• In the Singapore context, the Mandarin term “冷气” is equivalent to “空调” in other Chinese-speaking regions. However, the difference between “空调” and “冷气” is that “空调” is able to cool, heat and dehumidify, but “冷气” is used only for cooling.
• Given Singapore’s location in the tropics, its annual temperatures do not vary much, averaging between 24 and 32 degree Celsius. Therefore, air-conditioners in Singapore only need to produce cold air. For this reason, the Mandarin term “冷气” or “冷气机” is used instead of “空调” in Singapore.
• The cold air produced by air-conditioners can also be called “冷气”.

Generally, it is possible to cope with the heat through the use of air-conditioners. However, in classrooms without air-conditioning, students have to bear with the high temperatures. (Lianhe Zaobao, 19/5/2022)

空调 (Mainland China, Taiwan)