Lesson 36: Technology & Digital Devices

1. Introduction | 介绍 | Introdução

In today’s world, being able to discuss technology, ask for help with devices, and shop for electronics is a practical skill, especially when traveling or living abroad. From fixing a computer to buying a new phone, knowing the right terms in English, Mandarin, and Portuguese helps you communicate clearly and confidently.

In this lesson, you will:

• Learn essential vocabulary for computers, phones, and electronics.

• Use phrases for troubleshooting and shopping for devices.

• Practice real-world dialogues with tech support and sales staff.

• Understand cultural tips about buying and using devices internationally.

• Reinforce learning with exercises and a review.

2. Vocabulary Table | 词汇表 | Vocabulário

3. Useful Phrases | 实用短语 | Frases Úteis

Troubleshooting Devices | 设备故障排除 | Resolver Problemas com Dispositivos

• “My phone won’t turn on. Can you help me?”
  我的手机打不开了，你能帮忙吗？
  Wǒ de shǒujī dǎ bù kāi le, nǐ néng bāngmáng ma?
  O meu telemóvel não liga. Pode ajudar-me?

• “The laptop keeps freezing.”
  我的笔记本电脑一直死机。
  Wǒ de bǐjìběn diànnǎo yìzhí sǐjī.
  O meu portátil está sempre a bloquear.

• “How do I connect to the Wi-Fi?”
  我怎么连接无线网络？
  Wǒ zěnme liánjiē wúxiàn wǎngluò?
  Como me conecto ao Wi-Fi?

Shopping for Electronics | 购买电子产品 | Comprar Produtos Eletrónicos

• “I’m looking for a smartphone with a good camera.”
  我想买一部拍照效果好的智能手机。
  Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yí bù pāizhào xiàoguǒ hǎo de zhìnéng shǒujī.
  Estou à procura de um smartphone com boa câmara.

• “Does this product come with a warranty?”
  这个产品有保修吗？
  Zhège chǎnpǐn yǒu bǎoxiū ma?
  Este produto tem garantia?

• “Can you give me a discount?”
  可以给我打折吗？
  Kěyǐ gěi wǒ dǎzhé ma?
  Pode fazer um desconto?

Using Tech Services | 使用技术服务 | Utilizar Serviços Técnicos

• “Can you install this software for me?”
  你能帮我安装这个软件吗？
  Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ānzhuāng zhège ruǎnjiàn ma?
  Pode instalar este software para mim?

• “I need to update my system.”
  我需要更新系统。
  Wǒ xūyào gēngxīn xìtǒng.
  Preciso de atualizar o sistema.

• “How long will the repair take?”
  维修需要多久？
  Wéixiū xūyào duōjiǔ?
  Quanto tempo vai demorar o conserto?

4. Dialogues | 对话 | Diálogos

Dialogue 1: At a Tech Store

English
Customer: Hi, I’m looking for a laptop for work. Do you have any lightweight models?
Salesperson: Yes, we have several. What’s your budget?
Customer: Around $800. Does this one come with a warranty?
Salesperson: Yes, it has a one-year warranty, and we can offer a 10% discount today.

中文 (Pinyin)
顾客：你好，我想买一台办公用的笔记本电脑。有轻便的型号吗？
(gùkè: nǐhǎo, wǒ xiǎng mǎi yì tái bàngōng yòng de bǐjìběn diànnǎo. yǒu qīngbiàn de xínghào ma?)
销售员：有的。您的预算是多少？
(xiāoshòuyuán: yǒu de. nín de yùsuàn shì duōshǎo?)
顾客：大约八百美元。这款有保修吗？
(gùkè: dàyuē bābǎi měiyuán. zhè kuǎn yǒu bǎoxiū ma?)
销售员：有的，有一年保修，今天可以给您九折优惠。
(xiāoshòuyuán: yǒu de, yǒu yì nián bǎoxiū, jīntiān kěyǐ gěi nín jiǔ zhé yōuhuì.)

Português
Cliente: Olá, procuro um portátil para trabalho. Tem modelos leves?
Vendedor: Sim, temos vários. Qual é o seu orçamento?
Cliente: Cerca de 800 dólares. Este tem garantia?
Vendedor: Sim, tem um ano de garantia e hoje podemos oferecer 10% de desconto.

Dialogue 2: Tech Support Call

English
Customer: Hi, my computer won’t start. The screen stays black.
Support: Have you tried restarting it?
Customer: Yes, but nothing happens.
Support: I’ll schedule a technician. Can we confirm your address?

中文 (Pinyin)
顾客：你好，我的电脑打不开，屏幕一直黑的。
(gùkè: nǐhǎo, wǒ de diànnǎo dǎ bù kāi, píngmù yìzhí hēi de.)
客服：你尝试过重启吗？
(kèfú: nǐ chángshì guò chóngqǐ ma?)
顾客：试过了，但没有反应。
(gùkè: shì guò le, dàn méiyǒu fǎnyìng.)
客服：我帮您预约技术人员。可以确认您的地址吗？
(kèfú: wǒ bāng nín yùyuē jìshù rényuán. kěyǐ quèrèn nín de dìzhǐ ma?)

Português
Cliente: Olá, o meu computador não liga. O ecrã continua preto.
Suporte: Já tentou reiniciar?
Cliente: Sim, mas não acontece nada.
Suporte: Vou agendar um técnico. Podemos confirmar a sua morada?

5. Cultural Tips | 文化提示 | Dicas Culturais

1. In China, bargaining for electronics in non-chain stores is common, but not in major retailers like Apple or Huawei stores.

2. In Portugal and Brazil, always ask about guarantia (warranty)—electronics often include only basic coverage unless you request extended plans.

3. Wi-Fi access can vary; many places in China require verification with a phone number, while in Portuguese-speaking countries it’s often open or password-protected only.

4. Always check voltage compatibility when buying chargers or devices internationally.

6. Practice Exercises | 练习 | Exercícios

1. Translate into Mandarin and Portuguese:

   • “Can you repair my phone? The screen is cracked.”

   • “Does this laptop include the charger?”

   • “I’d like to update my software to the latest version.”

2. Fill in the blanks (English):

   • “I need to ______ my system.” (update)

   • “Does this product come with a one-year ______?” (warranty)

   • “Can you help me connect to the ______?” (Wi-Fi)

3. Roleplay

   • One person is a customer, the other is a sales assistant or tech support. Practice asking about products, troubleshooting, and requesting discounts in all three languages.

7. Review | 总结 | Revisão

In this lesson, you learned:

• Key vocabulary for computers, smartphones, and electronics.

• Phrases for shopping, troubleshooting, and using tech services.

• Real-world dialogues with tech staff and support teams.

• Cultural tips for buying and fixing devices internationally.

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Learn to talk about computers, smartphones, troubleshooting, and buying electronics in English, Mandarin (with Pinyin), and Portuguese with useful phrases and dialogues.