Overview
The Chinese word for 'sky' is '天空' (tiān kōng). It is a common and fundamental term in the Chinese language, used to refer to the expanse above the Earth where the sun, moon, stars, and clouds are seen. The character '天' (tiān) literally means 'sky' or 'heaven,' and '空' (kōng) means 'empty,' 'void,' or 'space.' When combined, '天空' paints a picture of the vast, open space above us.
In Chinese culture and language, '天空' carries various nuances and is used in a multitude of contexts. Beyond its literal meaning, it often symbolizes freedom, vastness, and possibility. For instance, one might speak of '蓝色的天空' (lán sè de tiān kōng) for 'blue sky,' or '夜晚的天空' (yè wǎn de tiān kōng) for 'night sky,' each evoking different imagery and feelings.
Metaphorically, '天空' can represent a person's aspirations or the limits of their potential. Phrases like '天高任鸟飞' (tiān gāo rèn niǎo fēi), meaning 'the sky is high for birds to fly freely,' metaphorically encourage one to pursue their ambitions without bounds. It can also be used in more abstract expressions, such as '天空之城' (tiān kōng zhī chéng), meaning 'city of the sky,' which might refer to a fantastical place or a distant, unattainable ideal.
From a grammatical perspective, '天空' functions as a noun. It can be modified by adjectives (e.g., '晴朗的天空' - qíng lǎng de tiān kōng - 'clear sky'), or used as part of a longer phrase or sentence. It is a fundamental word for describing weather conditions, natural scenery, and even emotional states. Understanding '天空' goes beyond just its dictionary definition; it involves appreciating its cultural weight and the breadth of its usage in everyday Chinese communication and poetic expression.
例文
仰望天空，我觉得自己很渺小。
GeneralLooking up at the sky, I feel so small.
天空下起了雨。
GeneralIt started raining from the sky.
蓝色的天空飘着几朵白云。
GeneralA few white clouds are floating in the blue sky.
夜幕降临，天空变得漆黑一片。
GeneralNight falls, and the sky becomes pitch black.
在晴朗的日子里，天空是那么的湛蓝。
GeneralOn clear days, the sky is so azure.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく混同される語
Refers to 'weather', which is related to but distinct from 'sky'.
Means 'in the air' or 'mid-air', focusing on location rather than the sky itself.
文法パターン
使い方
使い方のコツ
The word '天空' (tiānkōng) is the most common and standard term for 'sky' in Mandarin Chinese. It is a compound word formed from '天' (tiān), meaning 'heaven' or 'sky,' and '空' (kōng), meaning 'empty' or 'space.' It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from describing the literal physical sky above us to more metaphorical or poetic expressions. For example, you might say '蓝色的天空' (lán sè de tiānkōng) to mean 'blue sky,' or '夜晚的天空' (yèwǎn de tiānkōng) for 'night sky.' It's often used in conjunction with adjectives to describe its appearance, such as '晴朗的天空' (qínglǎng de tiānkōng, clear sky) or '阴沉的天空' (yīnchén de tiānkōng, gloomy sky). While '天' (tiān) alone can sometimes refer to the sky, especially in more classical or idiomatic expressions, '天空' specifically emphasizes the open space of the sky. For instance, in phrases like '天下' (tiānxià, all under heaven, referring to the world or China), '天' takes on a broader meaning. When referring explicitly to the atmospheric expanse above the Earth, '天空' is the most appropriate and frequently used term. It is suitable for both formal and informal communication.
よくある間違い
One common mistake might be confusing '天空' (tiānkōng) with '空中' (kōngzhōng), which means 'in the air' or 'in the sky' (as an adverbial phrase). '天空' is a noun referring to the sky itself, while '空中' describes a position. Another potential pitfall is mixing up the tones, especially for '空', which has different meanings depending on its tone (kōng for empty/sky, kòng for vacant/leisure). In '天空', it's pronounced with the first tone, kōng. Also, ensure you differentiate it from '蓝天' (lántiān), which specifically means 'blue sky'.
ヒント
Word Decomposition
The word '天空' (tiānkōng) is composed of two characters: '天' (tiān) and '空' (kōng). '天' generally means 'sky', 'heaven', or 'day'. '空' generally means 'empty', 'air', or 'sky'. Together, they form 'sky'.
Common Pitfalls
While '天' alone can mean sky, '天空' is often preferred for clarity and emphasis when specifically referring to the physical expanse above the earth. Avoid using just '空' as a standalone word for sky, as it primarily means 'empty' or 'air'.
Contextual Usage
'天空' is a common and versatile word. For example: - 蓝色的天空 (lán sè de tiānkōng): blue sky - 天空很美 (tiānkōng hěn měi): The sky is beautiful. - 飞机在天空中飞 (fēijī zài tiānkōng zhōng fēi): The airplane flies in the sky.
