暖气 in 30 Seconds
- 暖气 (nuǎnqì) means central heating or a radiator, primarily used in Northern China.
- It is a noun that refers to both the system and the warmth it produces.
- Common verbs used with it include 开 (turn on), 关 (turn off), and 供 (supply).
- It is distinct from air conditioning (空调) and portable heaters (取暖器).
The term 暖气 (nuǎnqì) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, particularly essential for anyone living in or visiting Northern China during the winter months. Literally translating to 'warm air' or 'warm gas,' it refers specifically to central heating systems, radiators, and the heat they provide. In a broader sense, it encompasses the entire infrastructure of municipal heating that defines winter life in the colder regions of the country. Unlike the portable heaters often used in Western countries, nuǎnqì usually implies a building-wide or city-wide system of hot water pipes and radiators.
- The Geographical Context
- In China, there is a famous geographical divide known as the Qinling-Huaihe Line. Historically, the Chinese government provided subsidized central heating (暖气) only to regions north of this line. This means that cities like Beijing, Harbin, and Xi'an have robust nuǎnqì systems, while southern cities like Shanghai or Hangzhou often do not, despite being quite cold in winter. This cultural and infrastructural divide makes the word a frequent topic of debate and comparison between Northerners and Southerners.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
- When a Chinese person says '暖气来了' (nuǎnqì lái le), they aren't just saying the heat is on; they are announcing the official start of the comfortable indoor season. In the north, the government sets a specific date (usually November 15th) for the heating to be turned on. Before this date, people often complain about the 'pre-heating' chill. The radiator itself is also called 暖气片 (nuǎnqì piàn), which becomes a multi-purpose tool in many households—used for drying socks, warming up cold oranges, or even proofing bread dough.
北方冬天的命是暖气给的。(Běifāng dōngtiān de mìng shì nuǎnqì gěi de.)
Furthermore, 暖气 is distinguished from 空调 (kòngtiáo - air conditioning). While many use AC units for heat, nuǎnqì is preferred because it doesn't dry out the air as harshly and provides a more consistent, 'heavy' warmth that permeates the walls of the building. Understanding this word is key to understanding the seasonal rhythms of Chinese society, from the annual 'heating fee' (取暖费) to the specific architectural designs of northern apartments.
Using 暖气 (nuǎnqì) correctly requires knowing which verbs pair with it. Since it can refer to both the system and the physical heat, the verbs change depending on the context. Whether you are complaining about a leak or praising the warmth of a friend's apartment, these patterns are essential.
- Activation and Supply
- To describe the system being operational, we use 供 (gōng - to supply). The phrase 供暖气 (gōng nuǎnqì) means the municipality is providing heat. If you want to say the heat has started for the season, you say 暖气开了 (nuǎnqì kāi le) or 暖气通了 (nuǎnqì tōng le). Conversely, 停暖气 (tíng nuǎnqì) means the heating has been stopped or cut off.
- Describing the Quality
- We use the adjective 足 (zú - sufficient/plenty) to describe strong heating. 暖气很足 (nuǎnqì hěn zú) means the room is very warm. If it's weak, you might say 暖气不热 (nuǎnqì bù rè). To describe the physical radiator, you might use 摸 (mō - to touch), as in 摸一下暖气 (mō yīxià nuǎnqì) to check if it's warming up.
这间屋子的暖气坏了，我们需要找人来修。(Zhè jiān wūzi de nuǎnqì huài le, wǒmen xūyào zhǎo rén lái xiū.)
In formal contexts, like a rental agreement, you might see 集中供暖 (jízhōng gōngnuǎn), which means 'centralized heating.' In casual conversation, people often drop the formal terms and just ask, '你家暖气热吗？' (Is your home's heating hot?). It is also common to use 暖气 as a location: '把衣服放在暖气上' (Put the clothes on the radiator).
You will encounter 暖气 (nuǎnqì) in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from mundane household chores to official government announcements. Its presence in the lexicon is seasonal but intense.
- The 'Property Management' Office (物业)
- If you live in a Chinese apartment complex in winter, you will see notices posted in the elevator or on the building gate regarding nuǎnqì. These notices detail the 'trial heating' (试运行 shì yùnxíng) dates, where they check the pipes for leaks. You might hear neighbors in the elevator asking, '你们家暖气热了吗？' (Is your heating hot yet?) as a standard greeting in mid-November.
