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A2 verb 8 min read

开空调

kāi kōngtiáo

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 开空调 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 开空调 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '开空调' as a basic survival phrase. It consists of '开' (to turn on) and '空调' (air conditioner). Use it when you are hot. You can say '我要开空调' (I want to turn on the AC) or '请开空调' (Please turn on the AC). It is one of the most useful phrases for traveling in China during the summer. Focus on the pronunciation: 'kāi' is first tone (high and flat), and 'kōngtiáo' is first tone then second tone (high then rising). Practice saying it to your teacher or a waiter when you feel uncomfortable in the heat. Remember that '开' is used for many things like opening a door or driving a car, but here it specifically means activating the machine.

At the A2 level, you can start using '开空调' in more complex sentences. You should be able to ask for permission: '我可以开空调吗？' (Can I turn on the AC?). You can also use reason: '因为太热了，所以我想开空调。' (Because it's too hot, I want to turn on the AC). You should also learn the opposite: '关空调' (to turn off the AC). At this level, you might encounter the '把' construction, but don't worry too much yet—just focus on the SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) structure. You can also add simple adverbs like '现在' (now) or '快' (quickly). For example, '快开空调吧!' (Hurry and turn on the AC!).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '开空调' with the '把' construction: '请把空调打开.' This sounds more natural when you are asking someone to do something specific. You should also be able to discuss the settings of the air conditioner. For example, '把空调调到26度' (Set the AC to 26 degrees). You can talk about your habits: '我不喜欢整晚开空调' (I don't like to keep the AC on all night). You will also learn related vocabulary like '遥控器' (remote control) and '省电' (save electricity). You can participate in simple discussions about whether the AC should be on or off in a shared space.

At the B2 level, you can use '开空调' to discuss more abstract or complex topics, such as environmental impact or health. For instance, '长期开空调会导致皮肤干燥' (Keeping the AC on for a long time can lead to dry skin). You can use it in formal contexts: '为了响应节能减排，公司规定室内温度低于30度时不准开空调' (In response to energy saving and emission reduction, the company stipulates that the AC cannot be turned on when the indoor temperature is below 30 degrees). You should also understand the nuance of '开启' versus '开' and be able to use resultative complements like '开着' (to have it on/running).

At the C1 level, '开空调' becomes part of your broader vocabulary regarding urban living and technology. You might discuss the '空调病' (air conditioning disease) phenomenon in Chinese society, where people get sick from the sudden temperature change. You can use the phrase in sophisticated grammatical structures, such as '与其开空调，不如去游泳' (Rather than turning on the AC, it's better to go swimming). You should be able to understand technical discussions about '中央空调' (central AC) maintenance or the efficiency of different cooling systems. Your usage should be fluid, incorporating it into stories or arguments about modern life and environmental ethics.

At the C2 level, you use '开空调' with the nuance of a native speaker. You might use it metaphorically or in literature to set a scene of urban isolation or the stifling heat of a city. You understand the historical shift from a society where '开空调' was a sign of extreme wealth to one where it is a basic right. You can navigate complex social situations where turning on the AC involves subtle power dynamics (e.g., in a traditional household or a hierarchical office). You are also familiar with slang or regional variations and can discuss the 'AC culture' of different Chinese cities like the 'Four Furnaces' (Chongqing, Wuhan, etc.) and how '开空调' is their lifeline.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

开空调 in 30 Seconds

A vital daily phrase for navigating hot weather in Chinese-speaking regions.
Combines the verb 'to open/start' with the noun for 'air conditioner'.
Used in requests, commands, and descriptions of daily habits or comfort.
Often used with the 'Ba' construction for natural-sounding requests: 把空调打开。

The phrase 开空调 (kāi kōngtiáo) is a quintessential part of modern Chinese life, especially during the sweltering summers of the south or the humid heat of the north. At its simplest, it means 'to turn on the air conditioner.' However, the cultural weight of this phrase extends beyond a simple mechanical action. In China, the decision to 'kai kongtiao' often involves considerations of health, cost, and social etiquette. The verb 开 (kāi) means 'to open' or 'to turn on,' while 空调 (kōngtiáo) is an abbreviation of 空气调节 (kōngqì tiáojié), meaning 'air conditioning.' This phrase is used in homes, offices, taxis, and public spaces daily.

