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A2 noun 11 min read

煤气灶

meiqizao

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 煤气灶 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 煤气灶 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) means 'gas stove.' It is a thing in the kitchen used for cooking. You might see it in pictures of a house. You should learn the basic phrase '这是煤气灶' (This is a gas stove). It is important to know that it involves fire, so children are told '不要碰' (don't touch). You can think of it as the place where your dinner is made. At this level, don't worry about the technical parts, just recognize the object and know it's in the kitchen (厨房). You might use it with the verb '用' (yòng - to use). For example, '我用煤气灶做饭' (I use the gas stove to cook). It is a very common word because everyone has one at home. Knowing this word helps you understand basic household vocabulary and follow very simple instructions in a kitchen setting.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) in simple sentences about daily routines and household chores. You should know common verbs like 开 (kāi - turn on) and 关 (guān - turn off). For example, '记得关煤气灶' (Remember to turn off the gas stove). You should also know the measure word 台 (tái). You might describe the stove as 脏 (zàng - dirty) or 新 (xīn - new). At this level, you can talk about simple problems, like '煤气灶坏了' (The gas stove is broken). You are expected to understand that this is the primary way of cooking in a Chinese home. You might also encounter it when learning about safety, such as '小心煤气灶' (Be careful with the gas stove). This word is essential for describing your living environment and basic cooking activities. You should also be able to distinguish it from a microwave (微波炉) or a fridge (冰箱) when talking about kitchen appliances.

At the B1 level, you can use 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) in more complex contexts, such as explaining a process or discussing home maintenance. You should be able to describe how to clean it or how to use it to cook specific dishes. You might use words like 火力 (huǒlì - firepower/heat) to describe how strong the flame is. For instance, '炒肉的时候，煤气灶的火要大一点' (When stir-frying meat, the gas stove's heat should be a bit higher). You should also be familiar with related terms like 煤气罐 (méiqìguàn - gas tank) and 天然气 (tiānránqì - natural gas). At this level, you can understand safety warnings and simple technical descriptions. You might hear people talking about '换煤气' (changing the gas) or '修理煤气灶' (repairing the gas stove). You should be comfortable using the word in conversations about house hunting or kitchen renovations, expressing preferences for gas cooking over electric cooking (电磁炉).

At the B2 level, you can discuss 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) in the context of energy efficiency, safety regulations, and cultural nuances. You should be able to understand articles about the environmental impact of gas stoves versus electric ones. You can use terms like 节能 (jiénéng - energy saving), 碳排放 (tàn páifàng - carbon emissions), and 自动熄火保护 (zìdòng xīhuǒ bǎohù - automatic flame-out protection). You can participate in a debate about '锅气' (wok hei) and why a gas stove is superior for traditional Chinese cuisine. You should also be able to handle more formal situations, such as calling a service center to describe a specific fault with the ignition needle (点火针) or the burner (炉头). Your vocabulary should include compound words and idioms related to the stove, and you should be able to read user manuals or safety guidelines with relative ease. You understand that '煤气灶' is a colloquial term that often refers to natural gas appliances in modern contexts.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) and its technical and cultural implications. You can read technical specifications of different burner types, such as atmospheric burners (大气式) versus infrared burners (红外线). You can discuss the history of the '灶' in Chinese culture and how the transition from coal to gas changed domestic life in the 20th century. You are able to understand complex news reports about energy policy and how it affects the price of fuel for 煤气灶. You can use the word metaphorically in professional contexts, such as using the idiom '另起炉灶' (starting a new stove/starting afresh) in a business strategy meeting. Your speech is nuanced, and you can explain the subtle differences in flame color and what they imply about combustion efficiency. You are also aware of the regional linguistic variations, such as using 瓦斯炉 in a Taiwanese context without confusion.

At the C2 level, your command of 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) is near-native. You can engage in high-level academic or technical discussions regarding the thermodynamics of gas combustion in household appliances. You can analyze the socio-economic factors that led to the widespread adoption of 煤气灶 in rural China. You are familiar with classical literature or historical texts that mention the '灶' and can draw parallels to modern usage. You can interpret legal documents regarding gas safety standards and product liability. You understand the most obscure technical jargon used by engineers who design these appliances. In creative writing, you can use the 煤气灶 as a symbol of domesticity, urban life, or the passage of time. You can switch effortlessly between formal technical terms and highly localized slang. Your understanding includes the full spectrum of the word's history, from its literal coal-gas origins to its current status as a ubiquitous but evolving household necessity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

煤气灶 in 30 Seconds

A 煤气灶 is a gas stove used for cooking with a flame.
It is the most common kitchen appliance in Chinese households.
Key actions include turning it on (开) and off (关).
It is valued for providing high heat necessary for stir-frying.

