컴퓨터
A computer is an electronic machine that helps you process information and do tasks.
Explanation at your level:
A computer is a machine. You use it to look at websites or write. It is very useful for your work and study.
You use a computer to send emails and watch videos. Most people have a computer at home or in their office to help them finish tasks quickly.
A computer is an essential electronic device. It allows you to store data, browse the internet, and run various software applications for professional or personal use.
The computer has revolutionized how we interact with information. From complex data analysis to creative design, it serves as the backbone of modern digital infrastructure.
In contemporary society, the computer is ubiquitous, serving as the primary interface for human-machine interaction. It is not merely a tool but a medium for global connectivity and computational problem-solving.
The computer represents the pinnacle of 20th-century technological advancement. Its architecture—based on the von Neumann model—has fundamentally altered the trajectory of human civilization, enabling the information age and the current era of artificial intelligence.
30秒词汇
- A computer is an electronic device.
- It is a countable noun.
- It is used for processing data.
- It is essential in modern life.
Think of a computer as your digital brain assistant. It is a machine that takes in information (input), processes it, and gives you an answer (output).
Whether it is a laptop, a desktop, or even a smartphone, they all share the same basic purpose: to make complex tasks simple. You use it to communicate, create, and explore the world from your desk.
The word computer comes from the Latin word computare, which means 'to count' or 'to sum up'. Originally, in the 17th century, a 'computer' was actually a person—a human whose job was to perform mathematical calculations!
It wasn't until the 20th century that the term shifted to describe the mechanical and electronic machines we know today. From the massive ENIAC to the tiny chips in your pocket, the evolution is a fascinating journey of human ingenuity.
We use the word computer in almost every aspect of daily life. You might say 'I am working on my computer' or 'My computer is running slow'.
It is a very neutral term. In casual settings, people might use 'PC' or 'laptop' instead, but 'computer' remains the most accurate and universal term for the device.
While 'computer' isn't always in idioms, we have tech-related phrases like: 'Computer literate' (someone who knows how to use computers well), 'Crash' (when a computer stops working), 'Reboot' (to start fresh), 'Plug and play' (easy to use), and 'Digital native' (someone born in the age of computers).
The word computer is a countable noun. You can have 'one computer' or 'two computers'.
In terms of pronunciation, the stress is on the second syllable: com-PU-ter. It rhymes with 'shooter' or 'tutor'. Always use the article 'a' or 'the' before it, like 'I bought a new computer'.
Fun Fact
The first 'computers' were women who did manual math calculations.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 't' sound, soft 'r' at the end.
Flap 't' sound, rhotic 'r'.
Common Errors
- Misplacing stress on the first syllable
- Dropping the final 'r'
- Mispronouncing the 'u' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy
Very easy
Very easy
Very easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
a computer
Articles
the computer
Subject-Verb Agreement
The computer is fast
Examples by Level
I have a computer.
I possess a computer.
Basic subject-verb-object.
The computer is new.
The device is new.
Adjective usage.
Do you use a computer?
Is a computer used by you?
Interrogative.
My computer is fast.
The speed is high.
Possessive pronoun.
He uses a computer.
He operates a machine.
Third-person singular.
This is my computer.
This belongs to me.
Demonstrative pronoun.
I need a computer.
I require one.
Verb 'need'.
The computer is off.
It is not on.
State of being.
I use my computer every day.
The computer screen is bright.
Can you fix my computer?
She bought a laptop computer.
I left my computer at home.
The computer is very expensive.
He is learning computer skills.
My computer has a virus.
I need to upgrade my computer.
The computer system crashed suddenly.
She is studying computer science.
My computer is compatible with this software.
I spent hours on the computer.
Computers are vital for modern business.
He is a computer programmer.
The computer lab is open late.
The computer network is down.
I am computer literate.
The computer generated a report.
She is addicted to computer games.
The computer hardware is outdated.
He is a computer enthusiast.
The computer model is very advanced.
Computers have changed our lives.
The computer architecture is complex.
He is a computer visionary.
The computer interface is intuitive.
I am using a computer simulation.
The computer algorithm is efficient.
Computer technology is evolving fast.
She works in computer security.
The computer processing speed is high.
The computer acts as a surrogate for human cognition.
Computer-aided design is essential in engineering.
The computer is the quintessence of modern utility.
Computer-mediated communication is common.
The computer is an indispensable tool.
Computer literacy is a fundamental skill.
The computer system is highly integrated.
Computer science is a vast field.
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"Computer literate"
Able to use a computer well.
You need to be computer literate for this job.
neutral"Reboot the system"
Start over or refresh.
Let's reboot the system and try again.
neutral"Crash and burn"
Fail completely.
The computer crashed and burned.
casual"Digital native"
Someone who grew up with computers.
She is a digital native.
neutral"In the loop"
Informed.
Keep me in the loop.
neutral"Plug and play"
Ready to work immediately.
This device is plug and play.
neutralEasily Confused
Both calculate.
Computer is programmable.
I use a calculator for math.
It is a computer.
Laptop is portable.
My laptop is light.
It is a computer.
Server provides services.
The server is down.
Used for games.
Console is for gaming only.
I play on a console.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + use + computer
I use a computer.
Subject + buy + computer
He bought a computer.
Subject + work + on + computer
She works on her computer.
Subject + learn + computer + skills
They learn computer skills.
Subject + fix + computer
I can fix the computer.
词族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
相关
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
常见错误
Using an apostrophe for plural.
Hardware is uncountable.
Needs an article.
Computer is not a verb.
Subject-verb agreement.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine your computer on your desk.
Native Usage
Use 'PC' for casual talk.
Cultural Insight
Computers are central to Western work culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'a' or 'the'!
Say It Right
Stress the second syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'computer-ing'.
Did You Know?
Computers were once people.
Study Smart
Use flashcards.
Context
Use in professional settings.
Plurals
Just add 's'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
COM-PUT-ER: Come Put Everything Right.
Visual Association
A glowing screen sitting on a desk.
Word Web
挑战
Describe your computer in 3 sentences.
词源
Latin
Original meaning: To count or sum up.
文化背景
None.
Used universally; synonymous with modern life.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Log into the computer
- Turn on the computer
- Computer is slow
At school
- Computer lab
- Computer class
- Use the computer
At home
- My computer is broken
- Buy a new computer
- Play on the computer
Technical support
- Computer crash
- Restart the computer
- Computer virus
Conversation Starters
"Do you use a computer every day?"
"What do you use your computer for?"
"Is your computer fast or slow?"
"When did you get your first computer?"
"Do you prefer a laptop or a desktop?"
Journal Prompts
Write about your first computer.
How has the computer changed your life?
What would you do without a computer for a week?
Describe your ideal computer.
常见问题
8 个问题Yes.
Yes, it is a countable noun.
Computers.
It is standard English.
Compute.
Yes, usually 'a' or 'the'.
Yes.
Yes.
自我测试
I use my ___ to write.
Computer is the tool for writing.
Which is a part of a computer?
A keyboard is an input device.
Computer is an uncountable noun.
It is countable (one computer, two computers).
Word
意思
Basic computing terms.
Subject-verb-adjective structure.
得分： /5
Summary
A computer is a powerful, programmable machine that has become an essential tool for modern life, work, and communication.
- A computer is an electronic device.
- It is a countable noun.
- It is used for processing data.
- It is essential in modern life.
Memory Palace
Imagine your computer on your desk.
Native Usage
Use 'PC' for casual talk.
Cultural Insight
Computers are central to Western work culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'a' or 'the'!
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