燃料 in 30 Seconds
- 燃料 (ránliào) means fuel.
- It's material burned for heat or power.
- Used for cars, power plants, and heating.
- Essential for energy discussions.
The Chinese word 燃料 (ránliào) directly translates to 'fuel' in English. It refers to any substance that is consumed to produce energy, typically through burning. This is a very common and practical word used in everyday contexts and in more technical discussions about energy, transportation, and industry. You'll encounter it when talking about cars needing gasoline, power plants burning coal, or even a fireplace needing wood. It's a core vocabulary item for understanding how energy is generated and used in modern life.
- Core Meaning
- The fundamental concept is something that can be burned to release energy.
- Common Substances
- This includes fossil fuels like coal (煤炭 méitàn), oil (石油 shíyóu), and natural gas (天然气 tiānránqì), as well as wood (木材 mùcái), charcoal (木炭 mùtàn), and even nuclear fuel (核燃料 hé ránliào) in a broader sense.
- Applications
- It's used for heating homes, powering vehicles, generating electricity, and in industrial processes.
汽车需要加燃料才能开动。
Understanding 燃料 is crucial for discussing energy, environmental issues, and everyday life. For instance, when news reports discuss energy crises or the price of oil, 燃料 is the central topic. It's also relevant when talking about sustainable energy, as people might discuss renewable fuels (可再生燃料 kě zàishēng ránliào) as alternatives to traditional ones. The concept extends to things like rocket fuel (火箭燃料 huǒjiàn ránliào) and even in a more abstract sense, what 'fuels' a person's passion (though this is less common for the word 燃料 itself and more for related concepts).
In summary, 燃料 is a versatile term for anything that provides energy through combustion. It's a word you'll frequently encounter in discussions about power, transportation, and industry, making it an essential part of your Chinese vocabulary.
Using 燃料 in sentences is straightforward. It typically functions as a noun. You can talk about the type of fuel, the need for fuel, the cost of fuel, or the environmental impact of fuel. Here are various ways to incorporate it into your Chinese sentences, ranging from simple statements to more complex ideas.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- Subject + Verb + 燃料 (or modifier + 燃料).
- Talking About Types of Fuel
- You can specify the type of fuel. For example, 'gasoline' (汽油 qìyóu), 'diesel' (柴油 chái yóu), 'coal' (煤炭 méitàn), 'natural gas' (天然气 tiānránqì), 'wood' (木材 mùcái).
- Expressing Need or Lack
- Sentences often involve needing fuel (需要燃料 xūyào ránliào) or running out of fuel (没燃料了 méi ránliào le).
- Discussing Cost and Price
- Fuel prices are a common topic. You might say 'fuel price' (燃料价格 ránliào jiàgé).
- Environmental Concerns
- Discussions about pollution (污染 wūrǎn) often involve the type of fuel used.
这种新型燃料非常环保。
Consider these sentence patterns:
- Subject + Verb + 燃料: 我需要燃料。(Wǒ xūyào ránliào.) - I need fuel.
- Subject + Adjective + 燃料 + Verb: 这种燃料很贵。(Zhè zhǒng ránliào hěn guì.) - This fuel is very expensive.
- Location + Verb + 燃料: 飞机上装满了燃料。(Fēijī shàng zhuāng mǎnle ránliào.) - The airplane is filled with fuel.
- About a specific type of fuel: 煤炭是一种重要的燃料。(Méitàn shì yī zhǒng zhòngyào de ránliào.) - Coal is an important fuel.
- Regarding energy production: 发电厂使用大量的燃料。(Fādiànchǎng shǐyòng dàliàng de ránliào.) - Power plants use a large amount of fuel.
- Discussing alternatives: 我们应该寻找更清洁的燃料。(Wǒmen yīnggāi xúnzhǎo gèng qīngjié de ránliào.) - We should look for cleaner fuels.
- In the context of transportation: 汽车的燃料消耗量很大。(Qìchē de ránliào xiāohào liàng hěn dà.) - The fuel consumption of cars is very high.
- Talking about storage: 船上有足够的燃料。(Chuán shàng yǒu zúgòu de ránliào.) - There is enough fuel on the ship.
By practicing these sentence structures and examples, you'll quickly become comfortable using 燃料 in your Chinese conversations and writing.
You'll hear the word 燃料 (ránliào) in a variety of everyday and specialized contexts. Understanding these situations will help you grasp its practical application and frequency. It's a word deeply embedded in discussions about modern life and technology.
- Transportation
- This is perhaps the most common place. When people talk about cars, buses, trains, airplanes, or ships, the discussion of their fuel needs is frequent. You'll hear phrases like '加燃料' (jiā ránliào - to add fuel) at gas stations, or discussions about the type of 燃料 (e.g., 汽油 qìyóu, 柴油 chái yóu, 电 diàn - electricity as a form of energy for vehicles) a vehicle uses.
- Energy Production
- News reports, documentaries, and discussions about power plants (发电厂 fādiànchǎng) and electricity generation often mention the 燃料 they use, such as coal (煤炭 méitàn), natural gas (天然气 tiānránqì), or even nuclear fuel (核燃料 hé ránliào).
- Home Heating and Cooking
- In areas where central heating isn't universal, people might discuss heating their homes with coal, wood (木材 mùcái), or gas. Similarly, cooking stoves use various forms of 燃料.
- Industry and Manufacturing
- Factories and industrial processes often require significant amounts of energy, derived from various types of 燃料. Discussions might revolve around efficiency and cost.