The term 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese domestic lexicon, referring specifically to a gas stove or gas range. To understand this word, one must look at its constituent parts: 煤气 (méiqì), which literally translates to 'coal gas,' and 灶 (zào), which means 'stove' or 'furnace.' Historically, many urban Chinese households used gas derived from coal for cooking, and although most modern cities now use 天然气 (tiānránqì - natural gas), the term 煤气灶 has remained the colloquial standard for any stove that utilizes a flame fueled by gas.

Domestic Essential: In Chinese culture, the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and the 煤气灶 is its primary engine. Unlike Western kitchens that might rely heavily on ovens, traditional Chinese cooking—centered on stir-frying, steaming, and boiling—requires the immediate, high-intensity heat that only a gas flame can provide. Therefore, you will find a 煤气灶 in almost every Chinese apartment, usually featuring two high-powered burners designed to accommodate round-bottomed woks.

我家的煤气灶是双头的，火很大，炒菜特别好用。 (My family's gas stove is a double-burner; the fire is very strong, making it great for stir-frying.)

People use this word daily when discussing household chores, cooking, home renovations, or safety inspections. For example, when moving into a new apartment, a tenant will check if the 煤气灶 works correctly. If there is a smell of gas, the first instruction is always to check the 煤气灶 switch. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical utility and the warmth of a home-cooked meal.

Technical Evolution: Modern 煤气灶 units often come with advanced features like automatic shut-off valves, electronic ignition, and high-efficiency burners. While the technology has evolved from simple cast-iron rings to sophisticated tempered glass surfaces, the name has remained remarkably consistent across generations.

记得关好煤气灶，安全第一。 (Remember to turn off the gas stove; safety first.)

The cultural weight of the word '灶' (zào) cannot be overstated. In Chinese mythology, the 灶神 (Zàoshén - Stove God) monitors the behavior of the family and reports to the Jade Emperor. Thus, the 煤气灶 is not just an appliance; it is a modern iteration of an ancient altar of sustenance and family unity. When people talk about '另起炉灶' (starting a new stove), they are using an idiom derived from this concept to mean starting a new project or life path from scratch.

Purchasing and Maintenance: When shopping for a 煤气灶, consumers focus on '火力' (huǒlì - firepower) and '能效' (néngxiào - energy efficiency). Maintenance involves cleaning the '火盖' (huǒgài - burner cap) and ensuring the '点火针' (diǎnhuǒzhēn - ignition needle) is dry and clean.

这个新买的煤气灶火力非常猛。 (This newly bought gas stove has very powerful heat.)

她正在擦拭煤气灶上的油渍。 (She is wiping off the grease stains on the gas stove.)

Using 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) correctly in a sentence requires pairing it with specific action verbs related to cooking and safety. The most common verbs are 开 (kāi - to turn on), 关 (guān - to turn off), and 点燃 (diǎnrán - to ignite). Because it is a physical object, it is often used with the measure words 个 (gè) for general reference or 台 (tái) for appliances.

Basic Actions: When you want to start cooking, you say '打开煤气灶' (Dǎkāi méiqìzào). If the ignition is faulty, you might say '煤气灶打不着火' (Méiqìzào dǎ bù zháo huǒ - The gas stove won't light). After cooking, the crucial instruction is '关掉煤气灶' (Guāndiào méiqìzào).

请帮我把煤气灶关了，锅里的汤快干了。 (Please help me turn off the gas stove; the soup in the pot is almost dry.)

In descriptive contexts, the 煤气灶 is often the subject of sentences regarding kitchen cleanliness or maintenance. You might describe it as '脏了' (zàngle - dirty) or '生锈了' (shēngxiùle - rusted). When discussing repairs, you use the verb 修 (xiū) or 维修 (wéixiū).

Descriptive Usage: To describe the quality of the stove, you use adjectives like '节能' (jiénéng - energy-saving), '不锈钢' (bùxiùgāng - stainless steel), or '嵌入式' (qiànrùshì - built-in). These terms are frequently seen in advertisements and product descriptions.

那个不锈钢煤气灶已经用了十年了。 (That stainless steel gas stove has been used for ten years.)

For advanced learners, discussing the flame quality is common. You might hear '煤气灶的火是蓝色的' (The fire of the gas stove is blue), which indicates complete combustion, or '火苗发红' (The flame is turning red), which indicates a problem with the oxygen mix or a dirty burner. These nuances are vital for both cooking precision and safety.

Safety and Warnings: Warning signs often use the word to remind people of danger: '严禁在煤气灶旁放置易燃物' (It is strictly forbidden to place flammable materials near the gas stove). This formal usage is found in fire safety manuals and public service announcements.

如果闻到异味，千万不要打开煤气灶。 (If you smell a strange odor, absolutely do not turn on the gas stove.)

师傅正在检查煤气灶是否漏气。 (The technician is checking if the gas stove is leaking.)

