Definition
马力 (mǎlì) is the standard unit of engine power and acts as its own classifier (e.g., 五百马力). Unlike 匹 (pǐ), which is a general classifier for horses and cloth (and only occasionally used informally for horsepower), 马力 is the correct, unambiguous term for power measurement.
classifier
horsepower (unit of power)
Easily confused
- 不力bú lìlook-alikenot doing one's best; not exerting oneself; inept (in performance)
Examples
- 马力。Zhè liàng sàichē de fādòngjī yǒu wǔ bǎi mǎ lì.This race car's engine has 500 horsepower.
- 马力。Xiǎoxíng jiāyòng qìchē yìbān bú dào yì bǎi mǎ lì.Small family cars usually have under 100 horsepower.
- 马力？Zhè tái jīqì xūyào duōshǎo mǎ lì cáinéng gōngzuò?How much horsepower does this machine need to run?
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