Definition
通电 is a separable verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to be connected to electricity' or 'to electrify'. You can use it literally to describe turning on power to a device or system (给机器通电) or to indicate that something is powered on. A second, now dated meaning is 'to send a circular telegram'. As a 离合词, complements and quantifiers slot between 通 and 电: 通了电 (powered on), 通上电 (get the power on), 通一次电 (power up once). The electrical sense is the dominant modern usage.
v.o.
to electrifyto connect to a power supply(dated) to send a circular telegram
Examples
- 通电。Zhè tái jīqì xūyào xiān tōng diàn cáinéng yòng.This machine needs to be powered on first before it can be used.
- 。Tā gěi xīn mǎi de kōngtiáo tōng le diàn.He powered on the newly bought air conditioner.
- 通电。Zhège kāiguān měi cì duàn diàn hòu dōu yào chóngxīn tōng diàn yí cì diàn.This switch needs to be turned on again each time after a power outage.
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