引擎

No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Understanding 引擎 (yǐnqíng)

引擎 is a loanword in Chinese that specifically refers to an engine, the mechanical device that converts energy into motion. It is commonly used in contexts involving vehicles, machinery, and airplanes.

Usage and Nuance

When you use 引擎, you are usually talking about the core mechanical part that powers a machine. It is often paired with verbs like (start), 检查 (check), or 效率 (efficiency). Unlike the native word 发动, 引擎 is more modern and often used in technical or everyday speech about engines.

Common Collocations

  • 引擎: engine start — used when the engine begins working
  • 引擎声音: engine sound — referring to the noise the engine makes
  • 引擎效率: engine efficiency — how well the engine performs

Tips

Avoid confusing 引擎 with broader terms like 机器 (machine) or 发动, which can sometimes be interchangeable but 发动 is more formal. 引擎 is widely understood and used in spoken and written Chinese, especially in automotive and mechanical contexts.

Example Sentences

The engine of this car is very loud; it might need to be checked.

The plane can only take off safely after the engine starts.

The engine of this machine is very efficient, saving a lot of energy.