điều hòa
Mùa hè nóng bức, tôi bật điều hòa suốt ngày.
In the scorching summer, I run the air conditioner all day.
A system or device that regulates air temperature, humidity, and circulation to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Căn phòng này lắp điều hòa mới, rất mát.
This room has a new air conditioner; it's very cool.
Hệ thống điều hòa trong tòa nhà đã được nâng cấp.
The building's air conditioning system has been upgraded.
Commonly abbreviated as 'ĐH' in Vietnamese signage or advertisements.
To regulate or balance something (e.g., temperature, emotions, or processes) to achieve stability.
Cơ thể con người có khả năng tự điều hòa nhiệt độ.
The human body has the ability to self-regulate temperature.
Chính phủ đang nỗ lực điều hòa nền kinh tế.
The government is striving to stabilize the economy.
Less common in everyday speech; more frequent in technical or formal contexts.
Collocations
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 'điều hòa' and 'máy lạnh'
'Điều hòa' refers to the entire system (including the indoor unit, outdoor unit, and controls), while 'máy lạnh' typically refers only to the indoor unit or the device itself. In casual speech, they are often used interchangeably.
Gold Rule
Using 'điều hòa' as a verb
When used as a verb, 'điều hòa' implies regulation toward balance (e.g., temperature, emotions, or processes). It is not used for simple actions like 'cooling down'—use 'làm mát' or 'làm lạnh' instead.
Word Origin
Compound of 'điều' (to regulate/adjust) + 'hòa' (harmony/balance), reflecting the device's function to balance indoor climate.
Usage Notes
In Vietnamese, 'điều hòa' is the most common term for air conditioning, while 'máy lạnh' is more colloquial. The phrase 'máy điều hòa không khí' is formal and often shortened to 'điều hòa' in context.