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March 24, 2026
航天hángtiān(hang2tian1)
航天 (hang2 tian1) refers to space flight or aerospace, encompassing activities related to spacecraft and the exploration of outer space. It is commonly used in discussions about technology, science, and advancements in space exploration, highlighting China's growing capabilities in this field.
Frequency#13805DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
航天 is closely tied to China's space exploration efforts, particularly the achievements of the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Events like the launch of the Tiangong space station are significant in showcasing national pride and technological progress.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'hangar' in the sky (航 - hang2) where rockets take off into the 'heavens' (天 - tian1). Visualize a rocket launching from this hangar, soaring into outer space, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 航天
hángtiān(hang2tian1)
1space flight
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 航天
航天Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13805Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 航天
Podcast: 航天
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AI Study Notes for 航天
Quick Contrast
航天 (space flight) vs 航空 (aviation) — use 航天 when referring specifically to space-related activities, while 航空 pertains to flight within Earth's atmosphere.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'hangar' in the sky (航 - hang2) where rockets take off into the 'heavens' (天 - tian1). Visualize a rocket launching from this hangar, soaring into outer space, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
When using 航天, ensure it is in the context of space-related discussions, as it may be confused with other terms related to aviation. Typically, it is used in formal contexts, such as scientific articles or news reports about space missions. Pay attention to the tones: 航 (hang2) is second tone and 天 (tian1) is first tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 航天 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to science and technology. Students should focus on understanding its usage in literature and media about space exploration, and how it may appear in formal discussions.
Cultural Note
航天 is closely tied to China's space exploration efforts, particularly the achievements of the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Events like the launch of the Tiangong space station are significant in showcasing national pride and technological progress.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 航天 with 航空, leading to incorrect phrases like '我想学航空技术' (I want to learn aviation technology) when they actually mean space technology. The correct phrase should use 航天: '我想学航天技术'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 航天
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Grammar Patterns of 航天
航天 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
阿里安____火箭项目取得了辉煌的成功。
The Ariane space-rocket project has had a shining success.
Example Sentences for 航天 (5)
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1
阿里安航天火箭项目取得了辉煌的成功。
ā lǐ ān háng tiān huǒ jiàn xiàng mù qǔ dé le huī huáng de chéng gōng。
The Ariane space-rocket project has had a shining success.
The delta - winged Columbia, before reaching the orbit, jettisoned its dual booster rockets two minutes into flight.
Cultural Notes for 航天
🏮Cultural insight
航天 is closely tied to China's space exploration efforts, particularly the achievements of the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Events like the launch of the Tiangong space station are significant in showcasing national pride and technological progress.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, space exploration is often associated with private companies like SpaceX, while in China, it is predominantly a government-driven initiative focused on national advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions about 航天
航空 (hang2 kong1) refers to aviation or flight within Earth's atmosphere, while 航天 (hang2 tian1) specifically denotes space flight beyond the atmosphere.
It can be used in sentences like '中国的航天技术正在迅速发展' (China's aerospace technology is developing rapidly).
It is not commonly used in casual conversation but is prevalent in academic and professional discussions about space.