- Environmental Discussions
- When talking about climate change, pollution, and sustainability, the type of 燃料 used is a key factor. You'll hear about 'clean fuels' (清洁燃料 qīngjié ránliào) and the search for alternatives.
- Science and Technology
- In scientific contexts, especially in physics and chemistry, 燃料 is used to describe substances undergoing combustion or nuclear reactions to produce energy.
我们需要为飞机添加燃料才能起飞。
You might also hear it in more casual settings, like someone complaining about the high cost of gasoline, or discussing how they heat their home in winter. The word 燃料 is fundamental to understanding discussions about energy and its sources, making it a very frequently used term in daily Chinese communication.
While 燃料 (ránliào) is a straightforward word, learners might make a few common mistakes, often related to overgeneralization or confusion with similar concepts. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you use the word more accurately.
- Confusing Fuel with Energy
- Mistake: Using 燃料 to mean 'energy' itself. For example, saying 'This machine uses a lot of 燃料' when you mean it consumes a lot of power or energy.
Correction: 燃料 is the substance that *produces* energy. Energy is the output. For example, a car needs fuel (燃料) to generate kinetic energy (动能 dòngnéng) or power (动力 dònglì). - Overuse in Abstract Contexts
- Mistake: Applying 燃料 to metaphorical 'fuel' for a person's drive or motivation. While English uses 'fuel' metaphorically, Chinese typically uses different words for this, like '动力' (dònglì - motivation, driving force) or '精神' (jīngshén - spirit, morale).
- Incorrectly Specifying Fuel Types
- Mistake: Using 燃料 alone when a specific type of fuel is implied or known.
Correction: It's often better to use the specific term if you know it, e.g., 汽油 (qìyóu - gasoline), 柴油 (chái yóu - diesel), 天然气 (tiānránqì - natural gas), 煤炭 (méitàn - coal). 燃料 is used when the specific type isn't important or is understood from context. - Grammatical Errors
- Mistake: Treating 燃料 as an uncountable noun in English and applying that logic directly. In Chinese, like many nouns, it can be used generally or with quantifiers.
Correction: Pay attention to Chinese grammar. For instance, you might say '一种燃料' (yī zhǒng ránliào - one type of fuel) or '大量的燃料' (dàliàng de ránliào - a large amount of fuel). - Using it for Non-Combustible Energy Sources
- Mistake: Referring to electricity (电 diàn) or solar power (太阳能 tàiyángnéng) as 燃料.
Correction: 燃料 specifically refers to substances that are *burned* or consumed to produce energy. Electricity and solar power are direct forms of energy or energy conversion, not typically called 燃料 in standard usage, although sometimes electricity is considered a 'fuel' for electric vehicles in a broader sense of the word 'fuel' in English.
我的车用的是汽油，而不是柴油。燃料类型很重要。
By paying attention to these distinctions, you can ensure your use of 燃料 is accurate and natural-sounding.
While 燃料 (ránliào) is the most common and general term for 'fuel', there are related words and alternative ways to express similar concepts in Chinese. Understanding these nuances will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise communication.
- Specific Types of Fuel
- 汽油 (qìyóu): Gasoline. Used for most cars.
柴油 (chái yóu): Diesel. Used for trucks, buses, and some cars.
天然气 (tiānránqì): Natural gas. Used for heating, cooking, and some vehicles.
煤炭 (méitàn): Coal. A traditional fuel for power plants and heating.
木材 (mùcái): Wood. Used for heating and cooking, especially in rural areas.
核燃料 (hé ránliào): Nuclear fuel. Used in nuclear power plants. - Energy and Power
- 能源 (néngyuán): Energy source. This is a broader term encompassing all forms of energy, including renewable ones like solar and wind, not just combustible fuels.
电力 (diànlì): Electric power. The energy supplied by electricity.
动力 (dònglì): Power; motive force. This can refer to the power generated by fuel or the driving force behind something. - Metaphorical Use
- 动力 (dònglì): As mentioned above, this can mean 'motivation' or 'driving force' for a person or project, similar to how 'fuel' is used metaphorically in English. For example, '成功是前进的动力' (Chénggōng shì qiánjìn de dònglì - Success is the motivation for moving forward).
- Substances for Combustion
- 燃油 (rányóu): Refined oil fuel, specifically liquid fuels like gasoline and diesel. This is a subset of 燃料.
太阳能是一种可再生能源，而不是燃料。
Choosing the right word depends on the specificity required. If you're talking about the general concept of combustible material for energy, 燃料 is perfect. If you need to specify gasoline, use 汽油. If you're discussing energy sources in general, including non-combustible ones, use 能源.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 燃 (rán) itself is composed of the 'fire' radical (火 huǒ) and a phonetic component. This clearly indicates its association with fire and burning. The character 料 (liào) has evolved over time, but its original meaning often related to materials or ingredients used in preparation.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'i' in 'liao' as a distinct vowel sound instead of part of the 'iao' diphthong.
- Incorrectly stressing the second syllable.
- Not fully articulating the 'ao' diphthong in 'liao'.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is straightforward, but understanding its context in technical or economic texts about energy can increase reading difficulty. Texts discussing energy policy, environmental science, or industrial processes will use 燃料 in more complex sentences.
Using 燃料 accurately in writing requires understanding its various collocations and the distinction between it and related terms like 能源 or specific fuel types. Constructing nuanced sentences about energy policy or technical specifications can be challenging.
