机器 (jīqì)

机器 means machine or apparatus. It refers to any mechanical or automated device that performs work. 机 relates to a mechanism or device, and 器 means a vessel or tool. Together they describe a tool-like mechanism, i.e. a machine. A key compound is 机器人 (jīqìrén), which means robot, literally "machine person." As automation grows in China, 机器人 and 人工智能 (artificial intelligence) are increasingly common words in everyday conversation.

Meanings

[noun] Machine; apparatus; mechanical device.

Example Sentences

工厂里有很多大型机器。 Gōngchǎng lǐ yǒu hěn duō dàxíng jīqì. There are many large machines in the factory.

这台机器坏了，需要修理。 Zhè tái jīqì huài le, xūyào xiūlǐ. This machine is broken and needs to be repaired.

机器代替了很多人工劳动。 Jīqì dàitì le hěn duō réngōng láodòng. Machines have replaced a lot of manual labor.

操作这台机器需要专业培训。 Cāozuò zhè tái jīqì xūyào zhuānyè péixùn. Operating this machine requires professional training.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
机器人	robot (machine-person)
洗衣机	washing machine
开机器	to start/operate a machine
机器设备	machinery and equipment
复印机	photocopier

Memory Hook

机 (mechanism) plus 器 (vessel/tool). A machine is like a vessel that holds and runs a mechanism to do work for you. Think of a washing machine (洗衣机): it is the vessel (器) that holds the rotating mechanism (机) to clean your clothes. Every household appliance in Chinese has 机 or 器 somewhere in its name.