来电

láidiàn

incoming telephone call (or telegram)

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The term 来电 (láidiàn) primarily refers to an incoming telephone call. It is commonly used in everyday contexts to describe receiving a call, missed calls, or notifications related to phone communication.

Extended Meaning

Besides the literal meaning, 来电 can also metaphorically describe a strong mutual attraction or chemistry between people, often in romantic contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 来电显示 (láidiàn xiǎnshì): caller ID display, used when referring to the phone showing who is calling.
  • 来电 (wèijiē láidiàn): missed call, indicating a call that was not answered.
  • 来电感觉 (yǒu láidiàn gǎnjué): to feel a spark or chemistry with someone.

Usage Notes

When using 来电 to talk about phone calls, it usually appears with verbs like (answer), 显示 (show), or (missed). The metaphorical use is more informal and often appears in conversations about relationships or attraction.

Avoid confusing 来电 with 打电话 (to make a call); 来电 focuses on the call coming in, not the action of calling out.

Example Sentences

我刚才接到了一个重要的来电。

Wǒ gāngcái jiē dào le yí gè zhòngyào de láidiàn.

I just received an important incoming call.

手机显示有未接来电,请你回拨一下。

Shǒujī xiǎnshì yǒu wèijiē láidiàn, qǐng nǐ huíbō yíxià.

The phone shows a missed call; please call back.

他们之间有很强的来电感觉。

Tāmen zhī jiān yǒu hěn qiáng de láidiàn gǎnjué.

There is a strong mutual attraction between them.