- News and Weather Reports
- When a cold front (冷空气 lěng kōngqì) hits, news anchors often discuss the 'heating supply' (供暖) status. If there is a major pipe burst in a city, it becomes headline news because thousands of people rely on that specific nuǎnqì line to survive the sub-zero temperatures. You'll hear phrases like '保障供暖' (bǎozhàng gōngnuǎn - to guarantee heating supply).
师傅，我想问一下，我们这栋楼什么时候给暖气？(Shīfu, wǒ xiǎng wèn yīxià, wǒmen zhè dòng lóu shénme shíhou gěi nuǎnqì?)
In a retail context, if you go to a home improvement store like B&Q (百安居) or a local hardware market, you'll hear people discussing the efficiency of different nuǎnqì brands or materials (like copper vs. aluminum). Even in literature or movies set in Northern China, nuǎnqì often serves as a symbol of home, safety, and the stark contrast between the harsh exterior world and the cozy interior life.
While 暖气 (nuǎnqì) seems straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes by over-extending its meaning or confusing it with other heat-related terms. Precision is key to sounding like a native speaker.
- Confusion with 'Air Conditioning' (空调)
- In many Western countries, 'heating' often refers to the warm air blown out of a central vent system (HVAC). In China, if you are using a wall-mounted unit to blow warm air, that is 空调 (kòngtiáo), not nuǎnqì. Calling an AC 'nuǎnqì' sounds strange to Chinese ears because nuǎnqì implies the radiator/water system. If you want to say 'Turn on the heat' and you're pointing at an AC remote, say '开暖风' (kāi nuǎnfēng) or just '开空调'.
- Misusing 'Hot' (热) vs. 'Warm' (暖和)
- Learners often say '暖气很暖和' (The heating is warm). While grammatically okay, it's more natural to say 暖气很热 (nuǎnqì hěn rè). Use 暖和 (nuǎnhuo) to describe the feeling of the room or the person, e.g., '屋里很暖和' (The room is warm). Use 热 to describe the temperature of the radiator itself.
❌ 我想买一个暖气带到办公室。
✅ 我想买一个电暖气带到办公室。
Finally, remember that nuǎnqì is a noun. You cannot use it as a verb. You cannot 'nuǎnqì a room.' You must say '用暖气给房间取暖' (use heating to warm the room). Also, be careful with the word 暖气片. If you say you are 'sitting on the nuǎnqì,' people will assume you are sitting on the radiator itself, which is a common but funny image!
While 暖气 (nuǎnqì) is the most common term, several related words describe different types of heating or similar concepts. Understanding these will help you be more specific in your descriptions.
- 地暖 (Dìnnuǎn) - Underfloor Heating
- Short for '地板辐射采暖' (dìbǎn fúshè cǎinuǎn). This is a modern alternative to traditional radiators. Instead of a visible nuǎnqì piàn on the wall, the pipes are under the floor. Many new apartments in China use dìnnuǎn. It is considered more comfortable because it warms your feet first.
- 取暖器 (Qǔnuǎnqì) - Space Heater
- This is the general term for any portable device used for warming up, such as oil heaters, fan heaters, or ceramic heaters. If you are in the south where there is no municipal nuǎnqì, you will likely buy a qǔnuǎnqì.
- 暖炉 (Nuǎnlú) - Stove / Heater
- This often refers to a more traditional or rustic stove, like a coal-burning or wood-burning stove used in rural areas. It can also refer to a small hand-warmer in some contexts.
虽然这房子没有暖气，但我们可以用空调或者取暖器。(Suīrán zhè fángzi méiyǒu nuǎnqì, dàn wǒmen kěyǐ yòng kòngtiáo huòzhě qǔnuǎnqì.)
Another word you might hear is 暖风 (nuǎnfēng), which literally means 'warm wind.' This is used to describe the heat coming out of a car's vents or an air conditioner. If you are cold in a taxi, you ask the driver to '开暖风' (kāi nuǎnfēng), not '开暖气', as cars don't have radiators in the household sense.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In the early 20th century, central heating was a luxury in China. The current system was largely modeled after Soviet infrastructure in the 1950s, which is why many old radiators in China look identical to those in Russia.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'nuan' as 'noon'. It must have the 'wa' glide.
