‘嵌入式’ (qiànrùshì) literally means ‘inserted-into-style’ — combining 嵌 (to embed or inset), 入 (to enter or go into), and 式 (style, type, or form). Together, it describes systems or devices whose hardware and software are tightly integrated into a larger product to perform dedicated functions, rather than operating as general-purpose computers. It emphasizes integration, compactness, and purpose-built design.

This term is widely used in engineering, computing, and electronics — for example, in smart appliances, automotive control units, medical monitors, and IoT devices. While often modifying nouns like 系统 (system) or 设备 (device), it can function independently as a noun meaning ‘embedded technology’ or ‘embedded system’. It carries a technical, formal register and is rarely used outside technological or industrial contexts.