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A1 noun 11 min read

机场

jīchǎng

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 机场 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 机场 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '机场' (jīchǎng) is one of the essential nouns for travel. Learners should focus on identifying the word and using it in the simplest possible sentences. At this stage, you only need to know that 'jī' means machine/plane and 'chǎng' means place. You should be able to say '去机场' (go to the airport) and '在机场' (at the airport). The focus is on basic survival: telling a taxi driver where you want to go or telling a friend where you are. You don't need to worry about complex grammar or terminal numbers yet. Just recognize the sound 'jīchǎng' and the characters. Most A1 textbooks introduce this word in the context of 'going somewhere' (去 + place). It is a high-frequency word because travel is a common topic for beginners. You should also learn to pair it with '北京' or '上海' to specify which airport you mean.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '机场' in more descriptive and functional sentences. You should be able to describe the airport using basic adjectives like '大' (big), '远' (far), or '新' (new). For example, '这个机场很大' (This airport is very big). You will also start using time expressions with the airport, such as '我下午三点去机场' (I am going to the airport at 3 PM). At this level, you should also learn the word for 'airport bus' (机场大巴 - jīchǎng dàbā) and 'to pick someone up at the airport' (去机场接人 - qù jīchǎng jiē rén). You are expected to handle simple interactions, like asking '机场在哪儿？' (Where is the airport?) and understanding the reply. You should also recognize the character '场' in other contexts like '商场' (shopping mall) to help solidify your character recognition.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '机场' in complex sentences involving conjunctions and relative clauses. You might explain why you are going to the airport or discuss the process of getting there. For example, '虽然机场很远，但是坐地铁很快' (Although the airport is far, taking the subway is very fast). You will also encounter more specific airport-related vocabulary like '航站楼' (terminal), '安检' (security check), and '登记口' (boarding gate). At B1, you should be able to describe your experiences at the airport, such as delays or meeting people. You can use '机场' as a subject in more abstract sentences, like '机场的服务很好' (The airport's service is very good). You should also be aware of the difference between '机场' and '飞机场' and consistently use the former in adult conversation.

At the B2 level, '机场' appears in broader discussions about infrastructure, economy, and urban planning. You should be able to discuss the impact of a new airport on a city's development or the efficiency of airport logistics. For example, '新机场的建成将促进当地经济的发展' (The completion of the new airport will promote the development of the local economy). You will use the word in more formal registers, such as '机场吞吐量' (airport throughput) or '机场扩建工程' (airport expansion project). You should be able to understand news reports about airport security or international travel regulations. At this level, you can also use '机场' in metaphorical or idiomatic ways if they arise, and you should have a firm grasp of the '机场 fashion' (机场穿搭) subculture in modern Chinese media.

At the C1 level, your use of '机场' is near-native. You can discuss the nuances of airport management, the architectural philosophy of modern terminals, and the sociopolitical implications of airport hubs. You might analyze the '机场经济区' (airport economic zone) and its role in global supply chains. Your vocabulary around the airport is extensive, including terms like '跑道容量' (runway capacity) or '空域管理' (airspace management). You can read long articles or listen to podcasts about the history of Chinese aviation where '机场' is a central theme. You are also expected to navigate any linguistic challenges at the airport, from technical malfunctions to legal issues, using precise and sophisticated language. You understand the subtle cultural connotations of the airport as a 'non-place' in modern sociology.

At the C2 level, you use '机场' with complete mastery in any context, from academic research to creative writing. You might write a thesis on '机场对于大都市圈化进程的影响' (The impact of airports on the process of megalopolis formation). You can appreciate and use high-level literary descriptions of airports in contemporary Chinese literature, where the airport might symbolize transience, globalization, or the search for identity. You understand the most obscure technical terms and are aware of the regional variations in airport-related terminology across the Sinophone world (e.g., differences between Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore). At this level, the word '机场' is just a starting point for deep, nuanced intellectual discourse on transportation, technology, and society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

机场 in 30 Seconds

机场 (jīchǎng) is the standard Chinese word for 'airport,' used universally in all Mandarin-speaking contexts for both domestic and international travel facilities.
The word is a combination of 机 (machine/airplane) and 场 (field/place), making it easy to remember as the 'airplane field.'
In daily life, it is used with verbs like '去' (go) and '在' (at), and is often part of compound words like '机场大巴' (airport bus).
While '飞机场' is a valid alternative, '机场' is the preferred, more modern, and professional term used in announcements and adult conversation.

The Chinese word 机场 (jīchǎng) is the standard term for 'airport.' To understand its deeper meaning, we must look at its constituent characters. The first character, 机 (jī), originally referred to a loom or a complex mechanism, but in modern Chinese, it serves as the primary shorthand for 飞机 (fēijī), meaning 'airplane.' The second character, 场 (chǎng), denotes a large, open space, field, or public square where specific activities take place. Therefore, a 机场 is literally an 'airplane field' or 'airplane square.' This term is used universally across all Mandarin-speaking regions, from the massive international hubs like Beijing Capital International Airport to smaller regional landing strips in rural provinces.

Functional Usage: People use this word whenever they are discussing travel, logistics, or transportation involving flight. It is the destination for travelers, the workplace for ground crews, and a focal point of urban infrastructure. In conversation, it is often paired with verbs of movement or location.

明天我要去机场接我的朋友。 (Tomorrow I need to go to the airport to pick up my friend.)

In the modern Chinese context, the 机场 is more than just a transit point; it is a symbol of China's rapid modernization. Many Chinese cities have built architecturally stunning airports, such as Beijing Daxing, which are often described using this term to evoke a sense of national pride and technological advancement. When a local asks you, '你在哪个机场？' (Which airport are you at?), they are likely referring to the specific terminal or the city's primary airport if there are multiple, such as Pudong versus Hongqiao in Shanghai.

