天空 — meaning in English: sky

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

Guess the translation for sky

该项目

gāi xiàngmù

天空

tiānkōng

文件

wénjiàn

门口

ménkǒu

工资

gōngzī

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 天空 (tiānkōng) when discussing weather, nature, or during conversations about travel and adventures. For instance, you might hear someone remarking on a clear blue 天空 while planning an outdoor picnic or expressing awe at a sunset painting the 天空 with vivid colors.

Synonyms & nuances

While 天空 (tiānkōng) specifically refers to the sky as an expansive space above, another word, 空气 (kōngqì), means 'air,' focusing more on the substance in the sky. You would use 天空 when you want to evoke imagery of the sky itself, whereas 空气 would be used in discussions about the air quality or atmospheric conditions.

Culture

The word 天空 is composed of two characters: 天 (tiān), meaning 'heaven' or 'sky,' and 空 (kōng), meaning 'empty' or 'space.' This combination reflects a cultural appreciation for the vastness and beauty of the sky in Chinese literature and poetry. In ancient times, the sky was often viewed as a divine realm, influencing various philosophical and artistic expressions.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 天空 in a sentence?

You can use 天空 in sentences like '今天的天空很美' (Jīntiān de tiānkōng hěn měi), which means 'Today's sky is beautiful.' This shows appreciation for the appearance of the sky.

Q.What are some phrases or idioms that include 天空?

A common phrase is '放飞梦想,在天空飞翔' (Fàng fēi mèngxiǎng, zài tiānkōng fēixiáng), which translates to 'Let your dreams soar in the sky.' This reflects the aspirational qualities often associated with the sky.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 天空?

One common mistake is confusing 天空 with the word for 'weather' (天气, tiānqì). Remember, 天空 refers specifically to the sky, while 天气 pertains to atmospheric conditions like rain or sunshine.

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