这台煤气灶的开关坏了，需要换新的。 (The switch on this gas stove is broken; it needs to be replaced with a new one.)

The word 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in various social and professional settings. From the intimate atmosphere of a family dinner to the high-pressure environment of a commercial kitchen, this word is the standard identifier for gas-based cooking equipment.

In the Kitchen: The most common place to hear this word is at home. Parents might tell their children: '别碰煤气灶，烫！' (Don't touch the gas stove, it's hot!). During meal preparation, one might ask: '煤气灶火开大一点' (Turn the gas stove heat up a bit). It is central to the '烟火气' (yānhuǒqì - the smell of cooking/life) that Chinese people value in a home.

邻居敲门问我能不能借用一下煤气灶。 (The neighbor knocked on the door and asked if they could borrow the gas stove for a moment.)

In the realm of real estate and apartment hunting, 煤气灶 is a key feature mentioned by agents. When viewing a property, an agent might highlight: '这套房子的煤气灶是名牌的' (The gas stove in this apartment is a famous brand). It serves as a marker of the kitchen's quality and the apartment's readiness for 'real' cooking, as opposed to apartments that only allow induction cookers (电磁炉).

Safety Inspections: In China, community workers or gas company employees often conduct door-to-door safety checks. You will hear them say: '我们要检查一下您的煤气灶和软管' (We need to check your gas stove and the flexible hose). This is a routine part of urban life aimed at preventing accidents.

商场里的煤气灶正在打折促销。 (The gas stoves in the shopping mall are on sale.)

You will also encounter the word in retail environments. Home appliance stores like Suning or Gome have entire sections dedicated to 煤气灶. Salespeople will compare different models based on their '热效率' (thermal efficiency) and '易清洁度' (ease of cleaning). On social media platforms like Little Red Book (小红书), influencers post videos about '煤气灶清洁妙招' (clever tips for cleaning gas stoves), which often go viral because cleaning stove grease is a universal struggle.

On the News: Unfortunately, the word also appears in news reports regarding '煤气灶爆炸' (gas stove explosions) or '煤气泄漏' (gas leaks), serving as a reminder of the importance of purchasing certified products and regular maintenance.

新闻提醒市民要定期更换老化的煤气灶。 (The news reminded citizens to regularly replace aging gas stoves.)

他在网上搜寻如何修理煤气灶的教程。 (He searched online for tutorials on how to repair a gas stove.)

装修师傅建议我们选嵌入式的煤气灶。 (The renovation worker suggested we choose a built-in gas stove.)

While 煤气灶 (méiqìzào) is a straightforward noun, learners often make errors in its classification, measure word usage, and confusion with similar appliances. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in practical situations.

Confusion with Induction Cookers: A common mistake is calling an induction cooker a 煤气灶. An induction cooker is a 电磁炉 (diàncílú). They are fundamentally different: one uses a gas flame, the other uses electromagnetic induction. If you tell a technician your '煤气灶' is broken but you actually have a '电磁炉', they might bring the wrong tools or parts.

不是煤气灶，我用的是电磁炉，不需要用火。 (It's not a gas stove; I use an induction cooker, so no fire is needed.)

Another mistake involves the measure word. While '个' is acceptable in very informal speech, '台' is the correct measure word for large household appliances. Using '只' (zhī), which is for small animals or certain small objects, would be a major grammatical error. For example, say '一台煤气灶' (yī tái méiqìzào) rather than '一只煤气灶'.

Incorrect Verb Pairings: Learners sometimes use '开' for everything. While '开煤气灶' is common, when referring specifically to the ignition process, '打火' (dǎhuǒ) is more precise. Conversely, for turning it off, '关' is standard, but some might mistakenly use '灭' (miè - to extinguish), which usually refers to the flame itself (火灭了), not the action of turning the knob on the appliance.

你不能用煤气灶来烤面包，那是烤箱的工作。 (You can't use a gas stove to toast bread; that's an oven's job.)

A subtle mistake is failing to distinguish between 煤气 (coal gas) and 天然气 (natural gas). While 煤气灶 is the general term, if you are buying one, you must specify the gas type because the burner nozzles are different. A '煤气灶' designed for bottled gas (液化石油气 - LPG) will not work safely with piped natural gas (天然气). Confusing these can be dangerous.

Misunderstanding the Components: Some learners call the entire kitchen counter a 煤气灶. The counter is the 灶台 (zàotái). The 煤气灶 is specifically the appliance with the burners. If you spill water on the counter, you say '水洒在灶台上了', not necessarily on the stove itself.

别把碗放在煤气灶上，那里很脏。 (Don't put the bowl on the gas stove; it's dirty there.)

修理工说煤气灶没坏，是煤气罐没气了。 (The repairman said the gas stove isn't broken; the gas tank is just empty.)

由于操作不当，煤气灶冒出了黑烟。 (Due to improper operation, black smoke came out of the gas stove.)

