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A2 noun 9 min read

电源

diànyuán

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 电源 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 电源 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 电源 (diànyuán) is a word you use to identify the source of electricity for your gadgets. Think of it as 'the place where the electricity comes from.' You will mostly use it with simple verbs like '找' (zhǎo - to look for) or '有' (yǒu - to have). For example, if your phone is at 1%, you might ask, '哪里有电源？' (Where is there a power source?). At this level, you don't need to worry about technical details. Just remember that it refers to the wall outlet or the charger. It's a survival word for the digital age. You might also see it on buttons or labels in hotels. If you see a switch labeled '电源,' it means that switch controls the electricity for that area. Learning this word early helps you stay connected and keep your devices running while traveling in China.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 电源 (diànyuán) in more complete sentences related to daily chores and basic troubleshooting. You should know how to use it with verbs like '开启' (kāiqǐ - to turn on), '关闭' (guānbì - to turn off), and '连接' (liánjiē - to connect). You might have to explain that a device isn't working because the '电源' isn't connected. You also start to learn compound words like '电源线' (power cord) and '电源插座' (power socket). This level is about practical application—knowing how to follow instructions like '请先切断电源' (Please cut off the power first) for safety. You are moving beyond just 'where is the plug' to 'how do I safely manage the power for my electronics.' It's also the stage where you distinguish it from '电池' (battery), ensuring you don't ask for a '电源' when you actually need a pair of AA batteries for your remote control.

At the B1 level, 电源 (diànyuán) enters the realm of office work and slightly more technical environments. You will use it to discuss stability and efficiency. For example, you might describe a '电源供应不稳定' (unstable power supply) causing your computer to crash. You'll also encounter it in the context of '备用电源' (backup power supply/UPS), which is common in professional settings. At this stage, you should be comfortable using the word in multi-clause sentences, such as '由于电源故障，我们不得不停止工作' (Due to a power supply failure, we had to stop working). You'll also begin to see the word in news reports about energy consumption or infrastructure. Your vocabulary expands to include terms like '额定电压' (rated voltage) associated with the power supply. You are now able to have a basic conversation with a repairman or an IT specialist using this term correctly.

At the B2 level, you can use 电源 (diànyuán) in specialized contexts like electrical engineering, environmental science, or industrial management. You might discuss '开关电源' (switching power supplies) versus '线性电源' (linear power supplies) if you are in a technical field. You can express complex ideas about energy efficiency, such as '提高电源转换效率可以减少能源浪费' (Improving power supply conversion efficiency can reduce energy waste). You also understand the metaphorical use of the word in some contexts, though it remains primarily a technical term. Your ability to distinguish between '电源' (the source), '电网' (the grid), and '电能' (electrical energy) becomes precise. You can read technical manuals or academic papers that use '电源' to describe complex circuitry or national power distribution strategies without confusion. You are expected to use the word with professional collocations and in formal reports.

At the C1 level, your use of 电源 (diànyuán) is highly nuanced and context-aware. You can engage in deep discussions about national '电源结构' (power source structure), such as the balance between coal, hydro, and nuclear power. You understand the word within the framework of macroeconomics and policy-making. For instance, you might analyze how '稳定电源供应是工业发展的基石' (A stable power supply is the cornerstone of industrial development). You are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use '电源' versus more formal terms like '供电系统' (power supply system). In a literary or philosophical context, you might see '源' (source) used as a metaphor for the origin of power or influence, and your deep understanding of '电源' provides a solid foundation for these abstractions. You can effortlessly switch between daily usage, technical specifications, and high-level policy discussions.