Basic usage is easy. However, engaging in discussions about energy prices, environmental impact, or technological advancements involving fuel requires a broader vocabulary and understanding of related concepts.
Recognizing 燃料 in everyday conversations about cars or heating is easy. Understanding it in news reports about the economy or energy crises requires more context and vocabulary.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using measure words with nouns.
一 种 燃料 (yī zhǒng ránliào) - one type of fuel. 五 升 燃料 (wǔ shēng ránliào) - five liters of fuel.
Using adjectives before nouns.
清洁 燃料 (qīngjié ránliào) - clean fuel. 昂贵 燃料 (ángguì ránliào) - expensive fuel.
Using '的' (de) to connect adjectives or noun phrases to nouns.
汽车 的 燃料 (qìchē de ránliào) - the car's fuel. 环境 的 燃料 (huánjìng de ránliào) - environmental fuel (less common, usually '对环境有影响的燃料' - fuel that affects the environment).
Using verbs like '消耗' (xiāohào - consume) and '加' (jiā - add) with 燃料.
汽车消耗 燃料。(Qìchē xiāohào ránliào.) - Cars consume fuel. 给车加 燃料。(Gěi chē jiā ránliào.) - Add fuel to the car.
Using '关于' (guānyú - about) or '关于...的' (guānyú...de) to introduce topics related to 燃料.
我们来谈谈 燃料。(Wǒmen lái tántan ránliào.) - Let's talk about fuel. 这是 关于 燃料 的 文章。(Zhè shì guānyú ránliào de wénzhāng.) - This is an article about fuel.
Examples by Level
车需要燃料。
Car needs fuel.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
这是燃料。
This is fuel.
Basic identification sentence.
没有燃料了。
There is no fuel left.
Using '了' to indicate a change of state.
这是什么燃料？
What kind of fuel is this?
Using '什么' for questions.
飞机用燃料。
Airplanes use fuel.
Simple statement about usage.
煤是燃料。
Coal is fuel.
Simple classification.
需要很多燃料。
Need a lot of fuel.
Using '很多' (a lot).
给汽车加燃料。
Add fuel to the car.
Verb-object structure.
我的摩托车需要汽油作为燃料。
My motorcycle needs gasoline as fuel.
Specifying the type of fuel.
船在港口装载了大量的燃料。
The ship loaded a large amount of fuel at the port.
Using '大量' (large amount) and location.
冬天，我们用木材来取暖，木材是一种很好的燃料。
In winter, we use wood for heating; wood is a very good fuel.
Explaining the purpose of the fuel.
这种新型燃料比传统的更清洁。
This new type of fuel is cleaner than traditional ones.
Using comparative adjectives.
飞机的燃料价格最近上涨了很多。
The price of airplane fuel has risen a lot recently.
Discussing fuel price.
他们正在研究使用生物燃料来代替石油。
They are researching the use of biofuels to replace oil.
Introducing the concept of alternatives.
汽车没有燃料就不能走了。
The car cannot run without fuel.
Expressing a conditional necessity.
请检查一下油箱里的燃料是否足够。
Please check if there is enough fuel in the fuel tank.
Using '是否' (whether or not).
随着全球对清洁能源的需求增加，新型环保燃料的研发变得尤为重要。
As the global demand for clean energy increases, the research and development of new environmentally friendly fuels have become particularly important.
More complex sentence structure with subordinate clauses.
在偏远地区，许多家庭仍然依赖燃烧木材作为主要的取暖燃料。
In remote areas, many families still rely on burning wood as their primary heating fuel.
Using '依赖' (rely on) and '主要' (primary).
为了减少碳排放，政府鼓励使用低硫燃料。
To reduce carbon emissions, the government encourages the use of low-sulfur fuels.
Discussing policy and environmental impact.
核电站使用的核燃料需要极其严格的安全措施来管理。
The nuclear fuel used by nuclear power plants requires extremely strict safety measures for management.
Using technical terms and formal language.
航空业正在积极探索使用可持续航空燃料，以期减少对化石燃料的依赖。
The aviation industry is actively exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuels in hopes of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Using '积极探索' (actively explore) and '以期' (in hopes of).
天然气作为一种相对清洁的化石燃料，在能源结构中扮演着重要角色。
Natural gas, as a relatively clean fossil fuel, plays an important role in the energy structure.
Describing the role of a specific fuel.
车辆的燃料效率直接关系到其运营成本和环境影响。
The fuel efficiency of a vehicle is directly related to its operating costs and environmental impact.
Using '效率' (efficiency) and '关系到' (related to).
长期以来，煤炭一直是主要的工业燃料，但其环境污染问题日益突出。
For a long time, coal has been the main industrial fuel, but its environmental pollution problems are increasingly prominent.
Discussing historical use and current problems.
全球能源转型正推动着对新型可再生燃料的巨大需求，例如氢能和生物乙醇。
The global energy transition is driving a huge demand for new renewable fuels, such as hydrogen and bioethanol.
Discussing global trends and specific examples.
尽管电动汽车日益普及，但内燃机汽车仍然占据市场主导地位，对传统燃料的需求依然旺盛。
Despite the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles still dominate the market, and the demand for traditional fuels remains strong.
Comparing different technologies and their fuel implications.
科学家们正在探索利用二氧化碳作为原料，通过化学反应合成可持续的航空燃料，以期实现碳中和。
Scientists are exploring the use of carbon dioxide as a raw material to synthesize sustainable aviation fuels through chemical reactions, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality.