In the world of kitchen appliances, several terms are related to 煤气灶 (méiqìzào). Understanding the differences between them is essential for precise communication, especially when shopping or describing a kitchen setup.

煤气灶 vs. 天然气灶 (tiānránqìzào): Technically, '煤气' refers to gas made from coal, while '天然气' is natural gas. In modern Chinese cities, most people actually use natural gas. However, '煤气灶' remains the much more common colloquial term. If you are in a hardware store, you might see '天然气灶' on the label to specify the gas source, but in a conversation, people will still say '煤气灶'.

虽然我们用的是天然气，但大家还是习惯叫它煤气灶。 (Even though we use natural gas, everyone is still used to calling it a gas stove.)

Another important comparison is with the 电磁炉 (diàncílú) or induction cooker. This is the primary alternative to a gas stove in modern apartments. Many high-rise buildings in China now prohibit gas for safety reasons, making the 电磁炉 the only option. While a 煤气灶 provides an open flame, the 电磁炉 uses electricity and requires specific magnetic cookware.

煤气灶 vs. 电磁炉 (diàncílú): Comparison: 煤气灶 (Gas stove) uses fire, is better for stir-frying (wok hei), but is harder to clean and has a gas leak risk. 电磁炉 (Induction cooker) is safer, easier to wipe clean, but offers less control over 'firepower' and requires flat-bottomed pans.

我更喜欢用煤气灶，因为电磁炉炒菜没有灵魂。 (I prefer using a gas stove because stir-frying on an induction cooker has no soul.)

You might also encounter 炉灶 (lúzào) or 灶台 (zàotái). 炉灶 is a more formal or literary term for a stove or hearth. 灶台 refers to the entire cooking platform or countertop where the stove is situated. In a traditional rural setting, you might see a 柴火灶 (cháihuǒzào), which is a wood-burning stove built from bricks and clay.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. 瓦斯炉 (Taiwanese); 2. 煤气炉 (Cantonese/Formal); 3. 电磁炉 (Induction); 4. 电陶炉 (Electric ceramic stove); 5. 集成灶 (Integrated stove with hood).

现在的集成灶把煤气灶和抽油烟机结合在了一起。 (Modern integrated stoves combine the gas stove and the range hood.)

老家的柴火灶做出来的饭比煤气灶香。 (The food made on the wood-burning stove in my hometown is more fragrant than that from a gas stove.)

这种便携式煤气灶非常适合露营。 (This portable gas stove is very suitable for camping.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '灶' (zào) contains the 'fire' (火) radical on the left and 'earth' (土) on the right, reflecting ancient stoves built from mud and brick.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /meɪ tɕʰi tsɑʊ/

US /meɪ tʃi zaʊ/

Primary stress on the first and last syllables: MEI-qi-ZAO.

Rhymes With

灶 (zào) rhymes with: 报 (bào), 道 (dào), 考 (kǎo), 跑 (pǎo), 草 (cǎo), 脑 (nǎo), 冒 (mào), 告 (gào)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'qi' as 'ki'.
Pronouncing 'zao' as 'za-o' (two syllables).
Ignoring the tones, making it sound like 'may-chee-zow' in a flat tone.
Confusing 'qi' (gas) with 'chi' (eat).
Pronouncing 'mei' like the English month 'May' without the rising inflection.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common but '灶' might be new for beginners.

Writing 3/5

The character '煤' has many strokes and '灶' requires correct radical placement.

Speaking 2/5

Tones (2-4-3) are distinct and easy to practice once learned.

Listening 2/5

Very common in household contexts, easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

火 (fire) 气 (gas/air) 厨房 (kitchen) 做饭 (to cook) 开 (to open/on)

Learn Next

电磁炉 (induction cooker) 抽油烟机 (range hood) 锅 (pot/pan) 炒 (to stir-fry) 漏气 (gas leak)

Advanced

热效率 (thermal efficiency) 脉冲点火 (pulse ignition) 液化石油气 (LPG) 熄火保护 (flame-out protection) 天然气管道 (natural gas pipeline)

Grammar to Know

Measure words for appliances (台)

我买了一台煤气灶。

BA construction for disposal (把)

请把煤气灶关掉。

Resultative complements (着)

煤气灶点不着火。

Directional complements (开/关)

打开煤气灶。

Adjective reduplication (干干净净)

把煤气灶擦得干干净净。

Examples by Level

这是煤气灶。

This is a gas stove.

Subject + Verb + Object.

煤气灶在厨房里。

The gas stove is in the kitchen.

Location structure: [Object] + 在 + [Place].

不要碰煤气灶。

Don't touch the gas stove.

Negative imperative: 不要 + Verb.

妈妈用煤气灶做饭。

Mom uses the gas stove to cook.

Verb '用' (to use) indicating means.

