Chinese word

开关

Pronunciation

Pinyinkāi guān

Meaning

  • nounswitch

Example

请把开关打开。qǐng bǎ kāi guān dǎ kāi

Please turn the switch on.

Illustration for 开关 (switch)

More examples

发生短路时要马上切断总开关。fā shēng duǎn lù shí yào mǎ shàng qiē duàn zǒng kāi guān

If a short circuit occurs, immediately turn off the main switch.

Core concept

A small control that lets a person make a function, circuit, or device active or inactive.

Common phrases

  • 打开开关dǎ kāi kāi guān

    turn on the switch

  • 关上开关guān shàng kāi guān

    turn off the switch

  • 总开关zǒng kāi guān

    main switch

  • 电灯的开关diàn dēng de kāi guān

    light switch

Similar words

按钮àn niǔ: A small part that sends an input or starts an action when pressed.
按键àn jiàn: A flat, key-shaped part pressed to enter text or give an operating command.
旋钮xuán niǔ: A round knob turned to adjust volume or another setting continuously.

Definition in Chinese

表示能开启或关闭某一功能、线路或设备的部件或装置，常指用手操作的电器开关。biǎo shì néng kāi qǐ huò guān bì mǒu yì gōng néng xiàn lù huò shè bèi de bù jiàn huò zhuāng zhì cháng zhǐ yòng shǒu cāo zuò de diàn qì kāi guān

Word origin

开 (kāi, "open") + 关 (guān, "close") combines two opposite actions into the name of a device that changes between those conditions.

Usage tips

  • English switch also commonly describes changing topics, plans, or systems, but this Chinese noun normally points to a physical control, so abstract uses need different wording.

Other meanings

  • togglenoun

Related words

  • 开关量kāi guān liàngswitching signalnoun
  • 开关电源kāi guān diàn yuánswitching power supplynoun
  • 总开关zǒng kāi guānmain switchnoun

Word lists with this word