- Pronouncing 'qi' as 'ki'. It is a soft 'ch' sound.
Difficulty Rating
The characters are relatively simple for an A2 learner, though '暖' has many strokes.
'暖' (nuǎn) can be tricky to write correctly without practice.
The tones (3rd and 4th) are distinct and easy to master.
It's a very common word in winter, easy to recognize in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Resultative Complements with 开
暖气打开了 (The heating has been opened/turned on).
Measure words for sets (组)
这间屋子有两组暖气 (This room has two sets of radiators).
Directional Complements (来)
暖气来了 (The heating has arrived/started).
Separable Verbs (供暖)
今年供暖供得很早 (This year heating was supplied very early).
Adjectives as Verbs (暖和)
屋里暖和了 (The room has become warm).
Examples by Level
我有暖气。
I have heating.
Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.
暖气很热。
The heating is very hot.
Adjective '热' (hot) used to describe the radiator's temperature.
这是暖气吗？
Is this the heating?
Basic question using '吗'.
我家没有暖气。
My home doesn't have heating.
Use '没有' for negation of possession.
暖气在哪儿？
Where is the heating?
Question word '在哪儿' (where).
谢谢你的暖气。
Thank you for your heating.
'的' indicates possession/association.
房间里有暖气。
There is heating in the room.
Existential '有' sentence.
暖气不热。
The heating is not hot.
'不' for basic negation.
请开一下暖气。
Please turn on the heating for a bit.
Use '开' (to open/turn on) and '一下' for a polite request.
别关暖气，我很冷。
Don't turn off the heating, I'm cold.
'别' (don't) for negative commands.
北方的暖气很足。
The heating in the north is very sufficient.
'足' (zú) is a common collocation for strong heating.
我喜欢在暖气旁边坐着。
I like sitting next to the heating.
'旁边' (beside) and the '着' particle for continuous state.
今天暖气开了吗？
Is the heating on today?
'开了' indicates a change of state.
我们要交暖气费。
We need to pay the heating fee.
'要' (need to) + verb phrase.
暖气让房间很暖和。
The heating makes the room very warm.
'让' (ràng) used as 'to make/cause.'
这里的暖气不太好。
The heating here isn't very good.
'不太' (not very) to soften a negative statement.
暖气管子好像漏水了。
The heating pipe seems to be leaking.
'好像' (seems) and '漏水' (leak water).
如果暖气坏了，就给物业打电话。
If the heating is broken, then call property management.
'如果...就...' (if... then...) conditional structure.
南方的冬天通常没有暖气。
Southern winters usually don't have central heating.
'通常' (usually) as an adverb.
暖气太热了，我得开窗通风。
The heating is too hot; I have to open the window for ventilation.
'得' (děi - must) and '通风' (ventilate).
把湿衣服挂在暖气上干得快。
Hanging wet clothes on the radiator makes them dry fast.
'把' construction and '干得快' (dry quickly).
这种老房子的暖气噪音很大。
The heating in this kind of old house is very noisy.
'噪音' (noise) and '这种' (this kind).
暖气什么时候开始供应？
When does the heating supply start?
'开始' (start) and '供应' (supply).
因为有暖气，我在家只穿短袖。
Because there is heating, I only wear short sleeves at home.
'因为' (because) and '只' (only).
集中供暖虽然方便，但是不够环保。
Central heating is convenient, but not environmentally friendly enough.
'虽然...但是...' (although... but...) and '环保' (eco-friendly).
由于暖气太燥，我买了一个加湿器。
Since the heating is too dry, I bought a humidifier.
'由于' (due to) and '燥' (dry/arid).
暖气费是按建筑面积收取的。
The heating fee is charged according to the floor area.
'按' (according to) and '收取' (to charge/collect).
北方人习惯了暖气，去南方很不适应。
Northerners are used to heating; they find it hard to adapt in the south.
'习惯了' (gotten used to) and '适应' (adapt).
现在的地暖比传统的暖气片更受欢迎。
Nowadays, underfloor heating is more popular than traditional radiators.
Comparison structure 'A 比 B 更...'. '暖气片' refers specifically to the radiator panel.
暖气管道需要定期检查和维护。
Heating pipes need regular inspection and maintenance.
'定期' (regularly) and '维护' (maintenance).
