and it's very hot, so I turn on the electric fan to sleep every night.
办公室里开了空调，但为了空气流通，还是放了一台电扇。
generalThe office has air conditioning, but an electric fan was still placed to improve air circulation.
这台老式电扇还在工作，真是耐用。
informalThis old-style electric fan is still working, it's really durable.
为了降低能耗，许多公共场所选择使用电扇而非仅仅依赖空调。
generalTo reduce energy consumption, many public places choose to use electric fans instead of solely relying on air conditioning.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
开电扇
turn on the fan
关电扇
turn off the fan
电扇坏了
the fan is broken
Often Confused With
Air conditioners actively cool the air using refrigerants, significantly lowering temperature. Electric fans move existing air, creating a cooling sensation through evaporation but don't lower the actual room temperature.
风扇 is a shorter, more colloquial term for 电扇 (electric fan). While technically interchangeable in many contexts, 电扇 is the more formal and complete term.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '电扇' is widely understood and used in both spoken and written Chinese. It's a neutral term suitable for most everyday situations. Its shorter form, '风扇', is more common in casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '电扇' with '空调' (air conditioner) or '扇子' (hand fan). Ensure understanding of the function: '电扇' uses electricity to create airflow, '空调' actively cools the air, and '扇子' is manually operated.
Tips
Use Fan with AC
Using a fan with air conditioning can help circulate cool air more effectively, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher and save energy.
Keep Away from Water
Like most electrical appliances, electric fans should be kept away from water sources to prevent electric shock or damage to the device.
Summer Essential
In many Chinese households, especially in regions with hot summers, electric fans are considered essential items for comfort during the warmer months.
Word Origin
The word '电扇' is a compound word formed by '电' (diàn), meaning electricity, and '扇' (shàn), meaning fan. This clearly indicates its nature as an electrically powered device for creating airflow.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, especially during hot summers, offering a guest a cool drink and turning on a fan are common gestures of hospitality. Fans are a staple in most homes, representing a basic level of comfort.
Memory Tip
Think of '电' (diàn) meaning electricity, and '扇' (shàn) meaning fan or to fan. So, '电扇' is literally an 'electric fan'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions电扇通过转动扇叶产生风，加速空气流通，带走身体热量，提供体感凉爽。空调则通过制冷剂降低室内空气温度，效果更显著，但耗电量大。
常见的有落地扇（高大的立在地上）、台扇（放在桌上）、吊扇（挂在天花板上）和壁扇（装在墙上）。
电扇转动时会加速身体表面的空气流动，促进汗液蒸发。汗液蒸发会吸收身体的热量，从而让人感觉凉爽。
相比空调，电扇的耗电量非常小，是一种经济节能的降温方式。
Test Yourself
天气太热了，我需要打开______来降温。
根据句子意思，需要一个可以降温的电器，电扇是符合条件的。
以下哪种电器主要通过空气流动来提供凉爽感？
电扇通过转动扇叶产生风，加速空气流动，从而提供凉爽感。
词语：电扇，很，热，开，今天
这个句子结构完整，语意通顺，符合中文表达习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
An electric fan is a common appliance used to create airflow for cooling and ventilation.
- An appliance that creates wind by rotating blades.
- Used for cooling and ventilation, especially in summer.
- A common household item, cheaper than air conditioning.
Use Fan with AC
Using a fan with air conditioning can help circulate cool air more effectively, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher and save energy.
Keep Away from Water
Like most electrical appliances, electric fans should be kept away from water sources to prevent electric shock or damage to the device.
Summer Essential
In many Chinese households, especially in regions with hot summers, electric fans are considered essential items for comfort during the warmer months.
Examples
4 of 4夏天到了，天气很热，我每天晚上都开电扇睡觉。
Summer has arrived, and it's very hot, so I turn on the electric fan to sleep every night.
办公室里开了空调，但为了空气流通，还是放了一台电扇。
The office has air conditioning, but an electric fan was still placed to improve air circulation.
这台老式电扇还在工作，真是耐用。
This old-style electric fan is still working, it's really durable.
为了降低能耗，许多公共场所选择使用电扇而非仅仅依赖空调。
To reduce energy consumption, many public places choose to use electric fans instead of solely relying on air conditioning.