煤气灶有火。

The gas stove has fire.

Simple possession with 有.

这个煤气灶是黑色的。

This gas stove is black.

Adjective description with 是...的.

你会用煤气灶吗？

Can you use a gas stove?

Question with 吗.

我买了一个煤气灶。

I bought a gas stove.

Completed action with 了.

请把煤气灶关了。

Please turn off the gas stove.

BA construction (把字句).

我家的煤气灶坏了。

My family's gas stove is broken.

Adjective '坏' (broken) after the subject.

这台煤气灶很贵。

This gas stove is very expensive.

Measure word 台 for appliances.

煤气灶上有两个火头。

There are two burners on the gas stove.

Existential sentence with 上 (on).

他在擦煤气灶。

He is wiping the gas stove.

Continuous action with 在.

这个煤气灶好用吗？

Is this gas stove easy to use?

Adjective 好用 (easy to use).

新房子的煤气灶很漂亮。

The gas stove in the new house is very pretty.

Possessive marker 的.

我们要买一台新煤气灶。

We need to buy a new gas stove.

Auxiliary verb 要 (want/need).

如果煤气灶打不着火，可能是电池没电了。

If the gas stove won't light, maybe the battery is dead.

Conditional '如果...可能' (If... maybe).

清理煤气灶的油渍需要专门的洗洁精。

Cleaning grease stains from the gas stove requires special detergent.

Gerund-like subject phrase.

这种煤气灶的火力可以随意调节。

The heat of this gas stove can be adjusted at will.

Modal verb 可以 (can).

他忘了关煤气灶就出门了。

He forgot to turn off the gas stove before going out.

Sequence of events with 就.

比起电磁炉，我更喜欢用煤气灶炒菜。

Compared to an induction cooker, I prefer using a gas stove for stir-frying.

Comparison structure 比起...更喜欢.

煤气灶的安装必须由专业人员完成。

The installation of the gas stove must be completed by professionals.

Passive-like structure with 必须 (must).

由于煤气灶老化，家里发生了轻微漏气。

Due to the aging of the gas stove, a slight gas leak occurred at home.

Causal marker 由于.

这台煤气灶是不锈钢材质的，不容易生锈。

This gas stove is made of stainless steel, so it doesn't rust easily.

Resultative phrase 不容易.

现代煤气灶通常配备了自动熄火保护装置。

Modern gas stoves are usually equipped with automatic flame-out protection devices.

Verb 配备 (to equip).

为了节能，建议定期清理煤气灶的火盖。

To save energy, it is recommended to clean the gas stove's burner cap regularly.

Purpose clause 为了.

选购煤气灶时，热效率是一个重要的参考指标。

When purchasing a gas stove, thermal efficiency is an important reference indicator.

Time clause ...时 (when).

如果煤气灶火苗发红，说明燃烧不充分。

If the gas stove flame turns red, it means combustion is incomplete.

Observation-inference structure 说明.

这种嵌入式煤气灶非常节省厨房空间。

This built-in gas stove saves a lot of kitchen space.

Adjective compound 嵌入式.

长期不清洁煤气灶会增加火灾隐患。

Not cleaning the gas stove for a long time will increase fire hazards.

Subject as a long nominal phrase.

师傅说煤气灶的脉冲点火器需要更换。

The master said the pulse igniter of the gas stove needs to be replaced.

Technical terminology.

这款煤气灶的设计符合人体工程学。

The design of this gas stove conforms to ergonomics.

Formal verb 符合.

尽管电磁炉日益普及，但在许多大厨眼中，煤气灶依然是不可替代的。

Despite the increasing popularity of induction cookers, in the eyes of many chefs, the gas stove remains irreplaceable.

Concessive clause 尽管...但.

煤气灶的一氧化碳排放量必须控制在国家标准之内。

The carbon monoxide emissions of gas stoves must be controlled within national standards.

Formal passive constraint.

通过改进燃烧室设计，这款煤气灶实现了极高的热负荷。

By improving the combustion chamber design, this gas stove has achieved an extremely high heat load.

Means-result structure 通过...实现.

另起炉灶不仅仅是换个煤气灶，更是一种思维的转变。

Starting anew is not just about changing a gas stove; it's a shift in thinking.

Idiom usage 另起炉灶.

针对不同气源，煤气灶的喷嘴孔径有着严格的规格要求。

For different gas sources, the nozzle diameter of the gas stove has strict specification requirements.

Targeted description 针对.

煤气灶的使用寿命通常为八年，逾期使用存在安全风险。

The service life of a gas stove is usually eight years; using it beyond this period poses safety risks.

Formal statement.

这款煤气灶采用了先进的聚能环技术，大大减少了热量流失。

This gas stove adopts advanced energy-concentrating ring technology, greatly reducing heat loss.

Adopting technology 采用.