Literal Meaning: To open the air regulation device.
Common Usage: Used when entering a hot room, getting into a car, or when the humidity becomes unbearable.

师傅，麻烦您开空调，太热了。(Driver, please turn on the AC, it's too hot.)

Historically, air conditioning was a luxury in China, but today it is ubiquitous. You will hear this phrase in negotiations between roommates, requests to taxi drivers, and office small talk. Because electricity can be expensive and there is a traditional belief that cold air (寒气) can be harmful to health, the act of turning on the AC is sometimes a point of minor conflict or discussion. For instance, elderly family members might argue against '开空调' even in 30-degree weather, preferring a fan to avoid 'air conditioning disease' (空调病).

办公室里有人早早就开空调了。(Someone in the office turned on the AC very early.)

The phrase is also deeply linked to the concept of 'comfort' (舒服). When someone says '开空调,' they are often signaling a transition from a state of physical distress to one of relaxation. In commercial settings, the promise of '空调开放' (AC is on/available) is a major draw for customers during the summer months. It is not just an action; it is a service and a standard of living indicator.

Social Context: Often involves asking for permission in shared spaces: '我可以开空调吗？' (May I turn on the AC?)

我们要不要开空调？(Should we turn on the air conditioner?)

Using 开空调 in a sentence is grammatically straightforward, following the basic Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) pattern. However, there are several nuances depending on whether you are making a request, stating a fact, or using the 'Ba' construction for specific emphasis on the object being manipulated.

Basic SVO: 我开空调。(I turn on the AC.) This is the most direct way to state the action.

别忘了离开房间前关掉，进屋后再开空调。(Don't forget to turn it off before leaving the room, and turn on the AC after entering.)

The 'Ba' (把) construction is extremely common with '开空调' because it emphasizes the change of state of the air conditioner. You would say '把空调打开' (bǎ kōngtiáo dǎkāi). Here, '打开' is the resultative verb. This structure is often used when giving instructions or making a specific request to someone else.

请帮我把空调打开。(Please help me turn the air conditioner on.)

You can also add duration or frequency. For example, '开了半天空调' (turned on the AC for a long time) or '经常开空调' (often turn on the AC). Because '开' is a verb that can imply 'starting,' you can use it with '了' to indicate the action has already happened: '空调开了' (The AC is on).

Request Pattern: 可以/能不能 + 开空调? (Can/Could [we] turn on the AC?)

天气预报说今天四十度，必须开空调。(The weather forecast says it's 40 degrees today; we must turn on the AC.)

In the real world, you'll encounter 开空调 in several distinct environments. Each has its own social script. In a **taxi or Didi (ride-hailing)**, it's a common negotiation. Drivers might keep the AC off to save fuel, so a passenger will often ask, '师傅，可以开空调吗？' (Driver, can you turn on the AC?). The driver might respond by asking what temperature you prefer.

外面热浪滚滚，一进出租车我就请司机开空调。(The heat outside was rolling in waves; as soon as I got into the taxi, I asked the driver to turn on the AC.)

In an **office setting**, '开空调' is a topic of constant debate. Some employees feel the AC is too cold (空调太给力了), while others feel it's not enough. You'll hear phrases like '谁开的空调？' (Who turned on the AC?) or '空调开到几度？' (What temperature is the AC set to?). In modern smart offices, you might hear people talking about the '中央空调' (central AC) being turned on automatically at 8:00 AM.

At **home**, the phrase is often used as a command or a suggestion among family members. '太热了，快开空调吧!' (It's too hot, hurry and turn on the AC!). You might also hear it in the context of pets—'给猫开空调' (turn on the AC for the cat)—which is a growing trend among younger Chinese urbanites who want to keep their pets comfortable while they are at work.

