What is 温度计?
温度计 (wēndùjì) is the standard Chinese word for 'thermometer,' a device used to measure temperature. It combines 温 (warm) + 度 (degree) + 计 (to measure), literally meaning 'temperature measuring instrument.'
Common Uses
You will most often hear 温度计 in medical contexts (measuring body temperature), weather reports, or household settings to check room temperature. It can refer to both digital and traditional mercury thermometers.
Typical Collocations
- 量体温的温度计: thermometer for measuring body temperature
- 室内温度计: indoor thermometer
- 水银温度计: mercury thermometer
Usage Notes
温度计 is a concrete noun and does not have grammatical functions beyond naming the instrument. When talking about measuring temperature, 温度计 is often paired with verbs like 量 (liáng, to measure) or 读 (dú, to read). Avoid confusing 温度计 with 温度, which means 'temperature' itself.
Common Confusions
Don't confuse 温度计 with 计时器 (timer) or 计量器 (measuring instrument for volume or weight). 温度计 specifically measures temperature degrees.