noun / verb HSK 3
Traditional 開關
switch · to turn on and off · to open and close
Meaning
开关 literally means 'open-close' and refers to a device that controls the flow of electricity or other systems. As a noun, it's the physical switch you flip or press. As a verb, it means the action of turning something on and off repeatedly.
Usage
Most commonly used as a noun for light switches, power buttons, and circuit breakers. When used as a verb, it describes the repeated action of switching something on and off. In everyday speech, people usually say 打开 (dǎ kāi) for 'turn on' and 关 (guān) for 'turn off' rather than using 开关 as a verb.
Examples
- 01电灯开关在门旁边。.The light switch is next to the door.
- 02请不要频繁开关电脑。.Please don't turn the computer on and off frequently.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个开关
Common collocations
- 电灯开关light switch
- 总开关main switch
- 按开关to press the switch
- 打开开关to flip the switch on
Origin
Compound word combining 开 (open/on) and 关 (close/off), reflecting the two states of a switch.