Public Service Announcements: On buses or subways, you might see signs saying '空调开启中' (Air conditioning is in operation).

这间教室没开空调，我们换一间吧。(This classroom doesn't have the AC on; let's change to another one.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake with 开空调 is using the wrong verb for 'to turn on.' In English, we use 'turn on' for almost everything electronic, but in Chinese, while 开 (kāi) is very versatile, students sometimes try to use 打 (dǎ) or 动 (dòng) incorrectly. While '打开' is correct, just '打空调' is generally incorrect (though '打' is used for many other actions).

Mistake 1: Wrong Verb: Saying '点空调' (diǎn kōngtiáo) instead of '开空调'. '点' is for lighting a fire or clicking a mouse.

错误：我把空调关。(Wrong: I AC off.)
正确：我把空调关了。(Correct: I turned the AC off.)

Another mistake involves the word for the device itself. Some learners confuse 空调 (kōngtiáo) with 空气 (kōngqì). '开空气' would mean 'to turn on the air,' which makes no sense. Remember that '空调' is the machine. Additionally, in winter, learners might say '开空调' when they specifically mean the central heating system, which is 暖气 (nuǎnqì).

Finally, there is the confusion between 'opening a window' and 'turning on the AC.' Both use '开' (开窗 vs 开空调). In summer, Chinese people often have a strong preference for one or the other. If you say '开一下' (open/turn on a bit) without specifying, people might be confused whether you want fresh air or cold air.

Grammatical Incompleteness: Using '开空调' as a noun. It is a verb-object phrase. You can't say '这是我的开空调' (This is my turn on the AC).

While 开空调 is the standard phrase, there are several variations and related terms you should know to sound more natural or to describe different levels of cooling.

开启 (kāiqǐ): A more formal version of '开'. You might see this in written instructions or formal announcements. '请开启空调' (Please initiate the AC).
打开 (dǎkāi): Very common in spoken Chinese, especially with the 'Ba' construction. It emphasizes the act of switching the device from off to on.

除了开空调，你也可以开电风扇。(Besides turning on the AC, you can also turn on the electric fan.)

If you want to talk about the temperature, you use the verb 调 (tiáo), which means to adjust. '调低' (tiáo dī) means to turn the temperature down (make it colder), and '调高' (tiáo gāo) means to turn it up. If the AC is too loud, you might '调小' (tiáo xiǎo) the fan speed.

For the opposite action, use 关空调 (guān kōngtiáo) or 关掉空调 (guāndiào kōngtiáo). In a professional setting, you might hear '中央空调系统' (central AC system) or '制冷' (zhìlěng), which specifically means 'cooling mode' as opposed to 'heating mode' (制热 zhìrè).

Comparison Table

开空调: Everyday, general term.
开风扇: Turning on a fan (cheaper, less cold).
通风: Just letting air circulate (opening windows).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before '空调' became the standard term, some regions used '冷气机' (cold air machine), which is still common in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaɪ kɒnˈtɪaʊ/

US /kaɪ kɔnˈtjaʊ/

Primary stress on 'kāi' and 'tiáo'.

Rhymes With

摘 (zhāi) 拍 (pāi) 猫 (māo - for tiáo) 桥 (qiáo - for tiáo) 条 (tiáo) 苗 (miáo) 聊 (liáo) 遥 (yáo)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kāi' as 'kǎi' (third tone).
Pronouncing 'kōng' as 'kòng' (fourth tone).
Merging 'kōng' and 'tiáo' into a single syllable.
Forgetting the 'i' sound in 'tiáo'.
Stressing 'kōng' too much like the English word 'kong'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common and easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Writing '调' can be tricky for beginners due to stroke count.

Speaking 2/5

Simple tones, but 'tiáo' requires practice.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound in daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

开热冷房间电

Learn Next

关空调遥控器温度风扇暖气

Advanced

能源消耗温室效应变频技术制冷剂除湿

Grammar to Know

Separable Verb-Object

开了一次空调

Ba Construction

把空调打开

Resultative Complements

空调打开了

Duration Complements

开了三个小时空调

Modal Verbs

应该开空调

Examples by Level

我想开空调。

I want to turn on the AC.