在老旧小区改造中，煤气灶的管网升级是重中之重。

In the renovation of old residential areas, the upgrade of the gas stove pipeline network is a top priority.

Idiom 重中之重.

该煤气灶机型在极端工况下的燃烧稳定性已通过严苛测试。

The combustion stability of this gas stove model under extreme working conditions has passed rigorous testing.

Highly formal/technical language.

炉架的高度与煤气灶火焰外焰的接触位置经过了精确的流体动力学计算。

The height of the pot rack and its contact position with the outer flame of the gas stove underwent precise fluid dynamics calculations.

Complex scientific subject.

由于液化石油气与天然气的热值差异，严禁擅自改装煤气灶的供气系统。

Due to the difference in calorific value between LPG and natural gas, it is strictly forbidden to modify the gas supply system of a gas stove without authorization.

Legal/Technical prohibition.

煤气灶行业正面临着从传统制造向智能家居生态整合的深度转型。

The gas stove industry is facing a deep transformation from traditional manufacturing to smart home ecosystem integration.

Business/Sociological analysis.

这种新型红外线煤气灶通过无焰燃烧技术，有效抑制了氮氧化物的生成。

This new type of infrared gas stove effectively inhibits the generation of nitrogen oxides through flameless combustion technology.

Chemical/Environmental terminology.

在文学作品中，煤气灶常被用作勾勒城市平民生活琐碎与温情的意象。

In literary works, the gas stove is often used as an image to delineate the trivialities and warmth of urban commoner life.

Literary analysis.

该产品的旋钮阻尼感设计，旨在提升用户操作煤气灶时的触觉反馈。

The knob damping design of this product aims to enhance the tactile feedback when users operate the gas stove.

Industrial design terminology.

鉴于燃气具事故的频发，政府加强了对煤气灶具生产许可的准入审核。

Given the frequent occurrence of gas appliance accidents, the government has strengthened the entry audit for gas stove production licenses.

Formal administrative language.

Common Collocations

打开煤气灶

关闭煤气灶

修理煤气灶

清洁煤气灶

嵌入式煤气灶

煤气灶火力

煤气灶开关

煤气灶漏气

双头煤气灶

便携式煤气灶

Common Phrases

煤气灶打不着火

— The gas stove won't light. This is a common complaint when the ignition fails.

煤气灶打不着火，是不是没气了？

看好煤气灶

— Keep an eye on the gas stove. Usually said when something is boiling.

我去接个电话，你帮我看好煤气灶。

煤气灶火太小

— The gas stove flame is too small. Refers to low heat pressure.

煤气灶火太小，水半天都烧不开。

擦煤气灶

— To wipe/clean the gas stove. A frequent household chore.

吃完饭记得把煤气灶擦干净。

换煤气灶

— To replace the gas stove. Usually done during renovations.

我们打算趁着双十一换个煤气灶。

煤气灶台面

— The surface of the gas stove. Often made of glass or steel.

钢化玻璃的煤气灶台面很容易擦洗。

检查煤气灶

— To check the gas stove. Usually for safety or faults.

出门前一定要检查煤气灶是否关好。

煤气灶点火针

— The ignition needle of the gas stove. The part that creates the spark.

点火针受潮了，煤气灶就打不着火。

煤气灶软管

— The flexible hose connecting the stove to the gas supply.

煤气灶软管要每两年更换一次。

煤气灶风门

— The air damper of the gas stove. Used to adjust the oxygen mix.

调节煤气灶风门可以改变火焰颜色。

Often Confused With

煤气灶 vs 电磁炉

Induction cooker. Learners often confuse the two because they both cook food, but one uses gas and the other electricity.

煤气灶 vs 烤箱

Oven. In English 'stove' can sometimes imply the whole unit including the oven, but in Chinese 煤气灶 is strictly the top burners.

煤气灶 vs 煤气罐

Gas tank. This is the fuel container, not the appliance itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"另起炉灶"

— To start a new stove. Metaphorically means to start all over again or set up a separate establishment.

既然大家意见不合，不如我们另起炉灶。

Common

"另辟蹊径，另起炉灶"

— To find a new path and start anew. Often used in business or creative contexts.

这家公司决定另辟蹊径，另起炉灶，开发新市场。

Formal

"打得火热"

— To be passionately involved or very close. While '火热' refers to fire, the imagery of a hot stove is related.

他们两个最近打得火热，天天在一起。

Informal

"热锅上的蚂蚁"

— Ants on a hot pot. Describes someone who is extremely anxious or restless.

没带钥匙的他急得像热锅上的蚂蚁。

Common

"火上浇油"

— To pour oil on the fire. To make a bad situation worse.

你这时候批评他简直是火上浇油。

Common

"薪尽火传"

— The fuel is consumed but the fire is passed on. Refers to the passing of knowledge from master to apprentice.