At the C2 level, 电源 (diànyuán) is a tool for masterful communication. You can use it in highly specialized academic writing, legal documents regarding energy regulation, or complex technical patents. You have a complete grasp of its historical evolution in the Chinese language—from the early days of electrification to modern smart grids. You can critique the '电源管理芯片' (power management IC) designs or discuss the geopolitics of '跨境电源连接' (cross-border power connections). At this level, the word is part of a vast web of knowledge including physics, economics, and law. You can use the word with perfect precision in any register, from an informal joke about a dead phone to a formal keynote speech at an international energy summit. Your understanding of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, including its most obscure technical applications and its role in the broader '能源' (energy) ecosystem.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

电源 in 30 Seconds

电源 (diànyuán) means 'power supply' or 'source of electricity.' It is essential for using any electronic device in a Chinese-speaking environment.
Commonly used when asking for a place to charge phones or when troubleshooting electronics that won't turn on or function correctly.
It combines '电' (electricity) and '源' (source). It is a versatile noun used in both daily life and technical engineering contexts.
Key verbs to pair with it include '接通' (connect), '关闭' (turn off), and '检查' (check). It is a CEFR A2 level word.

The word 电源 (diànyuán) is a fundamental noun in modern Chinese, literally translating to the 'source of electricity.' In everyday life, it refers to any device or system that provides electrical energy to an appliance, machine, or circuit. This can range from the wall outlet in your living room to the complex power supply unit (PSU) inside a high-end gaming computer. Understanding this word is crucial because it is the starting point for interacting with almost any electronic device. When you arrive in China and need to charge your phone, you aren't just looking for electricity; you are looking for a 电源.

Technical Context: In engineering and physics, it refers to the primary source of electromotive force, such as a battery, a generator, or the mains supply from the grid.
Daily Life Usage: Commonly used when troubleshooting electronics. If a TV won't turn on, the first question asked is often related to the power connection.
Safety and Maintenance: It is used in warnings to 'cut off the power' before performing repairs to avoid electric shock.

请在离开房间前关闭电源以节省能源。 (Please turn off the power supply before leaving the room to save energy.)

The term is composed of two characters: 电 (diàn) meaning 'electricity' and 源 (yuán) meaning 'source' or 'origin'. This logical pairing makes it easy for learners to remember. Whether you are dealing with a portable power bank (which acts as a temporary power source) or the heavy-duty industrial lines feeding a factory, the word remains consistent. In the context of computer hardware, you will frequently see '电源' used to describe the box that converts AC from the wall to DC for the components. This specific usage is vital for anyone interested in technology or building their own PC in a Chinese-speaking environment.

我们需要一个新的电源适配器。 (We need a new power supply adapter.)

Furthermore, the word appears in many compound terms. For instance, 电源开关 (diànyuán kāiguān) means 'power switch,' and 电源线 (diànyuán xiàn) means 'power cord.' Mastering this word allows you to navigate technical manuals, interact with electricians, and manage your household appliances effectively. It is a word that bridges the gap between abstract physics and the practical reality of living in a high-tech society. Without a stable 电源, modern life effectively grinds to a halt, which is why you will hear this word during power outages or when someone is desperately searching for a place to plug in their laptop at a cafe.

Using 电源 (diànyuán) correctly involves understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it represents a 'source,' we often talk about connecting to it, disconnecting from it, or turning it on and off. The most common verb used with power is 接通 (jiētōng), meaning 'to connect' or 'to switch on' the electrical flow. Conversely, 切断 (qiēduàn) is used for 'cutting off' or 'disconnecting' the power, often for safety reasons.

Action: Connecting: Use '连接电源' (liánjiē diànyuán) for the physical act of plugging something in.
Action: Controlling: Use '开启/关闭电源' (kāiqǐ/guānbì diànyuán) to toggle the power state via a switch.
Action: Troubleshooting: Use '检查电源' (jiǎnchá diànyuán) when a device isn't working.

修理电器之前，务必先切断电源。 (Before repairing electrical appliances, be sure to cut off the power supply first.)