Subject + Want + Verb + Object

请开空调。

Please turn on the AC.

Imperative with 'Please'

他开了空调。

He turned on the AC.

Past action with 'le'

空调开了吗？

Is the AC on?

Question with 'ma'

不要开空调。

Don't turn on the AC.

Negative imperative

老师开空调。

The teacher turns on the AC.

Simple SVO

你开空调吧。

You turn on the AC (suggestion).

Suggestion with 'ba'

这里可以开空调吗？

Can we turn on the AC here?

Permission with 'keyi'

太热了，我们开空调吧。

It's too hot, let's turn on the AC.

Cause + Suggestion

你可以帮我开空调吗？

Can you help me turn on the AC?

Request with 'help'

进屋第一件事就是开空调。

The first thing to do after entering is turn on the AC.

Sequence of actions

我不喜欢开空调。

I don't like turning on the AC.

Stating preference

谁开了空调？

Who turned on the AC?

Who question

晚上开空调睡觉很舒服。

It's comfortable to sleep with the AC on.

Gerund-like usage

爸爸不让我开空调。

Dad won't let me turn on the AC.

Causative verb 'rang'

你要开空调还是开窗户？

Do you want to turn on the AC or open the window?

Alternative question with 'haishi'

请把空调打开。

Please turn the AC on.

Ba construction

如果你觉得热，就自己开空调吧。

If you feel hot, just turn on the AC yourself.

If... then... structure

他在办公室开了一整天空调。

He had the AC on all day in the office.

Duration of action

开了空调以后，房间凉快多了。

After turning on the AC, the room is much cooler.

After (yihou) + result

为了省电，我们最好少开空调。

To save electricity, we'd better turn on the AC less.

Purpose clause with 'weile'

他习惯一边开空调一边盖厚被子。

He is used to having the AC on while using a thick blanket.

Simultaneous actions (yibian... yibian)

别一直开着空调，对身体不好。

Don't keep the AC on all the time; it's bad for your health.

Continuous state with 'zhe'

你应该先关窗户再开空调。

You should close the window first, then turn on the AC.

First... then... (xian... zai)

即使天很热，我也坚持不开空调。

Even if it's hot, I insist on not turning on the AC.

Even if (jishi)

由于电力短缺，商场被要求限制开空调的时间。

Due to power shortages, malls are required to limit AC usage time.

Passive/Formal structure

他一进家门就迫不及待地开了空调。

As soon as he entered the house, he couldn't wait to turn on the AC.

As soon as (yi... jiu)

开空调确实凉快，但电费也贵得吓人。

Turning on the AC is indeed cool, but the electric bill is also scary expensive.

Concession (queshi... dan)

公司规定室内温度达到28度才能开空调。

Company rules state the AC can only be turned on when it reaches 28 degrees.

Condition (cai)

与其开空调，我更喜欢用传统的折扇。

Rather than turning on the AC, I prefer using a traditional folding fan.

Preference (yuqi... bugu)

这台旧空调一开就响得很厉害。

As soon as this old AC is turned on, it makes a loud noise.

Immediate consequence

大家都同意开空调，只有他反对。

Everyone agreed to turn on the AC, except for him.

Except for (zhiyou)

随着气温骤升，写字楼早已提前开启了中央空调。

With the sudden rise in temperature, the office building has already activated the central AC in advance.

Formal 'kaiqi' and 'suizhe'

长期开空调而不通风，容易引发呼吸道疾病。

Turning on the AC for long periods without ventilation easily triggers respiratory diseases.

Formal cause-effect

在那个没有空调的年代，人们根本无法想象如今能随时开空调。

In that era without AC, people couldn't imagine being able to turn it on anytime nowadays.

Retrospective comparison

为了环保，很多志愿者呼吁在夏季调高开空调的起始温度。

For environmental protection, many volunteers call for raising the starting temperature for turning on the AC in summer.

