空气 — meaning in English: air

kōngqì · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for air

空气

kōngqì

乳房

rǔfáng

行业

hángyè

博物馆

bówùguǎn

解雇

jiěgù

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 空气 (kōngqì) in various contexts, such as discussing the weather, mentioning air quality, or in conversations about nature. For example, you might hear someone say, "今天天气很好，空气也很清新！" (Today the weather is nice, and the air is very fresh!) during a casual outing in a park.

Synonyms & nuances

While 空气 (kōngqì) specifically means 'air' in a general sense, you might encounter 气体 (qìtǐ), which refers to 'gas' in a scientific context. Use 空气 when discussing the breathable atmosphere, and opt for 气体 when delving into chemistry or physics.

Culture

The term 空气 (kōngqì) not only refers to the physical air we breathe but also symbolizes freedom and life in Chinese culture. In ancient texts, air was often associated with Qi (气), a vital force that flows through the universe, linking the concept of air to broader philosophical ideas about energy and balance.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 空气?

空气 is pronounced as 'kōngqì'. The first syllable 'kōng' has a high and level tone, while 'qì' has a falling tone.

Q.How do I use 空气 in a sentence?

You can use 空气 in sentences about the environment, such as '空气污染对健康有害' (Air pollution is harmful to health).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with this word?

One common mistake is confusing 空气 with 气候 (qìhòu), which means 'climate'. Remember that 空气 refers to air, while 气候 refers to weather patterns over time.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000