一旦暖气停了，屋里很快就会变冷。
Once the heating stops, the room quickly becomes cold.
'一旦...就...' (once... then...).
政府正在推广使用天然气供暖。
The government is promoting the use of natural gas for heating.
'正在' (in the process of) and '推广' (promote).
供暖系统的效率直接影响到能源消耗。
The efficiency of the heating system directly affects energy consumption.
'直接影响到' (directly affects) and '能源消耗' (energy consumption).
老旧小区的暖气改造工程迫在眉睫。
The heating renovation project for old residential areas is urgent.
'改造工程' (renovation project) and the idiom '迫在眉睫' (imminent/urgent).
暖气的普及极大地提高了北方人民的生活质量。
The popularization of heating has greatly improved the quality of life for people in the North.
'普及' (popularization) and '极大地' (greatly).
我们需要权衡供暖成本与环境保护之间的关系。
We need to weigh the relationship between heating costs and environmental protection.
'权衡' (to weigh/balance) and '之间' (between).
这种新型散热器不仅美观，而且热效率极高。
This new type of radiator is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has extremely high thermal efficiency.
'不仅...而且...' (not only... but also...).
供暖期结束后，空气质量通常会有所改善。
After the heating season ends, air quality usually improves somewhat.
'有所' + verb (to some extent).
北方农村地区依然有很多家庭依靠煤炉取暖，而非暖气。
Many families in northern rural areas still rely on coal stoves for warmth rather than central heating.
'依靠' (rely on) and '而非' (rather than).
冬季供暖保障是民生工程中的重中之重。
Ensuring winter heating is the top priority among livelihood projects.
'民生工程' (livelihood project) and '重中之重' (top priority).
供暖体制的改革标志着福利化分配时代的终结。
The reform of the heating system marks the end of the era of welfare-based distribution.
'标志着' (marks/signifies) and '终结' (end/termination).
阶梯式暖气费率的实施旨在引导居民节约能源。
The implementation of tiered heating rates aims to guide residents to save energy.
'旨在' (aimed at) and '阶梯式' (tiered/stepped).
在文学作品中，暖气往往被赋予了温情与庇护的象征意义。
In literary works, heating is often endowed with symbolic meanings of warmth and shelter.
'被赋予' (be endowed with) and '象征意义' (symbolic meaning).
针对跨区域供暖的法律纠纷，需要更完善的司法解释。
Regarding legal disputes over cross-regional heating, more complete judicial interpretations are needed.
'针对' (regarding) and '司法解释' (judicial interpretation).
北方的城市景观中，错综复杂的暖气管道构成了一种独特的工业美学。
In northern urban landscapes, the intricate heating pipes constitute a unique industrial aesthetic.
'错综复杂' (intricate/complex) and '构成' (constitute).
气候变暖对传统供暖周期的设定提出了严峻挑战。
Global warming has posed a severe challenge to the setting of traditional heating cycles.
'严峻挑战' (severe challenge) and '设定' (setting).
供暖企业应加强技术创新，以应对日益严苛的环保排放标准。
Heating companies should strengthen technological innovation to cope with increasingly stringent environmental emission standards.
'日益严苛' (increasingly stringent) and '应对' (cope with).
这种自下而上的供暖诉求，反映了民众对生活品质追求的提升。
This bottom-up demand for heating reflects the improvement of people's pursuit of quality of life.
'自下而上' (bottom-up) and '反映' (reflect).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The heating is not working well.
我家的暖气不热，怎么办？
— The heating season has started.
暖气来了，终于可以脱外套了。
— The radiator is leaking.
快拿盆来，暖气漏了！
— To stay in a warm place to avoid paying for one's own heat.
去图书馆蹭暖气。
— The supply of heating.
今年的暖气供应很稳定。
— Heating fee receipt.
请出示您的暖气费单据。
— Heating system renovation.
我们小区正在进行暖气改造。
— Heating circulation.
水泵坏了，暖气循环不畅。
— Heating connection point.
暖气接口处有点生锈。
— The water inside the heating system.
千万别喝暖气水，有毒。
Often Confused With
Air conditioning. It can provide heat but is not 'nuǎnqì.'
A thermos bottle for hot water. It sounds similar but is an object for drinking.
A stove or space heater. It's more traditional or portable than 'nuǎnqì.'