In a more formal or technical setting, you might encounter phrases like 电源供应 (diànyuán gōngyìng), which refers to the 'supply of power' as a service or function. For example, a city might suffer from an unstable power supply during a storm. In this case, you would say 电源供应不稳定 (diànyuán gōngyìng bù wěndìng). Another important aspect is the type of power. You might specify 直流电源 (zhíliú diànyuán) for DC power or 交流电源 (jiāoliú diànyuán) for AC power. This level of detail is common in textbooks and professional environments.

When describing the state of a device, you can use the structure '[Device] + 没有 + 电源'. For instance, '我的电脑没有电源' means 'My computer has no power supply' (perhaps the battery is dead or it's unplugged). This is a simple but effective way to communicate a common problem. For learners at the A2 level, focusing on the simple '开启/关闭' (on/off) and '连接' (connect) verbs will cover 90% of daily interactions involving this word.

这个插座没有电源，请换一个试试。 (This socket has no power; please try another one.)

You will encounter 电源 (diànyuán) in a variety of real-world scenarios in China. One of the most common places is in retail stores, specifically electronics shops like Suning or Gome. When buying a laptop, the salesperson might point out the 电源适配器 (power adapter) included in the box. Similarly, in an office environment, the IT department might send an email blast saying, '我们将于今晚十点切断大楼电源进行维护' (We will cut off the building's power supply tonight at 10 PM for maintenance).

Public Spaces: At airports or high-speed train stations, you will see signs for '充电电源' (charging power) near seating areas.
Home Environment: Parents often tell children '不要乱动电源' (Don't mess with the power supply/sockets) for safety.
Technical Support: Customer service agents will ask, '电源指示灯亮了吗？' (Is the power indicator light on?).

高铁座位下面有电源插座。 (There is a power socket under the high-speed train seat.)

In the world of gaming and DIY PC building, '电源' is a hot topic. Enthusiasts discuss the wattage and efficiency ratings (like 80 Plus Gold) of their 电脑电源. If you visit a tech market like Zhongguancun in Beijing, you'll hear vendors shouting about '大功率电源' (high-power supplies). Even in casual settings, like a cafe, you might hear a student ask the waiter, '请问哪里有电源？' (Excuse me, where is there a power source?). Here, they are specifically looking for a wall outlet to plug in their devices.

Finally, in news reports regarding infrastructure or natural disasters, you'll hear about '电源中断' (power interruption). This is a formal way to describe a blackout. Reporters might say, '由于台风，该地区的电源已经完全中断' (Due to the typhoon, the power supply in this area has been completely interrupted). Whether it's a mundane request for a charger or a critical emergency broadcast, '电源' is the keyword that signals everything related to electrical energy.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 电源 (diànyuán) with 电池 (diànchí). While both involve electricity, they are not interchangeable. 电池 refers specifically to a battery—a portable chemical cell that stores energy. 电源 is the broader term for the source of power, which *could* be a battery, but usually refers to the mains electricity or the power supply unit itself. If your phone is dead, you might say it has no '电' (electricity), but you wouldn't usually say the '电源' is dead unless you mean the wall charger is broken.

Mistake: Power vs. Battery: Incorrect: 我的手机需要一个新电源 (My phone needs a new power supply - implying a charger). Correct: 我的手机需要换电池 (My phone needs a battery replacement).
Mistake: Confusing with Electricity (电力): '电力' (diànlì) refers to electric power as a resource or utility. You pay for '电费' (electricity bill), not '电源费'.
Mistake: Using it as a Verb: English speakers might say 'Power the machine.' In Chinese, you must say '给机器接通电源' (Connect power to the machine).

错误：我要买一个电源给我的手电筒。 (Wrong: I want to buy a power supply for my flashlight - usually means batteries.)

Another common error is using 电源 when you actually mean 插头 (chātóu - plug) or 插座 (chāzuò - socket). While '电源' is the source, the '插头' is what you hold in your hand to connect to the '插座.' If you tell someone '你的电源掉了' (Your power supply fell), they might be confused unless you mean the actual transformer box fell off the wall. Usually, you mean '你的插头拔出来了' (Your plug was pulled out).

