Understanding "电扇" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 电扇
• Pinyin: diàn shàn
• Literal Meaning: "electric fan" (电 = electric, 扇 = fan)
• Primary Meaning: A mechanical device with rotating blades used to circulate air, powered by electricity.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"电扇" is the standard term for an electric fan in Mandarin. It is commonly used in both spoken and written language to refer to household or office fans. Unlike "风扇" (fēng shàn), which can sometimes refer to non-electric fans (e.g., handheld fans), "电扇" specifically indicates an electrically powered device.

Character Breakdown

• 电 (diàn): Means "electricity" or "electric." It appears in many modern Chinese words related to technology (e.g., 电脑 diànnǎo = computer).
• 扇 (shàn): Means "fan." It can also function as a verb (shān) meaning "to fan" (e.g., 扇风 shān fēng = to fan the air).

Together, the characters clearly describe the function of the object: an electric-powered fan.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 夏天太热了，我需要开电扇。
   Pinyin: Xiàtiān tài rè le, wǒ xūyào kāi diànshàn.
   English: It’s too hot in summer; I need to turn on the electric fan.

2. Chinese: 这个电扇的声音有点大。
   Pinyin: Zhège diànshàn de shēngyīn yǒudiǎn dà.
   English: This electric fan is a bit noisy.

3. Chinese: 请把电扇关掉，我有点冷。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ diànshàn guān diào, wǒ yǒudiǎn lěng.
   English: Please turn off the electric fan; I’m a little cold.

Cultural Notes

Electric fans (电扇) are widely used in China, especially in regions with hot summers. Before air conditioning became common, they were a staple in homes and workplaces. Even today, many Chinese households prefer fans for their energy efficiency compared to AC units. Traditional Chinese medicine also cautions against excessive direct airflow from fans, as it’s believed to cause "wind chill" (着凉 zháo liáng).

Conclusion

"电扇" (diàn shàn) is a straightforward and essential word for English learners to know, describing an everyday appliance. Remember: 电 = electric, 扇 = fan, and together they form "electric fan." Use it to talk about staying cool in China’s hot summers!