Advanced scientific concepts and future goals.
国家能源战略的制定需要综合考虑燃料的供应稳定性、价格波动以及地缘政治因素。
The formulation of national energy strategies requires comprehensive consideration of fuel supply stability, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors.
Discussing complex policy and economic factors.
生物质燃料的广泛应用面临着土地利用冲突和可持续性方面的挑战。
The widespread application of biomass fuels faces challenges in land use conflicts and sustainability.
Analyzing the pros and cons of a fuel type.
汽车制造商正投入巨资研发能够使用多种燃料的发动机，以适应不同市场和法规的要求。
Automakers are investing heavily in R&D for engines that can use multiple fuels to adapt to the requirements of different markets and regulations.
Discussing technological innovation and market adaptation.
对化石燃料的过度依赖不仅加剧了环境问题，也使得经济体容易受到国际油价波动的影响。
Over-reliance on fossil fuels not only exacerbates environmental problems but also makes economies vulnerable to the impact of international oil price fluctuations.
Discussing the negative consequences of fuel dependence.
为了实现交通运输领域的脱碳目标，必须加速开发和推广使用零排放或低排放的替代燃料。
To achieve decarbonization goals in the transportation sector, the development and promotion of zero-emission or low-emission alternative fuels must be accelerated.
Focusing on future goals and solutions.
当前全球能源格局的重塑，很大程度上取决于各国能否有效地从依赖化石燃料转向可持续的替代性燃料来源。
The current reshaping of the global energy landscape largely depends on whether countries can effectively transition from reliance on fossil fuels to sustainable alternative fuel sources.
Sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structure.
从长远来看，氢能作为一种清洁且高效的燃料载体，被认为是未来能源体系的关键组成部分，但其大规模生产和储存仍面临技术瓶颈。
In the long term, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient fuel carrier, is considered a key component of the future energy system, but its large-scale production and storage still face technical bottlenecks.
Discussing future potential and current challenges.
关于核聚变燃料（如氘和氚）的研发进展，预示着一种近乎取之不尽的清洁能源的曙光，尽管其商业化应用仍需数十年。
Research and development progress on nuclear fusion fuels (such as deuterium and tritium) heralds the dawn of an almost inexhaustible source of clean energy, although its commercial application still requires decades.
Highly technical terminology and forward-looking statements.
地缘政治因素对全球燃料市场的稳定性和可预测性构成了持续的威胁，促使各国寻求能源来源的多元化。
Geopolitical factors pose a continuous threat to the stability and predictability of the global fuel market, prompting countries to seek diversification of energy sources.
Analyzing complex international relations and their impact.
生物燃料的生产在一定程度上缓解了对化石燃料的依赖，但其对粮食安全和生物多样性的潜在影响，一直是学术界和政策制定者争论的焦点。
The production of biofuels has, to some extent, alleviated reliance on fossil fuels, but its potential impact on food security and biodiversity has always been a focus of debate among academics and policymakers.
Presenting a balanced view of benefits and drawbacks.
在航天领域，高效且能量密度极高的化学燃料是实现深空探索的关键，而新型推进剂的研发是该领域的前沿课题。
In the aerospace field, highly efficient chemical fuels with extremely high energy density are key to achieving deep space exploration, and the R&D of new propellants is a cutting-edge topic in this field.
Specialized vocabulary related to aerospace.
对能源基础设施的投资，特别是涉及新型燃料的储存和输送系统，对于保障国家能源安全至关重要。
Investment in energy infrastructure, especially involving storage and transportation systems for new fuels, is crucial for ensuring national energy security.
Discussing infrastructure and national security.
随着技术的不断进步，曾经被认为是不可持续的燃料来源，如某些形式的煤炭气化技术，也可能通过碳捕获等手段焕发新的生机。
With continuous technological advancements, fuel sources once considered unsustainable, such as certain forms of coal gasification technology, may also be revitalized through means like carbon capture.
Discussing technological innovation and its potential impact on traditional sources.
鉴于全球气候变化的严峻性，能源领域的根本性变革，即从依赖碳基燃料转向碳中和或负排放的能源解决方案，已成为一项刻不容缓的全球性议题。
Given the severity of global climate change, a fundamental transformation in the energy sector, namely the transition from reliance on carbon-based fuels to carbon-neutral or negative-emission energy solutions, has become an urgent global issue.
Highly formal, complex, and impactful language.
对先进核燃料循环的探索，旨在最大化能源产出并最小化核废料的产生，是实现可持续能源未来的关键环节，但其技术和伦理挑战依然艰巨。
The exploration of advanced nuclear fuel cycles, aimed at maximizing energy output and minimizing nuclear waste generation, is a key step towards achieving a sustainable energy future, yet its technical and ethical challenges remain formidable.
Deeply specialized and nuanced discussion.
合成燃料，特别是通过Power-to-X技术将可再生电力转化为液态或气态燃料，为解决航空、航运等难以电气化的部门的脱碳问题提供了极具潜力的途径。
Synthetic fuels, particularly those produced by converting renewable electricity into liquid or gaseous fuels through Power-to-X technologies, offer a highly promising pathway to addressing decarbonization challenges in sectors difficult to electrify, such as aviation and shipping.
Cutting-edge technological concepts and terminology.