Lastly, learners often forget the measure word. Like many objects, '电源' uses 个 (gè). For example, '一个电源' (one power supply). However, when referring to the power supply as a system or a line, you might not use a measure word at all. Mastering these distinctions will make your Chinese sound much more natural and technically accurate.

In the realm of electricity, several words are closely related to 电源 (diànyuán) but serve different functions. Understanding these nuances is key to moving from A2 to B1 proficiency. The most common alternatives are 电池 (diànchí), 电力 (diànlì), and 能量 (néngliàng).

电源 (diànyuán) vs. 电池 (diànchí): '电源' is the source (often the wall or a PSU); '电池' is the storage unit (like a AA battery or a phone battery).
电源 (diànyuán) vs. 电力 (diànlì): '电源' is the specific hardware or point of origin; '电力' is the abstract concept of electric power or the utility service.
电源 (diànyuán) vs. 发电机 (fādiànjī): A '发电机' (generator) is a type of '电源'. It's the specific machine that creates the electricity.

虽然电源接通了，但电池已经损坏。 (Although the power supply is connected, the battery is already damaged.)

For more advanced contexts, you might use 能源 (néngyuán), which means 'energy source' in a broader sense, including wind, solar, and coal. While '电源' is specific to electricity, '能源' is used when discussing green energy or national resources. Another term is 供电 (gōngdiàn), which is the verb 'to supply electricity.' You might hear '供电局' (Bureau of Electricity Supply). If the power goes out, you could say '断电' (duàndiàn) or '停电' (tíngdiàn), which are more common than saying the '电源' stopped.

In technical documentation, you'll also see 备用电源 (bèiyòng diànyuán), meaning 'backup power supply' (like a UPS). This is a vital term for anyone working in IT or engineering. By comparing these words, you can see that '电源' is the most concrete term for the actual point of connection or the device providing the current, making it the most practical word for daily usage among the group.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In early translations of Western science, electricity was sometimes called '电质' (electric substance). The term '电源' became standardized as electrical engineering matured in China during the early 20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /diɛn.ɥɛn/

US /diɛn.ɥɛn/

The emphasis is balanced, but the 4th tone on 'diàn' makes it sound more forceful.

Rhymes With

边 (biān) 天 (tiān) 先 (xiān) 全 (quán) 圆 (yuán) 船 (chuán) 便 (biàn) 面 (miàn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yuan' like 'yawn'. It should be more like 'u-en' with a rounded start.
Missing the tones: saying both in a flat tone makes it hard to understand.
Confusing the 'yu' sound with a plain 'u'. Keep your lips rounded.
Dropping the 'n' at the end of both syllables.
Merging the two sounds into one syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common and logical.

Writing 3/5

'源' has many strokes but is a high-frequency component.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

电水源开关

Learn Next

插座插头电池充电电压

Advanced

电流功率电阻变压器电网

Grammar to Know

Measure words for objects

一个电源 (yī gè diànyuán)

Using '在' for location

电源在墙上。 (The power is on the wall.)

Sequence with '先...再...'

先关电源再修理。 (Turn off the power first, then repair.)

Verb-Object structures

接通(V) + 电源(O)

Attribute with '的'

电脑的电源 (The computer's power supply)

Examples by Level

电源在哪里？

Where is the power source?

Simple question structure: Subject + 在哪里?

这里没有电源。

There is no power source here.

Negative existence: 没有 + Noun.

请给我电源。

Please give me the power (charger).

Request: 请给 + Me + Object.

电源开关是红色的。

The power switch is red.

Noun + Noun structure.

我的电源坏了。

My power supply is broken.

Subject + 坏了 (broken).

这是电源线。

This is the power cord.

Demonstrative: 这是 + Noun.

电源开了吗？

Is the power on?

Question particle '吗'.

我需要电源充电。

I need power to charge.