Idioms & Expressions
— To send charcoal in the snow (to provide help in times of need). Closely related to the concept of providing heat.
你的帮助真是雪中送炭。
Formal— Like the sun in winter (describing a kind person). Related to the feeling of 暖气.
他为人温厚，真可谓冬日可爱。
Literary— Spring breeze and rain (nurturing influence). Contrast to the harsh winter heat.
老师的教导如春风化雨。
Formal— The cold cicada's mournful chirping (sad atmosphere). The opposite of a warm 暖气 room.
这首诗充满了寒蝉凄切之感。
Literary— To inquire about someone's well-being (literally 'hissing at the cold and asking about the warmth').
同事们对他嘘寒问暖。
Common— One knows for oneself whether the water is cold or warm (one's own experiences).
个中滋味，冷暖自知。
Philosophical— As if bathing in a spring breeze (feeling comfortable). Similar to the feeling of good 暖气.
听他的讲座真如沐春风。
Literary— Bustling with activity (literally 'hot fire facing heaven').
工地上一派热火朝天的景象。
Common— A world of ice and snow. The environment where 暖气 is needed.
外面冰天雪地，屋里暖气很足。
Descriptive— Highbrow art/culture (literally 'spring sun and white snow').
他的作品属于阳春白雪。
LiteraryEasily Confused
Both start with 'nuan' and relate to heat.
'Nuǎnqì' is the system (noun); 'nuǎnhuo' is the feeling (adjective/verb).
暖气让房间很暖和。
Both mean warm.
'Wēnnuǎn' is more emotional or abstract (warm heart/smile). 'Nuǎnqì' is literal heat.
他的话让我感到很温暖。
Both are heating devices.
'Nuǎnqì' is fixed; 'qǔnuǎnqì' is a portable space heater.
南方的冬天需要取暖器。
Literal meaning of 'nuanqi' is 'warm air.'
'Rèqì' is general hot steam or air; 'nuǎnqì' is the specific heating system.
锅里冒出了热气。
Both refer to warm air.
'Nuǎnfēng' is specifically air blown from a fan or vent (car/AC).
车里的暖风很舒服。
Sentence Patterns
我有[Object]
我有暖气。
请[Verb]一下[Object]
请开一下暖气。
如果[Condition], 就[Result]
如果暖气坏了，就找师傅。
把[Object]放在[Location]
把湿衣服放在暖气上。
由于[Reason], 所以[Result]
由于暖气太燥，所以我买了一个加湿器。
A比B更[Adjective]
地暖比暖气片更舒服。
[Subject]旨在[Purpose]
暖气费改革旨在节约能源。
[Subject]标志着[Significance]
集中供暖的普及标志着北方城市化进程。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in Northern China during winter; low in Southern China and summer.
-
Using 'nuanqi' for a space heater.
→
电暖气 or 取暖器
'Nuanqi' usually implies the central water-based system. Plug-in ones need 'dian' (electric).
-
Saying '打暖气' like you say '打空调'.
→
开暖气
You 'kai' (open/turn on) the heating. 'Da' is only for AC in certain regions.
-
Confusing 'nuanqi' (noun) with 'nuanhuo' (adjective).
→
暖气让房间很暖和。
One is the thing, one is the feeling. You can't say 'this nuanqi is very nuanqi.'
-
Thinking 'nuanqi' is only in Beijing.
→
It's across all of Northern China.
Any city north of the central line has it, including Harbin, Xi'an, and Shenyang.
-
Calling a car's heater 'nuanqi'.
→
暖风
Cars blow warm air from vents, which is 'nuanfeng.'
Tips
The November 15th Rule
In Beijing, November 15th is the magical day when the heating is turned on. Before that, it's 'winter coat indoors' season!
Bleeding the Radiator
If your radiator is cold at the top, it might have air trapped. Ask a 'shifu' to '排气' (pàiqì - vent/bleed) it.
Greeting Neighbors
'你们家暖气热了吗？' is the best small talk in a northern Chinese elevator in November.
Stay Hydrated
The dry air from 'nuanqi' can cause nosebleeds or dry skin. Drink lots of water and use a humidifier.
Measure Word Tip
Use '组' (zǔ) for a whole set of radiator panels: '这一组暖气片' (this set of radiators).
