Definition
电 (diàn) is the general word for 'electricity' or 'electric power' in everyday contexts, like power supply or electric appliances. 电力 (diànlì) is more formal and technical, used for 'electrical power' in industrial or utility contexts. As a verb, 电 means 'to give an electric shock' (e.g., 被电到了).
noun
electricityelectric power(bound form) electric (used in compounds for devices/appliances)
verb
to give an electric shock
Easily confused
- 龟guīlook-aliketortoise, turtle
- 点diǎnsound-alike(noun) dot, point, drop; o'clock
- 七qīlook-alikeseven
- 点diǎnsound-aliketo tap or touch briefly
- 是shìlook-aliketo be (linking verb, followed by a noun or noun phrase)
- 店diànsound-alikeshop; store
- 垫diànsound-alike(verb) to pad, to put something under
Examples
- 电，。Zhèlǐ méiyǒu diàn, suǒyǐ hěn hēi.There's no electricity here, so it's very dark.
- 电！Xiǎoxīn bié bèi diàn dào!Be careful not to get shocked!
- 。Wǒ dǎkāi le diàn dēng.I turned on the electric light.
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