Understanding "打印机" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 打印机
• Pinyin: dǎ yìn jī
• Literal Meaning: "Printing machine"
• Primary Meaning: Printer (a device that produces text or images on paper)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "打印机" refers to a printer, a common office and household device used to produce physical copies of digital documents or images.
• It is widely used in workplaces, schools, and homes in China, just as in English-speaking countries.

• The word is neutral and can refer to any type of printer (e.g., inkjet, laser, 3D printer).

• Character Breakdown:

• 打 (dǎ): Means "to hit" or "to strike," but in this context, it implies "to print" (derived from the action of pressing or stamping).
• 印 (yìn): Means "to print" or "impression," referring to the process of transferring text/images onto paper.
• 机 (jī): Means "machine" or "device."
• Together, the characters literally mean "printing machine."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我需要用打印机打印这份文件。
   Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào yòng dǎyìnjī dǎyìn zhè fèn wénjiàn.
   English: I need to use the printer to print this document.

2. Chinese: 这台打印机坏了，不能工作了。
   Pinyin: Zhè tái dǎyìnjī huài le, bùnéng gōngzuò le.
   English: This printer is broken and doesn’t work anymore.

3. Chinese: 请把照片发送到我的邮箱，我可以用打印机打印出来。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ zhàopiàn fāsòng dào wǒ de yóuxiāng, wǒ kěyǐ yòng dǎyìnjī dǎyìn chūlái.
   English: Please send the photos to my email; I can print them out with the printer.

Cultural Notes

• Printers are as ubiquitous in China as in Western countries, but in some smaller towns or rural areas, people might still rely more on internet cafes or print shops for printing services.
• In offices, shared printers are common, and it’s typical to hear phrases like "谁用了打印机？" ("Who used the printer?") when troubleshooting issues.

Conclusion

"打印机" (dǎ yìn jī) is a straightforward and essential word for anyone using technology in Chinese. Remember it as "printing machine," and you’ll easily recognize and use it in daily or professional contexts.