照相机
camera
zhàoxiàngjī
What does 照相机 mean?
照相机 (zhàoxiàngjī) is the noun for a camera — a dedicated device for taking photographs. The three-character form is the textbook word; in everyday speech, native speakers very often shorten it to 相机 (xiàngjī). Two practical notes.
First, since smartphones replaced standalone cameras for most people, 照相机 today usually implies a 'real' camera (DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot) rather than a phone — for a phone camera, speakers say 手机摄像头 (shǒujī shèxiàngtóu) or just 手机 (shǒujī). Second, 摄像机 (shèxiàngjī) sounds similar but means 'video camera' or 'camcorder,' not a still camera. The measure word is 台 (tái), the standard one for machines and devices: 一台照相机.
Note: Slightly old-fashioned for everyday use now that most people shoot with phones. Still standard in writing and for dedicated cameras (DSLR, mirrorless). Young speakers often just say 相机 (xiàngjī) for short.
Character breakdown
to shine on; to photograph
image; appearance
machine
Memory hook: 照 + 相 + 机 = 'shine-image-machine' — a machine for capturing images.
Measure word for 照相机
Example sentences
我有一台新照相机。
Wǒ yǒu yì tái xīn zhàoxiàngjī.
I have a new camera.
neutral
他的照相机很贵。
Tā de zhàoxiàngjī hěn guì.
His camera is expensive.
neutral
请用照相机拍一张照片。
Qǐng yòng zhàoxiàngjī pāi yì zhāng zhàopiàn.
Please take a photo with the camera.
neutral
我想买一台数码照相机。
Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yì tái shùmǎ zhàoxiàngjī.
I want to buy a digital camera.
spoken
别忘了带照相机。
Bié wàng le dài zhàoxiàngjī.
Don't forget to bring the camera.
spoken
Common phrases with 照相机
Synonyms
相机 is the shortened, more colloquial form of 照相机. In daily speech, native speakers almost always say 相机. 照相机 is more textbook or written.
Don't confuse 照相机 with
FAQ
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