Check the Rent
When renting, always ask '暖气费包不包？' (Is the heating fee included in the rent?).
The Heating Line
Remember the Qinling-Huaihe line. North = Nuanqi; South = Shivering (or AC).
The Sun Radical
The '日' in '暖' reminds you that the heat comes from the sun's energy.
Don't Drink the Water
The water inside 'nuanqi' pipes contains rust-prevention chemicals. Never use it for cooking or drinking.
Warm Your Fruit
Northerners often put frozen fruit or bread on the radiator for a few minutes before eating.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
The sun (日) makes you feel 'nuan' (warm). The 'qi' is like the air or steam coming off your hot tea. Together, they are the 'warm air' from your radiator.
Visual Association
Imagine a silver metal radiator with a cat sleeping on top of it. That cat is enjoying the 'nuanqi.'
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your home's heating system to a Chinese friend using only 'nuanqi,' 're,' and 'kai/guan.' Can you explain if you like it or not?
Word Origin
The word '暖' (nuǎn) dates back to ancient Chinese, combining the 'sun' (日) radical with a phonetic component, meaning 'warm.' '气' (qì) originally meant steam or breath. Combined, they literally mean 'warm air.'
Original meaning: In ancient times, it might have referred to warm breezes or the air near a fire.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
Be sensitive to the fact that rural areas may not have 暖气 and rely on coal, which is a source of pollution and health issues.
In the US/UK, 'heating' is often individual. In China, it is a collective, government-regulated service, which changes how people talk about it (as a shared right).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At Home
- 暖气不热
- 开暖气
- 暖气片漏水
- 暖气费
Renting an Apartment
- 包括暖气吗？
- 暖气好不好？
- 什么时候供暖？
- 电暖气
Weather Discussion
- 外面冷，屋里有暖气
- 还没供暖
- 暖气很足
- 暖气停了
At the Office
- 办公室暖气太热了
- 开窗户吧
- 暖气没开
- 蹭暖气
Repairing
- 修暖气
- 暖气管坏了
- 师傅来看暖气
- 暖气排气
Conversation Starters
"你家暖气现在热了吗？ (Is your heating hot now?)"
"你觉得暖气好还是空调好？ (Do you think central heating is better or air conditioning?)"
"你们家每年的暖气费是多少？ (How much is your heating fee every year?)"
"南方没有暖气，你受得了吗？ (The South has no heating; can you stand it?)"
"暖气太燥了，你用加湿器吗？ (The heating is too dry; do you use a humidifier?)"
Journal Prompts
描述一下你第一次在北方过冬看到暖气的感受。 (Describe your feelings when you first saw central heating in the North.)
如果你可以改变中国的供暖系统，你会怎么做？ (If you could change China's heating system, what would you do?)
比较一下你家乡的取暖方式和中国的暖气。 (Compare the heating methods in your hometown with China's nuanqi.)
写一段关于暖气坏了的倒霉经历。 (Write about a bad experience when the heating broke.)
为什么暖气对北方人来说那么重要？ (Why is heating so important to Northerners?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo. Only northern cities (above the Qinling-Huaihe line) have municipal central heating. In the south, people use AC or space heaters.
No. Residents pay a 'heating fee' (暖气费) every year, usually based on the square footage of their apartment.
In most northern cities, it officially starts on November 15th and ends on March 15th, though dates vary by weather and city.
In older buildings, no. In newer buildings, there are often control valves (暖气阀) on each radiator.
You should immediately contact your 'Property Management' (物业) or the city's heating company repair line.
'Pian' means 'slice' or 'panel.' 'Nuanqi pian' refers specifically to the metal radiator units on the wall.
Yes, it is generally very safe, but old pipes can leak or burst if not maintained.
Yes, this is very common in Northern China, but don't leave them unattended for too long as they can get very dry.
Yes, very dry. Most people in the North use humidifiers (加湿器) alongside their heating.
Municipal 'nuanqi' is usually powered by large coal-fired or natural gas-fired boilers that heat water to circulate through the city.