Complex purpose and verb

他这人很古怪，冬天开空调制冷，夏天反而开暖气。

He's very eccentric; he turns on the AC to cool in winter, but turns on the heat in summer.

Adversative 'fan'er'

哪怕只是开了一会儿空调，他也会觉得头疼。

Even if the AC is only on for a short while, he gets a headache.

Concessive 'namo'

商场通过开空调营造出的凉爽环境来吸引顾客逗留。

The mall attracts customers to stay longer by creating a cool environment through turning on the AC.

Instrumental 'tongguo'

在一些极端高温城市，开空调已经成了基本的生存保障。

In some extremely hot cities, turning on the AC has become a basic guarantee for survival.

Abstract noun usage

尽管开空调能带来一时的凉爽，但长期处于密闭的空调房内不利于身体健康。

Although turning on the AC brings temporary coolness, staying in a sealed AC room for long periods is detrimental to health.

Comprehensive concession

他总是纠结于是否开空调，这种犹豫反映了他性格中的节俭与矛盾。

He's always agonizing over whether to turn on the AC; this hesitation reflects the thrift and contradiction in his character.

Psychological analysis

城市的温室效应由于成千上万台空调的开启而变得愈发严重。

The urban heat island effect has become increasingly severe due to the activation of thousands of air conditioners.

Scientific context

在文学作品中，‘开空调’的声音往往象征着某种现代生活的机械与冷漠。

In literary works, the sound of 'turning on the AC' often symbolizes the mechanical nature and indifference of modern life.

Literary symbolism

他拒绝开空调，仿佛那是对自然节律的一种最后坚守。

He refused to turn on the AC, as if it were a final stand for the rhythms of nature.

Simile with 'fangfu'

当最后一位员工离开，整栋大楼才彻底停止了空调的轰鸣。

Only when the last employee left did the entire building finally stop the roar of the air conditioning.

Narrative pacing

通过智能家居系统，他可以在回家前半小时就远程开空调。

Through the smart home system, he can remotely turn on the AC half an hour before returning home.

Technological description

空调的开启与否，在某种程度上成了家庭内部权力博弈的缩影。

Whether or not to turn on the AC has, to some extent, become a microcosm of power dynamics within the family.

Sociological commentary

Common Collocations

一直开空调

偷偷开空调

远程开空调

还没开空调

舍不得开空调

被迫开空调

自动开空调

准许开空调

拒绝开空调

大声开空调

Common Phrases

开空调睡觉

— To sleep with the AC on.

开空调睡觉容易感冒。

开空调制冷

— Turn on AC to cool down.

请帮我开空调制冷。

开空调制热

— Turn on AC to heat up.

南方冬天也要开空调制热。

开空调省电

— To save electricity while the AC is on.

开空调省电的小窍门有很多。

开空调除湿

— Turn on AC for dehumidifying.

下雨天可以开空调除湿。

开空调费电

— Turning on the AC consumes a lot of electricity.

大家都知道开空调费电。

开空调透气

— Turning on the AC for air circulation.

开空调时也要偶尔开窗透气。

开空调太凉

— The AC is too cold after being turned on.

开空调太凉了，调高点。

开空调过敏

— Allergic to the AC when it's on.

有人一开空调就过敏。

开空调吹风

— Turning on the AC just for the fan/wind.

我只开空调吹风，不制冷。

Often Confused With

开空调 vs 开窗

Opening a window. Both use '开', but for different cooling methods.

开空调 vs 开暖气

Turning on the heat. Used in winter.

开空调 vs 开风扇

Turning on a fan. A cheaper alternative.

Idioms & Expressions

"空调病"

— Refers to health issues caused by staying in AC rooms too long.

他得了空调病，一直在咳嗽。

Common

"清凉一夏"

— To have a cool summer (often used in AC ads).

开空调，让你清凉一夏。

Marketing

"挥汗如雨"

— Sweating like rain (the reason to turn on the AC).

他在外面挥汗如雨，一进屋就开空调。

Literary

"冬暖夏凉"

— Warm in winter and cool in summer (the goal of AC).