Verb + Noun + Purpose.

请先关闭电源，然后再修理。

Please turn off the power first, then repair it.

Sequential actions: 先...然后...

检查一下电源连接是否正常。

Check if the power connection is normal.

Checking a condition: 是否 (whether or not).

电脑电源适配器在桌子上。

The computer power adapter is on the desk.

Location: 在 + Place + 上.

你可以帮我接通电源吗？

Can you help me connect the power?

Helpful request: 帮我 + Verb.

不要用湿手碰电源。

Don't touch the power supply with wet hands.

Prohibition: 不要 + Verb.

这个房间的电源插座很多。

There are many power sockets in this room.

Quantity: 很多 + Noun.

电源指示灯变绿了。

The power indicator light turned green.

Change of state: 变 + Color + 了.

切断电源是安全的第一步。

Cutting off the power is the first step for safety.

Gerund-like subject: 切断电源 (The act of cutting power).

如果电源不稳定，电脑会关机。

If the power supply is unstable, the computer will shut down.

Conditional: 如果...会...

我们需要一个备用电源以防停电。

We need a backup power supply in case of a blackout.

Purpose: 以防 (to prevent/in case of).

这个电源的功率不够大。

The wattage of this power supply is not high enough.

Attribute: 功率 (power/wattage).

请确认电源开关已经完全闭合。

Please confirm the power switch is completely closed.

Confirmation: 确认 + Clause.

由于电源故障，整个工厂停工了。

Due to a power failure, the entire factory stopped working.

Cause and effect: 由于... (Due to).

这种电源适配器支持全球电压。

This power adapter supports global voltages.

Verb: 支持 (support).

电源线太短了，够不到插座。

The power cord is too short to reach the socket.

Resultative: 够不到 (cannot reach).

你应该定期检查电源线的磨损情况。

You should regularly check the wear and tear of the power cord.

Advice: 应该 + Verb.

开关电源比线性电源效率更高。

Switching power supplies are more efficient than linear power supplies.

Comparison: A 比 B + Adjective.

该设备的电源模块需要更换。

The power module of this device needs to be replaced.

Passive-like need: 需要更换 (needs replacement).

电源转换过程中会产生热量。

Heat is generated during the power conversion process.

Process: ...过程中 (during the process of).

我们需要优化电源管理系统。

We need to optimize the power management system.

Verb: 优化 (optimize).

高压电源的操作必须非常谨慎。

Operation of high-voltage power supplies must be very cautious.

Requirement: 必须 (must).

电源噪声会干扰音频信号。

Power supply noise can interfere with audio signals.

Interference: 干扰 (interfere).

这种新型电源采用了碳化硅技术。

This new type of power supply utilizes Silicon Carbide technology.

Utilization: 采用 (adopt/utilize).

请查阅电源的技术规范手册。

Please refer to the technical specification manual for the power supply.

Formal request: 查阅 (consult/refer to).

电源结构的转型是实现碳中和的关键。

The transformation of the power source structure is key to achieving carbon neutrality.

Abstract noun: 转型 (transformation).

该地区的电源供应主要依赖于水力发电。

The power supply in this region mainly relies on hydroelectric power.

Reliance: 依赖于 (depend on).

分布式电源可以提高电网的可靠性。

Distributed power sources can improve the reliability of the grid.

Technical term: 分布式电源 (distributed power).

政府正在加大对绿色电源的投资力度。

The government is increasing investment in green power sources.

Intensity: 投资力度 (investment intensity/effort).

电源管理芯片的短缺影响了全球电子产业。

The shortage of power management chips has affected the global electronics industry.

Impact: 影响了 (affected).

我们需要确保关键基础设施的冗余电源。

We need to ensure redundant power for critical infrastructure.

Redundancy: 冗余 (redundancy).

电源效率的微小提升能带来巨大的节能效益。

A small increase in power efficiency can bring huge energy-saving benefits.

