Meaning and Usage
"电动" (diàndòng) literally means "electric-powered" or "electrically operated." It is commonly used as an adjective to describe devices or machines that operate using electricity rather than manual power.
Common Contexts
You will often see "电动" used with vehicles (like 电动车, electric vehicle), tools (电动工具, electric tools), and household appliances (电动窗帘, electric curtains). It emphasizes the power source and convenience.
Collocations and Patterns
- 电动车: electric vehicle, often referring to electric bikes or scooters.
- 电动工具: electric tools, such as drills or saws.
- 电动窗帘: electric curtains, operated by remote control.
Usage Notes
"电动" is a neutral term and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It highlights the electric nature of the object, distinguishing it from manual or fuel-powered alternatives. Avoid confusing it with "自动" (automatic), which refers to automatic operation rather than the power source.