語源
The term '天空' (tiān kōng) is a combination of two characters: '天' (tiān) and '空' (kōng). '天' (tiān) is a very ancient character with deep roots in Chinese culture and philosophy. Its earliest forms, found in oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th-11th century BCE), often depicted a large figure with a prominent head, suggesting a concept of something vast, supreme, or above. Over time, '天' evolved to represent: 1. Sky/Heaven: The literal expanse above the earth, the firmament. 2. God/Deity: A supreme being or ultimate power, often associated with destiny, cosmic order, and natural phenomena. This concept is central to ancient Chinese religious and philosophical thought, particularly in Confucianism and Taoism, where '天' is seen as the source of all things and the arbiter of human affairs. 3. Nature/Natural order: The inherent laws and processes of the universe, often contrasted with human efforts or artificial constructs. 4. Day/Daily: In compounds, it can refer to a day (e.g., '今天' - jīntiān - today). '空' (kōng) also has a long history, appearing in bronze inscriptions. Its original meaning was related to: 1. Empty/Void: Lacking substance, unoccupied, or hollow. The character often depicts a cave or a dwelling with nothing inside. 2. Space: The expanse in which objects exist and events occur. 3. Bare/Vacant: Without contents or inhabitants. 4. In vain/Fruitless: Indicating something that is done without result. When '天' and '空' are combined to form '天空' (tiān kōng), the meaning is quite direct and literal: the 'empty expanse of the sky' or simply 'sky'. The combination emphasizes the vastness, emptiness, and overarching nature of the sky. It contrasts with the more philosophical and religious connotations that '天' can carry on its own. '天空' specifically refers to the visible dome above us, where clouds float and birds fly, without necessarily invoking the deeper spiritual or cosmological meanings associated with '天' alone.
文化的な背景
In Chinese culture, the sky (天空, tiānkōng) holds profound significance, often symbolizing vastness, eternity, and the divine. Historically, the Emperor of China was considered the 'Son of Heaven' (天子, tiānzǐ), deriving his mandate to rule from the celestial realm, thus linking the sky directly to political power and cosmic order. The concept of 'Tian' (天), meaning heaven or sky, is a foundational element in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Confucianism and Daoism. It represents a natural order, a moral force, and sometimes a spiritual presence. Phrases like '天人合一' (tiān rén hé yī), meaning 'unity of heaven and humanity,' reflect a deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness between human beings and the natural world. The sky is also a common motif in classical Chinese poetry and art, evoking feelings of awe, contemplation, and occasionally melancholy, depending on the context. For instance, a clear blue sky might symbolize hope and prosperity, while a stormy sky could represent challenges or change. Furthermore, celestial observations played a crucial role in ancient Chinese astronomy and astrology, influencing everything from agricultural practices to political decisions. The sky is not merely a physical space but a rich tapestry of cultural, philosophical, and spiritual meanings.
覚え方のコツ
The character '天' (tiān) means 'sky' or 'day', and '空' (kōng) means 'empty' or 'space'. Together, '天空' literally means 'sky space', which refers to the sky. You can imagine a vast, empty space above us to remember this word.
よくある質問
4 問The Chinese word '天空' (tiān kōng) directly translates to 'sky' or 'heaven'. It is a common noun used to refer to the expanse above the Earth where clouds, the sun, moon, and stars can be seen. In a broader sense, it can also encompass the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from our planet. It often evokes feelings of vastness, freedom, and wonder, depending on the context in which it's used.
Yes, '天空' can certainly be used metaphorically in Chinese, much like 'sky' in English. For example, one might say '天空的颜色' (tiān kōng de yán sè) to describe the color of the sky, but it could also be part of an idiom or a poetic expression. It can symbolize limitlessness, aspirations, or even a sense of being overwhelmed, depending on the literary or conversational context. It frequently appears in literature, songs, and poetry to add depth and imagery.
Absolutely! A well-known idiom is '天空海阔' (tiān kōng hǎi kuò), which literally means 'sky high and sea vast'. This idiom is used to describe a boundless and extensive scene or to express feelings of great freedom and spaciousness. Another common phrase is '蓝色的天空' (lán sè de tiān kōng), meaning 'blue sky', which is often associated with good weather and a positive mood. These phrases highlight the versatile nature of '天空' in the Chinese language.
The pronunciation of '天空' is 'tiān kōng'. Both characters have the first tone in Mandarin Chinese. 'Tiān' (天) starts with a 't' sound followed by an 'ian' vowel sound, pronounced with a high, level tone. 'Kōng' (空) starts with a 'k' sound followed by an 'ong' vowel sound, also pronounced with a high, level tone. When spoken together, the two first tones create a distinct and clear pronunciation, making it relatively easy for learners to grasp. Mastering the tones is crucial for correct pronunciation and understanding.
自分をテスト
蔚蓝的____一望无际。
夜晚，____中繁星点点。
小鸟在____中自由飞翔。
スコア： /3
Word Decomposition
The word '天空' (tiānkōng) is composed of two characters: '天' (tiān) and '空' (kōng). '天' generally means 'sky', 'heaven', or 'day'. '空' generally means 'empty', 'air', or 'sky'. Together, they form 'sky'.
Common Pitfalls
While '天' alone can mean sky, '天空' is often preferred for clarity and emphasis when specifically referring to the physical expanse above the earth. Avoid using just '空' as a standalone word for sky, as it primarily means 'empty' or 'air'.
Contextual Usage
'天空' is a common and versatile word. For example: - 蓝色的天空 (lán sè de tiānkōng): blue sky - 天空很美 (tiānkōng hěn měi): The sky is beautiful. - 飞机在天空中飞 (fēijī zài tiānkōng zhōng fēi): The airplane flies in the sky.
例文
5 / 5仰望天空，我觉得自己很渺小。
Looking up at the sky, I feel so small.
天空下起了雨。
It started raining from the sky.
蓝色的天空飘着几朵白云。
A few white clouds are floating in the blue sky.
夜幕降临，天空变得漆黑一片。
Night falls, and the sky becomes pitch black.
在晴朗的日子里，天空是那么的湛蓝。
On clear days, the sky is so azure.