这种传统手艺需要薪尽火传，不能失传。

Literary

"趁热打铁"

— Strike while the iron is hot. To act while the opportunity is favorable.

我们要趁热打铁，把这个合同签了。

Common

"烟火气息"

— The smell of smoke and fire. Refers to the warm, lived-in feeling of a home where cooking happens.

我喜欢这个小巷子，很有烟火气息。

Literary

"如火如荼"

— Like fire and cogon grass. Describes a scene that is grand and intense.

比赛正在如火如荼地进行中。

Formal

"瓮中之鳖"

— A turtle in a jar. Someone who is trapped and has no escape (often used in military contexts).

敌人已经成了我们的瓮中之鳖。

Formal

Easily Confused

煤气灶 vs 煤气

It's the fuel, not the machine.

煤气 is the gas itself. 煤气灶 is the machine that burns the gas.

煤气漏了 (The gas leaked) vs. 煤气灶坏了 (The stove is broken).

煤气灶 vs 天然气

Both are types of gas used for cooking.

天然气 is natural gas (piped). 煤气 originally meant coal gas but is now used colloquially for both.

我家通了天然气。

煤气灶 vs 炉子

Both refer to heating/cooking devices.

炉子 is a more general term and can refer to a heater or a simple coal stove used for warmth.

冬天屋里生个炉子。

煤气灶 vs 锅

Both are found in the kitchen.

锅 is the pot or pan. 煤气灶 is what you put the pot on.

锅在煤气灶上。

煤气灶 vs 抽油烟机

They are usually located together.

抽油烟机 is the range hood that sucks up smoke. 煤气灶 produces the heat.

开煤气灶前先开抽油烟机。

Sentence Patterns

这是 + [Noun]

这是煤气灶。

[Noun] + 坏了

煤气灶坏了。

用 + [Noun] + 做饭

我用煤气灶做饭。

为了 + [Purpose], 建议 + [Action]

为了安全，建议检查煤气灶。

尽管...但...

尽管煤气灶很旧，但很好用。

鉴于...加强...

鉴于事故频发，政府加强了对煤气灶的监管。

Any

把 + [Noun] + [Action]

把煤气灶关了。

Any

[Noun] + 打不着火

煤气灶打不着火。

Word Family

Nouns

煤气 (gas)

灶台 (stove top/counter)

灶神 (Stove God)

煤气罐 (gas tank)

煤气管 (gas pipe)

Verbs

开灶 (to start cooking/open a kitchen)

闭灶 (to close a kitchen)

Adjectives

节能灶 (energy-saving stove)

老式灶 (old-style stove)

厨房 (kitchen)

炒菜 (stir-fry)

抽油烟机 (range hood)

天然气 (natural gas)

液化气 (LPG)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and household management.

Common Mistakes

Using '只' as a measure word. → 一台煤气灶
只 (zhī) is for animals or small items. 台 (tái) is for appliances.
Confusing 煤气灶 with 电磁炉. → 煤气灶 uses gas; 电磁炉 uses electricity.
Calling an induction cooker a 煤气灶 will confuse people if you are asking for repair or cooking instructions.
Saying '灭煤气灶' instead of '关煤气灶'. → 关煤气灶
关 (guān) means to turn off the device. 灭 (miè) means the fire itself went out.
Forgetting to specify the gas type when buying. → 天然气灶 vs 液化气灶
The nozzles are different. A '煤气灶' for bottled gas won't work for piped gas.
Thinking 煤气灶 includes an oven. → 煤气灶 (top) and 烤箱 (oven).
In Chinese, these are almost always separate words and often separate appliances.

Tips

Check for Leaks

If you smell gas, do not turn on the 煤气灶. Open the windows immediately and close the main gas valve. Safety is the top priority when dealing with gas appliances.

Wok Hei

To get 'wok hei' (the breath of the wok), make sure your 煤气灶 is on high heat before adding ingredients. This is why gas is preferred over electric for Chinese cuisine.

Battery Check

If the stove makes a clicking sound but won't light, check the battery at the bottom. Most 煤气灶 units use one or two D-cell batteries for the igniter.

Burner Care

If the flame is uneven, use a needle to poke the small holes in the burner cap (火盖). They often get clogged with spilled soup or grease.

Measure Word

Always use 台 (tái) when you want to sound educated and precise about household appliances like the 煤气灶.

Regional Terms

If you travel to Hong Kong, listen for '煤气炉'. In Taiwan, listen for '瓦斯炉'. They all mean the same thing: gas stove.

Energy Labels

Look for the '中国能效标识' (China Energy Label) on the 煤气灶. Level 1 (一级) is the most energy-efficient.

Feng Shui

In traditional Chinese culture, don't put the 煤气灶 directly under a window, as the 'wealth' (represented by the fire) might be blown away.

