Definition
开关 (kāiguān) is the common word for a manually operated switch (light, power) or valve (gas, water). 闸 (zhá) is more specialized: it refers to a larger safety device like an electrical circuit breaker or a water sluice gate — that word is HSK7 and less frequent in everyday use.
noun
switch (for electricity, light, etc.)valve (for gas, water)
Examples
- 开关。Zhège kāi guān kòngzhì fángjiān de dēng.This switch controls the room's lights.
- 开关。Méiqì kāi guān zài chúfáng de zuǒbiān.The gas valve is on the left side of the kitchen.
- 开关。Qǐng guān diào diànnǎo de kāi guān.Please turn off the computer's switch.
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