开了空调，家里就冬暖夏凉了。

Set phrase

"避暑胜地"

— A place to avoid the summer heat.

开了空调的图书馆简直是避暑胜地。

Common

"骄阳似火"

— The sun is like fire (justifying turning on the AC).

外面骄阳似火，快开空调！

Literary

"汗流浃背"

— Back soaked with sweat.

他汗流浃背地跑回家开空调。

Common

"心静自然凉"

— A calm mind naturally keeps you cool (often said by people who don't want to turn on the AC).

奶奶说心静自然凉，不用开空调。

Proverb

"火冒三丈"

— To be furious (sometimes used playfully when it's too hot to think).

热得我火冒三丈，赶紧开空调。

Common

"如坐针毡"

— Like sitting on a bed of nails (feeling restless in the heat).

没开空调的房间让我如坐针毡。

Literary

Easily Confused

开空调 vs 空调

Confused with 空气 (air).

空调 is the machine; 空气 is the gas we breathe.

这里的空气很好，不用开空调。

开空调 vs 调

Has multiple pronunciations (tiáo and diào).

In '空调', it is always 'tiáo' (to adjust).

他在调空调的温度。

开空调 vs 暖气

Both regulate temperature.

空调 is usually for cooling (though can heat); 暖气 is specifically for heating.

北方冬天开暖气，不开空调。

开空调 vs 开启

Formal version of 开.

开启 is for systems/software; 开 is for daily physical actions.

开启空调系统 vs 开空调。

开空调 vs 打开

Learners use them interchangeably.

打开 is often used with '把'; 开 is a simple verb.

把空调打开 vs 我开空调。

Sentence Patterns

我想开空调。

太热了，...吧。

太热了，开空调吧。

把 [Object] [Verb] [Result].

把空调打开。

虽然...但是...

虽然费电，但是得开空调。

随着...开启了...

随着气温上升，大楼开启了空调。

与其...不如...

与其开空调，不如洗个冷水澡。

哪怕...也...

哪怕没电，他也不想开空调。

反映了...矛盾

开空调反映了节俭与舒适的矛盾。

Word Family

Nouns

空调 (Air conditioner)

空调机 (AC machine)

中央空调 (Central AC)

空调器 (AC device)

Verbs

开 (To turn on)

关 (To turn off)

调 (To adjust)

修理 (To repair)

清洗 (To clean)

Adjectives

凉快 (Cool)

闷热 (Stuffy and hot)

省电 (Power-saving)

静音 (Silent)

遥控器 (Remote)

插头 (Plug)

温度 (Temperature)

度 (Degree)

扇叶 (Fan blade)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high during summer months.

Common Mistakes

Using '点' (diǎn) instead of '开'. → 开空调
You 'diǎn' a fire or a light, but you 'kāi' a machine like an AC.
Saying '把空调开'. → 把空调打开
The 'Ba' construction requires a resultative complement like '打开' to feel complete.
Confusing '空调' with '空气'. → 开空调
'空气' is the air itself. You can't 'turn on' the air.
Using '开空调' to mean central heating radiators. → 开暖气
In the north, 'nuǎnqì' is a different system entirely.
Forgetting the 'le' in '空调开了'. → 空调开了
To say 'The AC is (now) on', you need 'le' to show the change of state.

Tips

The 26-Degree Rule

In China, 26°C (79°F) is considered the 'ideal' and most environmentally friendly temperature to set your AC. You will see stickers suggesting this everywhere.

Using 'Ba'

When you want someone to turn on the AC, use '把空调打开吧'. The 'ba' at the end makes it a suggestion rather than a harsh command.

Avoid the Blast

Chinese culture warns against letting AC blow directly on your head or neck. If you are in a restaurant, you might ask to move if the AC is 'straight on you' (直吹).

Separable Verbs

Remember that '开' is the action. You can say '开过空调' (have turned on the AC before) or '开着空调' (AC is currently on).

Taxi Etiquette

In some cities, drivers might charge a tiny bit extra or be reluctant to turn on AC during short trips. It's always polite to ask first.

