換気扇

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: It is read かんきせん. 換気 contributes ventilation and 扇 a fan, forming a word for a fan that exchanges indoor air.
• Basic usage: It names a ventilation device switched on before grilling fish or cleaned of accumulated kitchen grease.
  • 魚を焼く前に換気扇を回して、窓も少し開けた。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Ventilation versus directing a breeze
  • 換気扇 is for ventilation, such as exhausting air outdoors, while 扇風機 is mainly a fan that directs a cooling breeze toward people.