在能源安全战略的宏观层面，各国正面临着如何平衡对进口化石燃料的依赖与大力发展本土可再生燃料及相关基础设施的战略抉择。
At the macro level of energy security strategy, countries are facing the strategic choice of how to balance reliance on imported fossil fuels with vigorously developing domestic renewable fuel and related infrastructure.
Analyzing high-level strategic decision-making.
生物质能源的多样化利用，从传统燃烧到先进的生物精炼，其经济可行性和环境效益的评估，需要基于全生命周期的严谨科学分析。
The diversified utilization of biomass energy, from traditional combustion to advanced biorefining, requires rigorous life-cycle scientific analysis to assess its economic viability and environmental benefits.
Emphasizing rigorous scientific methodology and evaluation.
对于火箭推进剂而言，其能量密度、比冲以及储存稳定性是决定任务成败的关键参数，而对新型、更高效燃料的持续探索是航天科技进步的永恒驱动力。
For rocket propellants, their energy density, specific impulse, and storage stability are key parameters determining mission success, and the continuous exploration of new, more efficient fuels is the eternal driving force behind aerospace technological advancement.
Highly technical and specialized vocabulary.
经济学理论与能源政策的深度融合，要求我们在评估不同燃料方案时，不仅要考虑其直接成本，还要纳入外部性成本，如环境损害和健康影响。
The deep integration of economic theory and energy policy requires us to consider not only direct costs but also externalities, such as environmental damage and health impacts, when evaluating different fuel options.
Interdisciplinary analysis combining economics and environmental science.
可持续发展目标的实现，迫切需要能源系统进行颠覆性创新，将当前的以化石燃料为主导的模式，重塑为以可再生能源和先进燃料为核心的循环经济体系。
The achievement of sustainable development goals urgently requires disruptive innovation in the energy system, reshaping the current model dominated by fossil fuels into a circular economy system centered on renewable energy and advanced fuels.
Visionary language focused on systemic transformation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To add fuel; to refuel.
我得去给车加燃料了。(Wǒ děi qù gěi chē jiā ránliào le.) - I have to go refuel the car.
— To consume fuel.
这架飞机消耗很多燃料。(Zhè jià fēijī xiāohào hěn duō ránliào.) - This airplane consumes a lot of fuel.
— Fuel price.
最近燃料价格一直在上涨。(Zuìjìn ránliào jiàgé yīzhí zài shàngzhǎng.) - Recently, fuel prices have been rising.
— Clean fuel.
推广清洁燃料对环境保护很重要。(Tuīguǎng qīngjié ránliào duì huánjìng bǎohù hěn zhòngyào.) - Promoting clean fuels is important for environmental protection.
— Alternative fuel.
我们正在研究使用替代燃料。(Wǒmen zhèngzài yánjiū shǐyòng tìdài ránliào.) - We are researching the use of alternative fuels.
— Fuel shortage.
由于天气原因，出现了燃料短缺。(Yóuyú tiānqì yuányīn, chūxiàn le ránliào duǎnquē.) - Due to weather reasons, a fuel shortage occurred.
— Nuclear fuel.
核燃料需要特殊的处理。(Hé ránliào xūyào tèshū de chǔlǐ.) - Nuclear fuel requires special handling.
— Biofuel.
生物燃料是从植物中提取的。(Shēngwù ránliào shì cóng zhíwù zhōng tíqǔ de.) - Biofuels are extracted from plants.
— Fuel cell.
燃料电池是一种清洁能源技术。(Ránliào diànchí shì yī zhǒng qīngjié néngyuán jìshù.) - Fuel cells are a type of clean energy technology.
— No fuel.
飞机起飞前必须有足够的无燃料。(Fēijī qǐfēi qián bìxū yǒu zúgòu de wú ránliào.) - The plane must have enough fuel before takeoff. (This phrase is less common, usually '没有燃料' - méiyǒu ránliào is used.)
Often Confused With
能源 is a broader term meaning 'energy source' and includes non-combustible forms like solar and wind power, whereas 燃料 specifically refers to material that is burned.
燃油 is a specific type of fuel, referring to liquid petroleum products like gasoline and diesel. 燃料 is the general term.
动力 means 'power' or 'motive force'. While fuel provides动力, 动力 itself is not the fuel. It can also be used metaphorically for motivation, which 燃料 is not typically used for.
Idioms & Expressions
— A drop in the bucket; an inadequate solution.
用这点钱买燃料，简直是杯水车薪，解决不了大问题。(Yòng zhè diǎn qián mǎi ránliào, jiǎnzhí shì bēishuǐchēxīn, jiějué bù liǎo dà wèntí.) - Using this small amount of money to buy fuel is like a drop in the bucket and won't solve the big problem.
General— To make a bad situation worse; to add fuel to the fire.
他的批评无异于火上浇油，让本来就紧张的气氛更加糟糕。(Tā de pīpíng wúyì yú huǒshàngjiāoyóu, ràng běnlái jiù jǐnzhāng de qìfēn gèngjiā zāogāo.) - His criticism was like adding fuel to the fire, making the already tense atmosphere even worse.
General— To live on one's inheritance without working; to deplete one's resources.
如果他继续这样坐吃山空，很快就会耗尽所有的燃料（比喻财富）。(Rúguǒ tā jìxù zhèyàng zuòchīshānkōng, hěn kuài jiù huì hào jìn suǒyǒu de ránliào (bǐyù cáifù).) - If he continues to live like this, he will soon deplete all his resources (metaphorically, fuel).