Cool vs Cold

If you want it cooler, say '凉快一点' (liángkuai). If it's too cold, say '太冷了' (tài lěng le).

Smart Homes

With Xiaomi and other smart home brands, '手机开空调' (turning on AC via phone) is a very common phrase now.

Central AC

In big buildings, it's '中央空调'. You usually can't '开' it yourself; it's managed by the building.

Saving Power

People often say '开空调很费电' (Turning on AC uses a lot of power) to justify keeping it off.

Heating Mode

In winter, if you use the AC for heat, you can still say '开空调', but you might add '制热' (heating).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine 'Kāi' is a key turning a lock to 'open' the 'Kong' (empty) 'Tiao' (strip) of cold air.

Visual Association

Visualize a finger pressing a bright red button on a remote, followed by blue waves of air coming from a wall unit.

Word Web

开 (Open) 空调 (AC) 凉快 (Cool) 热 (Hot) 遥控器 (Remote) 电 (Electricity) 关 (Close) 度 (Degree)

Challenge

Try to say '开空调' every time you walk into a room and feel the temperature change today.

Word Origin

The phrase combines '开' (to open/initiate), a character dating back to oracle bone script representing two hands opening a gate, and '空调', a 20th-century loan-translation from 'air conditioning'.

Original meaning: To open the air regulation system.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be mindful when asking to turn on the AC in someone's home, as it can be seen as expensive or potentially unhealthy for elders.

Westerners often keep AC on 24/7 in summer; Chinese users often turn it on and off as needed to save electricity.

Common theme in modern 'Urban Life' TV dramas. Mentioned in songs about lonely summer nights in the city. Frequent topic of 'Life in China' vlogs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Taking a Taxi

师傅，开下空调。
空调能开大点吗？
这空调有点冷。
谢谢师傅开空调。

At the Office

谁开的空调？
空调开几度？
我也想开空调。
开空调吧，太闷了。

Hotel Stay

空调怎么开？
空调坏了开不了。
服务员帮我开空调。
房间已经开好空调了。

At Home

别老是开空调。
开空调费钱。
快去开空调。
开空调盖被子。

Weather Talk

热得要开空调。
不开空调不行。
这种天气必须开空调。
终于可以开空调了。

Conversation Starters

"你家一般什么时候开始开空调？"

"你觉得开空调睡觉舒服吗？"

"在办公室里，你喜欢把空调调到几度？"

"为了省电，你会尽量不开空调吗？"

"如果出租车司机不开空调，你会主动要求吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一下夏天第一次开空调时的感觉。

你对‘空调病’有什么看法？你得过吗？

如果你必须在‘开空调’和‘开窗户’之间选择，你会选哪个？为什么？

写一段关于两个室友为是否开空调而争吵的对话。

讨论一下开空调对环境的影响。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, yes. However, since many AC units in China are heat pumps, '开空调' can mean turning on the heat in winter, especially in Southern China where there is no central heating. You might specify '开空调制热' to be clear.

You can say, '师傅，麻烦您开一下空调，可以吗？' (Driver, sorry to bother you, could you turn on the AC?). Adding '麻烦您' (trouble you) makes it very polite.

It is a popular term in China for symptoms like headaches, dry skin, or colds caused by staying in air-conditioned environments for too long or setting the temperature too low.

Both are correct. '把空调打开' is more specific and common when giving a command or making a request. It focuses on the air conditioner as the object being changed.

It's neutral. It's perfectly fine for daily conversation and business. For a very formal document, you might use '开启空调设备'.

Say '把空调调高一点' (bǎ kōngtiáo tiáogāo yīdiǎn). Note: 'up' usually means higher temperature (less cold).

Say '把空调调低一点' (bǎ kōngtiáo tiáodī yīdiǎn). This means making it colder.

You might hear it in some dialects, but it is not standard Mandarin. Stick to '开空调'.

You can say '空调开着呢' (The AC is already on).

The remote is called '遥控器' (yáokòngqì). You can say '遥控器在哪？我要开空调。'