Consequence: 带来 (bring about).

该论文深入探讨了电源系统的稳定性分析。

The paper explores the stability analysis of power systems in depth.

Academic: 深入探讨 (explore in depth).

电源作为现代文明的命脉，其安全性不容有失。

As the lifeblood of modern civilization, the security of the power supply cannot afford any failure.

Metaphor: 命脉 (lifeblood).

在极端气候下，维持电源供应的韧性至关重要。

Under extreme climates, maintaining the resilience of the power supply is crucial.

Resilience: 韧性 (resilience).

电源技术的革新正重塑着能源消费的格局。

Innovations in power technology are reshaping the pattern of energy consumption.

Reshaping: 重塑 (reshape).

我们需要建立一个多维度的电源保障体系。

We need to establish a multi-dimensional power security system.

System: 体系 (system/framework).

电源侧的调峰能力是电网平衡的重要环节。

Peak-shaving capacity on the power source side is an important link in grid balancing.

Technical jargon: 调峰 (peak-shaving).

法律框架必须适应电源市场化改革的需求。

The legal framework must adapt to the needs of the market-oriented reform of the power sector.

Adaptation: 适应...需求 (adapt to the needs of).

电源高度集中的风险在战争中会被无限放大。

The risk of highly concentrated power sources will be infinitely magnified in war.

Magnification: 放大 (magnify).

探索无限的清洁电源是全人类的共同夙愿。

Exploring infinite clean power sources is the common long-cherished wish of all mankind.

Aspiration: 夙愿 (long-cherished wish).

Common Collocations

接通电源

切断电源

电源开关

电源线

备用电源

电源故障

电源指示灯

电源插座

不间断电源

电源模块

Common Phrases

电源适配器

— A device that converts voltage for electronics (charger brick).

我的电源适配器发热很厉害。

交流电源

— Alternating Current (AC) power supply, usually from the wall.

大多数家用电器使用交流电源。

直流电源

— Direct Current (DC) power supply, usually from batteries.

实验室需要稳定的直流电源。

开关电源

— A modern, efficient type of power supply unit (SMPS).

这款开关电源体积很小。

稳压电源

— A regulated power supply that keeps voltage constant.

精密仪器需要使用稳压电源。

移动电源

— A portable power bank for mobile devices.

出门记得带上移动电源。

电源管理

— The system that controls power usage in a device.

合理的电源管理可以延长电池寿命。

辅助电源

— An auxiliary or secondary power source.

飞机的辅助电源在起飞前开启。

电源插头

— The physical plug at the end of a power cord.

这个电源插头不匹配。

电源关闭

— The state of the power being turned off.

请在电源关闭的状态下操作。

Often Confused With

电源 vs 电池 (diànchí)

Battery vs. Power source. Batteries are a type of power source, but usually, '电源' refers to the mains/charger.

电源 vs 电力 (diànlì)

Electric power as a resource vs. the specific supply point/hardware.

电源 vs 插座 (chāzuò)

The physical outlet vs. the energy source itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"源源不断"

— A steady stream; continuous. While not containing '电', it shares the '源' (source) character and describes flow.

财富源源不断地涌来。

Literary

"饮水思源"

— When drinking water, think of its source. To be grateful for one's origins.

我们获得成功后，应当饮水思源。

Formal

"左右逢源"

— To have everything go one's way; to be resourceful.

他在社交场合左右逢源。

Common

"正本清源"

— To clear up a problem at its source.

我们需要正本清源，从根本上解决问题。

Formal

"世外桃源"

— A paradise hidden from the world (source of peace).

这里风景优美，简直是世外桃源。

Literary

"源远流长"

— Long-standing and well-established (like a long river source).

中法友谊源远流长。

Formal

"本末倒置"

— To put the cart before the horse (confusing the source/root with the end).

你这样做是本末倒置。

Common

"无源之水"

— Water without a source; something with no foundation.

