In 15 Seconds
- The standard Chinese word for any airport.
- Combines the characters for 'machine' and 'open field'.
- Essential for travel, navigation, and meeting people.
Meaning
It literally means 'airport,' the place where you catch planes and start your travels.
Key Examples
3 of 6Telling a friend your location
我在机场。
I am at the airport.
Ordering a taxi
师傅,去机场。
Driver, to the airport please.
Asking for directions
请问,机场在哪儿?
Excuse me, where is the airport?
Cultural Background
Airports are often very large and require early arrival.
Remember the field
场 means field, so it's a field for planes.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Chinese word for any airport.
- Combines the characters for 'machine' and 'open field'.
- Essential for travel, navigation, and meeting people.
What It Means
机场 (jīchǎng) is the standard word for airport. The first character 机 means machine or airplane. The second character 场 means a field or large open space. Put them together and you get an 'airplane field.' It is simple, logical, and essential for any traveler. Whether you are flying to Shanghai or New York, this is your starting point.
How To Use It
Use it just like you would in English. You can say you are going to the 机场. You can ask where the 机场 is. It usually acts as a noun in a sentence. If you are taking a taxi, just say the name of the city plus 机场. For example, 'Pudong 机场.' The driver will know exactly where to go. Don't worry about complex grammar here.
When To Use It
You use this when planning trips or checking in. Use it when telling friends where you are. It is perfect for travel apps and maps. If you are lost in a city, this word is your best friend. It works at the ticket counter or in a casual chat. It is a universal word for all aviation needs.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for bus stations or train stations. Those have different names like 车站. Also, avoid using it as a verb. You cannot 'airport' someone. You 'go to' the airport. In some niche internet slang, it can refer to a specific type of web server. Unless you are a tech geek, stick to the flying meaning. Using it for a small landing strip might feel too grand.
Cultural Background
China has built massive, futuristic airports recently. They are symbols of national pride and speed. The Beijing Daxing Airport looks like a giant orange starfish. Airports are seen as gateways to the world and modern life. People often take photos at the 机场 to show they are traveling. It is a place of high energy and emotional goodbyes. Many famous romantic movie scenes in China happen right here.
Common Variations
You might hear 民航机场 for civil aviation airports. 国际机场 is the term for international airports. If you are talking about a specific one, use the location name first. 首都机场 is the famous Capital Airport in Beijing. People also use 候机楼 to talk specifically about the terminal building. Just remember 机场 is the umbrella term for everything.
Usage Notes
The word is universally understood across all Chinese-speaking regions. It carries no specific baggage or hidden meanings in standard conversation, making it a safe, high-frequency word for beginners.
Remember the field
场 means field, so it's a field for planes.
Examples
6我在机场。
I am at the airport.
A simple way to state your current location.
师傅,去机场。
Driver, to the airport please.
The most common way to tell a cab driver your destination.
请问,机场在哪儿?
Excuse me, where is the airport?
A survival phrase for any traveler in a new city.
我们在北京国际机场见面。
We will meet at the Beijing International Airport.
Using the full name of the airport adds a formal touch.
去机场的路太堵了!
The road to the airport is so crowded!
A relatable complaint in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
我在机场等你回来。
I will wait for you at the airport to come back.
Expresses longing and emotional connection.
Test Yourself
Which word means airport?
我要去____。
机场 is the place for planes.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '机场'
Texting a friend 'See you at the airport'
机场见!
Asking a stranger for directions
机场怎么走?
Official flight announcements
欢迎来到浦东国际机场。
When to use '机场'
In a Taxi
Go to the airport.
Travel Planning
What time is the airport shuttle?
Social Media
Check-in at the airport.
Business
Picking up a client.
Practice Bank
1 exercises我要去____。
机场 is the place for planes.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt is neutral.
Related Phrases
飞机
builds onAirplane