General— To run out of ammunition and provisions; to be at the end of one's rope.
军队已经弹尽粮绝，急需补充燃料和弹药。(Jūnduì yǐjīng dàn jìn liáng jué, jíxū bǔchōng ránliào hé dànyào.) - The army has run out of ammunition and provisions and urgently needs to replenish fuel and ammunition.
General— To be at the end of one's strength or life; exhausted.
他为了工作，几乎是油尽灯枯，比喻他耗尽了所有能用的“燃料”。(Tā wèile gōngzuò, jīhū shì yóujìn dēngkū, bǐyù tā hào jìnle suǒyǒu néng yòng de “ránliào”.) - He worked so hard that he was almost at the end of his strength, metaphorically exhausting all his usable 'fuel'.
General— Even the best cook cannot make a meal without rice; one cannot do something without the necessary resources.
没有足够的燃料，即使是最高效的发动机也无法运转，真是巧妇难为无米之炊。(Méiyǒu zúgòu de ránliào, jíshǐ shì zuì gāo xiào de fādòngjī yě wúfǎ yùnzhuǎn, zhēnshi qiǎofù nán wéi wúmǐ zhī chuī.) - Without enough fuel, even the most efficient engine cannot run; it's truly a case of 'even a clever housewife cannot cook without rice'.
General— To increase income and reduce expenditure; to manage finances wisely.
在燃料价格上涨的情况下，公司需要开源节流来维持运营。(Zài ránliào jiàgé shàngzhǎng de qíngkuàng xià, gōngsī xūyào kāiyuán jiéliú lái wéichí yùnyíng.) - With rising fuel prices, the company needs to increase income and reduce expenditure to maintain operations.
General— Many a little makes a mickle; small amounts add up.
每次只加一点点燃料，积少成多，也能省下不少钱。(Měi cì zhǐ jiā yī diǎndiǎn ránliào, jīshǎo chéngduō, yě néng shěng xià bù shǎo qián.) - Adding just a little fuel each time, many a little makes a mickle, and you can save quite a bit of money.
General— To drink poison to quench thirst; a temporary solution that causes greater harm.
过度依赖廉价但污染严重的燃料来解决能源危机，无异于饮鸩止渴。(Guòdù yīlài liánjià dàn wūrǎn yánzhòng de ránliào lái jiějué néngyuán wēijī, wúyì yú yǐnzhèn zhǐkě.) - Over-relying on cheap but highly polluting fuels to solve the energy crisis is tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst.
General— To draw the ashes from under the cauldron; to get to the root of a problem to solve it completely.
要真正解决环境问题，我们必须釜底抽薪，减少对化石燃料的依赖。(Yào zhēnzhèng jiějué huánjìng wèntí, wǒmen bìxū fǔdǐchōuxīn, jiǎnshǎo duì huàshí ránliào de yīlài.) - To truly solve environmental problems, we must get to the root of the issue and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
GeneralEasily Confused
Both relate to power and resources.
能源 (néngyuán) is the general term for 'energy source,' encompassing all forms of energy, including solar, wind, and electricity. 燃料 (ránliào) is a more specific term referring to combustible materials like coal, oil, or gas that are burned to produce energy. Therefore, 燃料 is a subset of 能源.
太阳能是一种<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>能源</mark>，而汽油是一种<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>燃料</mark>。(Tàiyángnéng shì yī zhǒng néngyuán, ér qìyóu shì yī zhǒng ránliào.) - Solar energy is an energy source, while gasoline is a fuel.
Both are related to petroleum products used for power.
燃油 (rányóu) specifically refers to refined petroleum fuels such as gasoline (汽油 qìyóu) and diesel (柴油 chái yóu). 燃料 (ránliào) is a broader term that includes all types of combustible materials used for energy production, including coal, wood, natural gas, and nuclear fuel, in addition to petroleum fuels.
汽车使用的<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>燃油</mark>（如汽油）是一种<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>燃料</mark>。(Qìchē shǐyòng de rányóu (rú qìyóu) shì yī zhǒng ránliào.) - The petroleum fuel (like gasoline) used by cars is a type of fuel.
Fuel is the source of power.
动力 (dònglì) means 'power' or 'motive force'. It is the output or effect produced. 燃料 (ránliào) is the substance that is consumed to generate that power. 动力 can also be used metaphorically for 'motivation', a meaning that 燃料 does not share.
汽车的<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>动力</mark>来自于其<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>燃料</mark>。(Qìchē de dònglì láizì yú qí ránliào.) - The car's power comes from its fuel.
Fuel is what burns.
燃烧 (ránshāo) is the verb 'to burn' or the noun 'combustion', which is the process of burning. 燃料 (ránliào) is the material that undergoes combustion to produce energy. You need 燃料 to cause 燃烧.
煤炭（<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>燃料</mark>）的<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>燃烧</mark>产生了热量。(Méitàn (ránliào) de ránshāo chǎnshēng le rèliàng.) - The combustion of coal (fuel) produced heat.
Both relate to burning.
可燃 (kě rán) is an adjective meaning 'combustible' or 'flammable'. It describes a property of a substance. 燃料 (ránliào) is the noun referring to the substance itself that is used as fuel. Something is described as 可燃 before it is identified as 燃料.