没有基础的研究是无源之水。

Literary

"追本溯源"

— To trace something back to its origin/source.

科学家正在追本溯源，寻找病毒的起源。

Formal

"源头活水"

— The source of fresh water; a source of inspiration or vitality.

读书是思想的源头活水。

Literary

Easily Confused

电源 vs 电源

Both refer to energy.

电源 is specifically for electricity; 能源 is for all energy types.

我们需要清洁能源，比如太阳能电源。

电源 vs 电压

Both start with '电'.

电压 is voltage (the pressure); 电源 is the source.

这个电源的电压是220伏。

电源 vs 电流

Both relate to electrical flow.

电流 is the current (the flow); 电源 is where it starts.

电源提供了稳定的电流。

电源 vs 动力

Both translated as 'power'.

动力 is mechanical power or motivation; 电源 is electrical.

这台机器的动力来自电源。

电源 vs 权力

Both translated as 'power'.

权力 is social/political power; 电源 is electrical power.

他有很大的权力，但他家没电源。

Sentence Patterns

这里有 [Noun] 吗？

这里有电源吗？

请 [Verb] 电源。

请关闭电源。

如果 [Condition]，请 [Action] 电源。

如果冒烟，请切断电源。

[Device] 的 [Part] 是 [Description]。

电脑的电源模块是坏的。

[Abstract Subject] 依赖于 [Noun]。

经济发展依赖于稳定的电源供应。

[Metaphor], [Statement]。

电源作为工业的血液，其重要性不言而喻。

这是 [Noun] 的 [Part]。

这是电脑的电源线。

因为 [Reason]，所以没有 [Noun]。

因为坏了，所以没有电源。

Word Family

Nouns

电 (electricity)

源 (source)

电源线 (power cord)

电源开关 (power switch)

Verbs

供电 (to supply power)

充电 (to charge)

断电 (to cut power)

Adjectives

有电 (powered)

没电 (unpowered)

电池

插座

插头

电压

电流

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in technical and daily survival contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 电源 for battery. → 电池 (diànchí)
A battery stores power; a power supply provides it from a source. Use '电池' for AA or lithium-ion cells.
Saying '我电源了手机' to mean 'I powered my phone'. → 我给手机接通了电源。
Chinese nouns cannot be used as verbs. You must use a verb like '接通' or '连接'.
Confusing 电源 with 电力 in bills. → 电费 (diànfèi)
You pay for 'electricity' (电) or 'electric power' (电力), not the 'power supply' (电源).
Confusing 插座 (socket) with 电源. → 插座 (chāzuò)
The socket is the physical interface. '电源' is the energy or the whole supply system.
Using 电源 for political influence. → 权力 (quánlì)
Never use '电源' for human or political power. It is strictly for electricity.

Tips

Wet Hands

Always remember the phrase '不要用湿手碰电源' (Don't touch the power supply with wet hands). It's a common safety warning in China.

Voltage

China uses 220V. If your device only supports 110V, your '电源适配器' might smoke! Check the label before connecting to the '电源'.

Verb Pairing

Pair '电源' with '接通' (connect) or '切断' (cut) for technical accuracy. It sounds much better than just 'put in' or 'take out'.

Source vs Socket

If you want the hole in the wall, say '插座' (chāzuò). If you want the energy, say '电源' (diànyuán).

PC Building

If you are building a PC in China, the PSU is simply called '电源'. Look for brands with good reviews to avoid '炸机' (exploding machines).

Saving Energy

Signs saying '随手关电源' (Turn off the power as you go) are common in schools and offices to encourage energy saving.

Tones

Focus on the dip-and-rise of 'yuan'. If you say it flat, people might think you are saying 'dian yan' (electric eye).

Character '源'

The right side of '源' is '原' (yuán - original). This helps you remember it means 'source' or 'origin'.

Context Clues

If someone is holding a dead phone and looking around, '电源' almost always means a place to plug in.