Test Yourself 200 questions
写一个关于你家暖气情况的句子。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
如果暖气坏了，你会怎么做？写两句话。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
描述一下暖气对北方生活的重要性。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
比较暖气和空调取暖的优缺点。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
写一段关于交暖气费的对话。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
用'由于...所以...'造句，必须包含'暖气'。
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描述一下你对'蹭暖气'的看法。
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写一个关于南方人第一次在北方体验暖气的故事开头。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
如果你是物业管理人员，写一则关于试供暖的通知。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
讨论供暖与环境保护之间的平衡。
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用'雪中送炭'写一个关于暖气的句子。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
写出三个包含'暖'字的词语。
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描述一下地暖和传统暖气片的区别。
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写一个句子，包含'暖气'和'加湿器'。
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解释为什么中国有供暖分界线。
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写一段话，描述冬天暖气房里的生活。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
写一个句子，包含'暖气费'和'房租'。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
如果你想买一个新的暖气片，你会问售货员什么问题？
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
描述一下暖气管爆裂后的场景。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
写一篇短文，讨论南方是否应该普及集中供暖。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
请用中文说：'I want to turn on the heating.'
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请用中文说：'Is the heating hot in your house?'
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请用中文说：'The heating is broken, I need a repairman.'
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请用中文说：'When does the heating start?'
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描述一下你房间里的暖气片是什么样子的。
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如果你觉得暖气太热了，你会怎么跟房东说？
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谈谈你对北方集中供暖的看法。
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解释一下为什么暖气会让空气变得干燥。
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请用中文模仿一段邻里之间关于暖气的对话。
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如果你想买一个加湿器，你会怎么向售货员描述你对暖气的感受？
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描述一下你第一次见到暖气时的情景。
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如果你家暖气费还没交，你会怎么跟家人商量？
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说说看，如果不用暖气，你还有什么办法取暖？
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请用中文解释'暖气片'这个词。
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如果暖气管爆裂了，你第一时间会喊什么？
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讨论一下为什么南方人冬天很难熬。
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请用中文说：'Heating fee is included in the rent.'
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如果你是维修工，你会怎么告诉住户暖气不热的原因？
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谈谈暖气对环境的影响。
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总结一下今天学到的关于'暖气'的三个重点。
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(Audio: 我家暖气不热。) 说话人的暖气怎么样？
(Audio: 暖气明天就开了。) 暖气什么时候开？
(Audio: 别忘了交暖气费。) 说话人提醒交什么？
(Audio: 暖气片漏水了，快找师傅。) 发生了什么事？
(Audio: 这里的暖气费是按平方米算的。) 暖气费是怎么算的？
(Audio: 暖气太热，我都出汗了。) 说话人的感受是什么？
(Audio: 供暖期从11月到明年3月。) 供暖期到什么时候结束？
(Audio: 我想买一个电暖气。) 说话人想买什么？
(Audio: 暖气管子有点生锈了。) 管子怎么了？
(Audio: 咱们去商场蹭暖气吧。) 他们要去干什么？
(Audio: 现在的地暖比老暖气片好用。) 说话人觉得哪个好用？
(Audio: 暖气阀门关不上了。) 阀门怎么了？
(Audio: 试暖气的时候家里必须留人。) 试暖气要注意什么？
(Audio: 暖气水是不能用来洗衣服的。) 暖气水能干什么？
(Audio: 政府正在推广清洁取暖。) 政府在推广什么？
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
暖气 is more than just 'heat'; it is a vital municipal service in Northern China that defines the winter lifestyle, starting officially on fixed dates like November 15th. Example: '暖气来了，屋里真暖和！' (The heating is on; it’s really warm in the room!)
- 暖气 (nuǎnqì) means central heating or a radiator, primarily used in Northern China.
- It is a noun that refers to both the system and the warmth it produces.
- Common verbs used with it include 开 (turn on), 关 (turn off), and 供 (supply).
- It is distinct from air conditioning (空调) and portable heaters (取暖器).
The November 15th Rule
In Beijing, November 15th is the magical day when the heating is turned on. Before that, it's 'winter coat indoors' season!
Bleeding the Radiator
If your radiator is cold at the top, it might have air trapped. Ask a 'shifu' to '排气' (pàiqì - vent/bleed) it.
Greeting Neighbors
'你们家暖气热了吗？' is the best small talk in a northern Chinese elevator in November.
Stay Hydrated
The dry air from 'nuanqi' can cause nosebleeds or dry skin. Drink lots of water and use a humidifier.
Example
冬天开暖气很舒服。