汽油是<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可燃</mark>的，可以用作汽车的<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>燃料</mark>。(Qìyóu shì kě rán de, kěyǐ yòng zuò qìchē de ránliào.) - Gasoline is combustible and can be used as fuel for cars.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 需要 (xūyào) + 燃料。
汽车需要燃料。
这是 (zhè shì) + Adjective + 燃料。
这是清洁燃料。
Subject + 消耗 (xiāohào) + 大量 (dàliàng) + 燃料。
飞机消耗大量燃料。
关于 (guānyú) + 燃料 + 的 + Noun。
关于燃料价格的讨论。
Subject + 使用 (shǐyòng) + Noun + 作为 (zuòwéi) + 燃料。
许多家庭使用木材作为燃料。
为了 (wèile) + Verb Phrase, + Subject + Verb + 燃料 + 的 + Adjective。
为了环保，我们应该使用低硫燃料。
Subject + 正在 (zhèngzài) + Verb + 探索 (tànsuǒ) + 使用 (shǐyòng) + 替代燃料。
科学家们正在探索使用替代燃料。
对 (duì) + 燃料 + 的 + Noun + 依赖 (yīlài) + 导致 (dǎozhì) + Problem。
对化石燃料的依赖导致了环境问题。
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 燃料 for electricity or solar power.
→
Use 能源 (néngyuán) for general energy sources, or specific terms like 电力 (diànlì - electricity) or 太阳能 (tàiyángnéng - solar energy).
燃料 specifically refers to combustible materials that are burned. Electricity and solar power are direct forms of energy and are not burned as fuels.
-
Confusing 燃料 with 动力.
→
燃料 is the material that produces energy; 动力 is the resulting power or force. Or, for motivation, use 动力 (dònglì) or 精神 (jīngshén) metaphorically.
燃料 is the substance, while 动力 is the effect or output. They are related but not interchangeable. 动力 can also have a metaphorical meaning of 'motivation' that 燃料 does not.
-
Using 燃料 in abstract contexts where English might use 'fuel'.
→
Use specific Chinese words for metaphorical concepts, like 动力 (dònglì) for motivation or driving force.
Chinese is less likely to use 燃料 metaphorically for abstract concepts like motivation. Stick to literal meanings or use more appropriate Chinese terms.
-
Using 燃料 when 燃油 is more appropriate.
→
Use 燃油 (rányóu) when specifically talking about gasoline, diesel, or other refined petroleum fuels.
燃油 is a subset of 燃料, referring specifically to liquid petroleum products. Using 燃油 adds precision when discussing these specific types.
-
Treating 燃料 as a countable noun in Chinese.
→
Generally treat 燃料 as a mass noun, but use measure words like '种' (zhǒng - type) or specific units (liters, kilograms) when quantifying.
While 'fuel' can be used with quantifiers in English, in Chinese, it's often used generally as a mass noun. Use measure words appropriately when specifying types or amounts.
Tips
Distinguish from 能源
Remember that 能源 (néngyuán) is the broader term for 'energy source', including non-combustible ones like solar and wind. 燃料 (ránliào) specifically refers to materials that are burned.
Specify When Possible
While 燃料 is general, try to use specific terms like 汽油 (qìyóu - gasoline) or 柴油 (chái yóu - diesel) when you know them, especially in contexts like refueling a car.
Master the Diphthong
The 'iao' in 'liào' is a diphthong. Practice saying it smoothly without a strong separation between the 'i' and 'ao' sounds. Focus on the stress on the first syllable 'rán'.
Hear it in the News
Listen to Chinese news reports about energy prices, environmental policies, or transportation. You'll frequently hear 燃料 used in these contexts.
Use Collocations
Learn common phrases like 加燃料 (jiā ránliào - to refuel), 消耗燃料 (xiāohào ránliào - to consume fuel), and 燃料价格 (ránliào jiàgé - fuel price) to use the word more naturally.
Visual Association
Picture a 'ran'cing horse needing 'liao' (fuel) to run. This visual link can help you remember the word and its meaning.
Fuel vs. Power
Understand that 燃料 (fuel) is what you burn, and 动力 (dònglì - power) is the result or force it generates. They are not interchangeable.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences describing how you use fuel in your daily life, or discuss the pros and cons of different types of fuel.
Economic Impact
Recognize that fuel prices and availability have a significant impact on the economy, making 燃料 a common topic in economic discussions in China.
Future Fuels
Be aware of terms like '新能源' (new energy) and '可再生燃料' (renewable fuel) when discussing the future of energy and moving away from traditional fossil fuels.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'ran'cing horse that needs a lot of 'liao' (like hay or oats) to keep running. The 'liao' is its fuel. So, 燃 (ran)cing horse needs liao (fuel).
Visual Association
Picture a car with a big, fiery 'R' on its side (for 燃) and a pile of hay or fuel cans labeled 'LIAO' (for 料). The car needs the 'LIAO' fuel to move.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your morning routine using the word 燃料. For example, 'My electric kettle needs electricity to heat water, but my gas stove needs 燃料.' Or, 'My car needs 燃料 to get to work.'
Word Origin
The word 燃料 is a compound word formed from 燃 (rán) and 料 (liào). 燃 means 'to burn' or 'combust', and 料 means 'material', 'substance', or 'ingredient'. Together, they literally mean 'burning material' or 'combustible substance'.
Original meaning: Material that burns.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
Discussions about fuel can sometimes be sensitive due to environmental concerns, economic impacts, and geopolitical issues related to energy resources.