Logic

Think of it as 'Electric Spring'. Just as a spring is the source of a river, '电源' is the source of the current.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dian' as a lightning bolt hitting a 'Yuan' (a round spring/source). The lightning (electricity) comes from the spring (source).

Visual Association

Imagine a wall socket with a small water fountain coming out of it—the fountain is the 'source' (源) of the 'lightning' (电).

Word Web

Electricity Source Battery Plug Socket Voltage Current Switch

Challenge

Go around your room and point to three things that are a '电源' or are connected to a '电源', saying the word out loud each time.

Word Origin

The term '电源' is a modern compound. '电' (diàn) originally depicted lightning in ancient oracle bone script, symbolizing energy from the sky. '源' (yuán) depicts water flowing from a spring, symbolizing an origin or source. Together, they form the logical concept of 'the spring from which electricity flows.'

Original meaning: The source or origin of electrical energy.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'power' in a political sense; use '权力' (quánlì) for political power, never '电源'.

In English, we often just say 'power' or 'outlet.' In Chinese, '电源' is more specific to the 'supply' itself.

State Grid Corporation of China (国家电网) 80 Plus Efficiency Ratings (电源效率认证) Tesla Powerwall (特斯拉储能电源)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

关掉电源
拔掉电源
电源插座
检查电源线

In an Office

备用电源
电源管理
接通电源
电源故障

Traveling

移动电源
找电源
电压转换
充电电源

Technical Support

电源指示灯
开启电源
电源适配器
切断电源

Shopping

电源功率
买个电源
电源质量
保修电源

Conversation Starters

"请问这里有电源可以充电吗？ (Excuse me, is there a power source here I can use to charge?)"

"你的电脑电源线带了吗？ (Did you bring your computer's power cord?)"

"为什么这个电源指示灯一直在闪？ (Why is this power indicator light blinking?)"

"我们需要为服务器购买一个备用电源。 (We need to buy a backup power supply for the server.)"

"这个电源适配器是通用的吗？ (Is this power adapter universal?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你找不到电源给手机充电的经历。 (Describe a time you couldn't find a power source to charge your phone.)

如果你家里停电了，你会怎么度过这一天？ (If your home lost power, how would you spend the day?)

讨论一下为什么稳定的电源对现代社会很重要。 (Discuss why a stable power supply is important for modern society.)

你更喜欢用移动电源还是找墙上的插座？为什么？ (Do you prefer using a power bank or finding a wall socket? Why?)

想象未来的电源会是什么样子的。 (Imagine what the power sources of the future will look like.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

电源 (diànyuán) is a general term for a power supply, often meaning the wall outlet or a computer's internal power box. 电池 (diànchí) specifically refers to batteries like AA or phone batteries. You use 电源 for things plugged in and 电池 for portable stored energy.

You can say '请问哪里有电源插座？' (Where is a power socket?) or simply '哪里可以充电？' (Where can I charge?). Using '电源' makes it clear you are looking for the source.

Yes, a power bank is technically a '移动电源' (yídòng diànyuán), though most people call it '充电宝' (chōngdiànbǎo) in casual conversation.

No. For political or social power, use '权力' (quánlì). Using '电源' in that context would sound like you are talking about someone's internal battery.

It means 'to cut off the power supply.' It is a standard safety instruction used before repairing electronics or during emergencies.

It is a power adapter—the 'brick' on your laptop charger that converts wall voltage to the voltage your device needs.

While you could say '电源中断了', most people simply say '停电了' (tíng diàn le) or '没电了' (méi diàn le).

It is neutral to slightly formal. It is used in technical manuals but is also common in daily life when talking about gadgets.

The most common measure word is '个' (gè), as in '一个电源'. For larger, machine-like power supplies, you might use '台' (tái).

Yes, '开电源' or '开启电源' (kāiqǐ diànyuán) are perfectly normal ways to say 'turn on the power'.