Professional Help

Never try to disassemble the gas pipes of your 煤气灶 yourself. Always call a '师傅' (shīfu - master/technician).

Replacement

The national standard for the lifespan of a 煤气灶 in China is 8 years. After that, it's safer to replace it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a piece of 'Coal' (煤) releasing 'Gas' (气) to light a 'Stove' (灶). MEI looks like a tree over fire, QI looks like steam, and ZAO is fire next to earth.

Visual Association

Visualize a bright blue flame on a black stove top in a busy kitchen. The blue flame represents the 'gas' (气).

Word Web

Kitchen Fire Cooking Gas Knob Wok Safety Home

Challenge

Go to your kitchen and point at the stove. Say '煤气灶' three times. Then say '打开煤气灶' and '关闭煤气灶'.

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound. '煤气' (coal gas) entered the Chinese language in the late 19th/early 20th century as gas lighting and cooking were introduced. '灶' is an ancient character meaning 'stove' or 'furnace'.

Original meaning: A stove fueled specifically by coal gas, used to distinguish it from traditional wood-burning stoves.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Always handle gas safety with care; avoid jokes about gas leaks in formal or sensitive contexts.

In English, we usually say 'gas stove' or 'range'. Unlike in many Western homes where electric stoves are common, gas is much more dominant in China for culinary reasons.

The legend of the Stove God (灶王爷). The idiom '另起炉灶' used in political and business discourse. Common scenes in Chinese 'slice-of-life' films (like those by Ang Lee) featuring busy kitchens.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cooking a meal

火开大点
把火关小
别烧干了
点火

Safety check

检查漏气
关好阀门
定期更换
安全第一

Shopping for appliances

不锈钢材质
节能省气
保修几年
上门安装

Cleaning the kitchen

擦油垢
洗火盖
喷清洁剂
亮晶晶

Repairing faults

打不着火
火苗发红
换电池
找师傅修

Conversation Starters

"你家是用煤气灶还是电磁炉？ (Does your family use a gas stove or an induction cooker?)"

"这个煤气灶怎么点不着火了？ (Why won't this gas stove light?)"

"你觉得哪种牌子的煤气灶最好用？ (Which brand of gas stove do you think is the best?)"

"煤气灶上的油渍你一般怎么清理？ (How do you usually clean the grease on the gas stove?)"

"现在的煤气灶火力真的比以前大多了。 (Gas stoves nowadays really have much stronger heat than before.)"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你理想中的厨房，里面会有什么样的煤气灶？ (Describe your ideal kitchen; what kind of gas stove would be in it?)

写一段关于你在厨房里发生的趣事，一定要提到煤气灶。 (Write about a funny incident in the kitchen, making sure to mention the gas stove.)

讨论一下煤气灶和电磁炉的优缺点。 (Discuss the pros and cons of gas stoves and induction cookers.)

如果你搬进新家，你会如何挑选煤气灶？ (If you moved into a new home, how would you choose a gas stove?)

记述一次你忘记关煤气灶的经历。 (Record an experience where you forgot to turn off the gas stove.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, 燃气灶 is a broader term encompassing both coal gas (煤气) and natural gas (天然气) stoves. However, in daily conversation, most Chinese people use 煤气灶 to refer to any gas stove, even if it runs on natural gas. If you are buying one, look for 燃气灶 to see all options.

The most appropriate measure word is 台 (tái), which is used for machines and appliances. For example, 一台煤气灶. In very casual speech, 个 (gè) is also used, but 台 is more correct and formal.

You should say '煤气灶打不着火' (méiqìzào dǎ bù zháo huǒ). This is a very common phrase used when the electronic ignition fails or the gas has run out.

While people will understand you, the more common term in Taiwan is 瓦斯炉 (wǎsīlú). '瓦斯' is a loanword from English 'gas' via Japanese.

You can say '把火开大一点' (bǎ huǒ kāi dà yīdiǎn) or '调大火力' (tiáo dà huǒlì). To turn it down, say '把火关小一点' (bǎ huǒ guān xiǎo yīdiǎn).

The main parts are the 炉头 (lútóu - burner head), 火盖 (huǒgài - burner cap), 点火针 (diǎnhuǒzhēn - ignition needle), and 旋钮 (xuánniǔ - knob).

Yes, but in a professional kitchen, chefs might refer to their specific workstations as 灶头 (zàotóu). For example, '一号灶头' (Burner number one).

Ideally, you should '擦煤气灶' (wipe the stove) after every use to prevent grease buildup. A deep clean of the '火盖' (burner cap) should be done once a month.

No, a 煤气灶 requires a gas source. However, modern ones use a small battery or a plug-in cord to power the electronic '点火针' (ignition needle).

It is called a 集成灶 (jíchéngzào). It combines the 煤气灶, 抽油烟机 (hood), and sometimes a 消毒柜 (sterilizer) or oven into one unit.