We speak Mandarin at home and microwave in Mandarin is 微波 “way bo” (literally means “micro wave”). To “microwave” as a verb usually gets shortened to the first character in colloquial speak. We 微 “way” our leftovers.
微波 means microwave as in that particular frequency range on the electromagnetic spectrum. When referring to the kitchen appliance, we specifically say 微波炉 “way bo lu” which means “microwave stove.”
Additional fun fact: If you think it sounds like Weibo the website, you’re right. It has almost the same pronounciation but has a tonal difference on the second character. Weibo means “micro blog,” same first character but the second character is 博 which is a loan word for blog. ___
We speak Mandarin at home and microwave in Mandarin is 微波 “way bo” (literally means “micro wave”). To “microwave” as a verb usually gets shortened to the first character in colloquial speak. We 微 “way” our leftovers.
微波 means microwave as in that particular frequency range on the electromagnetic spectrum. When referring to the kitchen appliance, we specifically say 微波炉 “way bo lu” which means “microwave stove.”
Additional fun fact: If you think it sounds like Weibo the website, you’re right. It has almost the same pronounciation but has a tonal difference on the second character. Weibo means “micro blog,” same first character but the second character is 博 which is a loan word for blog. ___