The concept of fuel is universal, but the specific types and their importance can vary. For example, in some regions, coal is still a primary heating fuel, while in others, natural gas or electricity dominate.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a gas station
- 请加满燃料。
- 多少钱一升燃料？
- 我只需要加一点点燃料。
- 你们有哪种燃料？
Discussing car maintenance
- 我的车需要加燃料了。
- 这款车的燃料效率很高。
- 要注意燃料的消耗。
- 别忘了检查燃料管。
Talking about energy and environment
- 使用清洁燃料对环境有益。
- 我们应该减少对化石燃料的依赖。
- 发展替代燃料是未来的趋势。
- 核燃料的安全性很重要。
In news reports about the economy
- 燃料价格的波动影响了整个经济。
- 全球燃料供应出现短缺。
- 政府正在调整燃料税。
- 新的燃料技术有望降低成本。
Talking about home heating/cooking
- 冬天我们用煤炭作为取暖燃料。
- 燃气灶需要天然气作为燃料。
- 木材是一种传统的家庭燃料。
- 请检查炉子的燃料是否充足。
Conversation Starters
"你觉得现在的燃料价格怎么样？"
"你家冬天主要用什么燃料取暖？"
"你认为哪种替代燃料最有前景？"
"你开车时会特别注意燃料消耗吗？"
"你对核燃料安全有什么看法？"
Journal Prompts
写一篇关于你家汽车的燃料类型以及你对它的看法。
描述一次因为燃料问题而遇到的麻烦或有趣经历。
探讨未来可能出现的哪种新型燃料，并说明原因。
思考一下，如果有一天我们用完了所有化石燃料，世界会变成什么样？
写一篇关于如何更有效率地使用家庭燃料（如电力、燃气）的文章。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions能源 (néngyuán) is a broad term for 'energy source', including all forms like solar, wind, and electricity. 燃料 (ránliào) is a specific type of 能源, referring to materials like coal, oil, or gas that are burned to produce energy. So, 燃料 is a type of 能源, but not all 能源 are 燃料.
While English uses 'fuel' metaphorically for motivation or drive, 燃料 in Chinese is primarily used literally for combustible materials. For metaphorical 'driving force' or 'motivation', Chinese speakers would typically use 动力 (dònglì) or 精神 (jīngshén).
Common types include 汽油 (qìyóu - gasoline), 柴油 (chái yóu - diesel), 天然气 (tiānránqì - natural gas), 煤炭 (méitàn - coal), and 木材 (mùcái - wood).
Use 燃料 (ránliào) as the general term for 'fuel'. Use 燃油 (rányóu) when you are specifically referring to refined petroleum fuels like gasoline or diesel.
The most common way is 加燃料 (jiā ránliào). For cars, you might also hear 加油 (jiā yóu), which literally means 'add oil' but is used for refueling with gasoline.
燃料 is generally treated as a mass noun (uncountable) in Chinese, similar to how 'fuel' is used in English. However, you can quantify it using measure words like '种' (zhǒng - type) for different kinds of fuel, or specific units like liters or kilograms if discussing quantity.
It is pronounced ránliào. The stress is on the first syllable, 'rán'.
Yes, discussions about 燃料 often involve environmental concerns like pollution and carbon emissions. Terms like '清洁燃料' (qīngjié ránliào - clean fuel) and '环保燃料' (huánbǎo ránliào - environmentally friendly fuel) are common.
燃料 refers to substances that are burned to produce energy. Electricity is a form of energy itself and is not typically burned as a fuel, although it can be used to power devices or charge electric vehicles.
Try making sentences about your daily commute, the types of fuel used in different vehicles, or the cost of fuel. You can also practice describing different types of fuel and their uses.
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Summary
燃料 (ránliào) is the Chinese word for 'fuel', referring to any substance burned to produce energy. It's a fundamental term used in contexts ranging from everyday transportation and home heating to industrial processes and energy production, making it crucial for understanding discussions about power and resources.
- 燃料 (ránliào) means fuel.
- It's material burned for heat or power.
- Used for cars, power plants, and heating.
- Essential for energy discussions.
Distinguish from 能源
Remember that 能源 (néngyuán) is the broader term for 'energy source', including non-combustible ones like solar and wind. 燃料 (ránliào) specifically refers to materials that are burned.
Specify When Possible
While 燃料 is general, try to use specific terms like 汽油 (qìyóu - gasoline) or 柴油 (chái yóu - diesel) when you know them, especially in contexts like refueling a car.
Master the Diphthong
The 'iao' in 'liào' is a diphthong. Practice saying it smoothly without a strong separation between the 'i' and 'ao' sounds. Focus on the stress on the first syllable 'rán'.
Hear it in the News
Listen to Chinese news reports about energy prices, environmental policies, or transportation. You'll frequently hear 燃料 used in these contexts.
Example
化石燃料的燃烧是全球变暖的主要原因。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More science words
吸收
A1To absorb; to take in.
海拔
B1The height of an object or place above sea level.
属性
B1A quality or feature that is typical of or belongs to something or someone.
生物
B1Any living thing, or the study of living organisms. Basic term for IELTS biology-related reading passages.
模糊
A1Blurry; vague; indistinct.
呼吸
A1To breathe; respiration.
燃烧
A1To burn; combustion.
计算
A1To calculate; to compute; to determine a value mathematically.
推算
B1To calculate, estimate, or figure out something using data, logic, or mathematical methods. It implies a process of reasoning from known facts to unknown values.
校准
B1To calibrate, adjust, or check for accuracy against a standard. It is used for instruments, data, or plans.