Cultural Significance: The airport in China is a place of heavy security and high efficiency. Using the word correctly involves understanding the associated 'airport culture,' such as the '机场大巴' (airport bus) or '机场快轨' (airport express rail), which are essential parts of the commuter experience.

这个机场很大，有很多商店。 (This airport is very big and has many shops.)

Furthermore, the word is used in specialized contexts like '国际机场' (international airport) and '国内机场' (domestic airport). Understanding these distinctions is vital for navigation. When you hear an announcement on a train saying '下一站，机场,' you know you have arrived at the final portal before departing the city or country. It carries a sense of transition, excitement, and sometimes the stress of departure.

Linguistic Evolution: The evolution from '飞机场' to '机场' mirrors the general trend in Mandarin to favor bisyllabic words (two characters) for efficiency and rhythm. This makes the word easy to pair with other nouns to create compound terms.

请问机场怎么走？ (Excuse me, how do I get to the airport?)

Using 机场 (jīchǎng) in a sentence requires an understanding of Chinese sentence structure, which typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) pattern or a Subject-Time-Location-Verb pattern. Because '机场' is a location, it often follows the preposition 在 (zài) to indicate being at the airport, or follows verbs of movement like 去 (qù - to go) or 到 (dào - to arrive).

Basic Location Pattern: Subject + 在 + 机场. This is used to state that someone or something is currently located at the airport. For example: '他在机场' (He is at the airport).

我已经在机场等你了。 (I am already at the airport waiting for you.)

When you are traveling to the airport, the word '机场' functions as the destination object. In Mandarin, you don't need a specific article like 'the' or 'an.' You simply say '去机场.' If you are taking a specific mode of transport, the structure becomes Subject + Verb (transport) + 去 + 机场. For instance, '坐出租车去机场' (Take a taxi to the airport).

Asking Directions: To ask where the airport is, use the phrase '机场在哪里？' (Where is the airport?). To ask how to get there, use '去机场怎么走？' (How do I get to the airport?).

离这里最近的机场是哪一个？ (Which airport is the closest to here?)

In more complex sentences, '机场' can be part of a time clause. For example, '到了机场以后，请给我打电话' (After arriving at the airport, please call me). Here, '到了机场' acts as a condition that must be met before the next action. You can also use it to describe the attributes of the airport using '的' and adjectives: '那个机场非常现代化' (That airport is very modern).

Formal Contexts: In news reports or official documents, you might see '机场建设' (airport construction) or '机场运营' (airport operations). These demonstrate how '机场' serves as a building block for professional terminology.

由于大雾，机场暂时关闭了。 (Due to heavy fog, the airport is temporarily closed.)

The word 机场 (jīchǎng) is ubiquitous in the daily life of anyone living in or visiting a Chinese city. One of the most common places you will hear it is on public transportation. On subways in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, the automated voice will frequently announce connections to the airport. For instance, '前往浦东国际机场的乘客，请在本站换乘' (Passengers heading to Pudong International Airport, please transfer at this station).

Public Announcements: In high-speed train stations, you will hear announcements about '机场接驳' (airport connections). These announcements are clear and repetitive, making '机场' one of the first words many learners recognize in the wild.

各位旅客请注意，开往机场的巴士即将发车。 (Attention passengers, the bus to the airport is about to depart.)

You will also hear this word constantly when using ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing. When the driver calls to confirm your location, they might ask, '你是去机场吗？' (Are you going to the airport?). Because airport trips are high-fare and long-distance, drivers are particularly attentive to this word. In hotels, the concierge will use it when asking if you need an '机场送机' (airport drop-off) service.

Business and Logistics: In the world of e-commerce, you might see '机场发货' (shipped from the airport) in your tracking information, indicating that your package is being handled by air freight services at a major hub.

我正在去机场的路上的。 (I am currently on the way to the airport.)

Finally, '机场' is a staple of weather reports and news broadcasts. When a typhoon or heavy snow hits, the news will report on '机场延误' (airport delays) or '机场跑道积雪' (snow accumulation on airport runways). This helps the public understand the impact of weather on national travel. Whether you are listening to the radio, watching a drama where a character chases a lover to the terminal, or simply navigating a city, '机场' is a word you cannot escape.

While 机场 (jīchǎng) is a relatively simple word, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into their Chinese. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing the character 场 (chǎng) with 厂 (chǎng). While they sound identical in some tones and look similar, '厂' means 'factory.' Saying '机厂' would sound like you are going to an 'airplane factory' rather than an airport.

Tone Confusion: The first tone in 'jī' (high and flat) and the third tone in 'chǎng' (falling-rising) must be distinct. If you mispronounce 'jī' as 'jí' (second tone), it might sound like '急' (urgent), leading to confusion.

错误：我要去机厂。 (Incorrect: I want to go to the airplane factory.)

Another common mistake involves the word order for specific airports. In English, we say 'Beijing Airport.' In Chinese, the location must come before the word airport: 北京机场 (Běijīng jīchǎng). Beginners often try to translate the English structure directly, but '机场北京' is grammatically incorrect. Always remember: Location + 机场.

Measure Word Errors: When counting airports, use the measure word '个' (gè) or the more formal '座' (zuò) for large structures. Avoid using '位' (wèi), which is only for people. For example: '两个机场' (two airports).

正确：上海有两个机场。 (Correct: Shanghai has two airports.)

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse '机场' with '车站' (chēzhàn - station). While both are transit hubs, '车站' is strictly for land vehicles like buses or trains. You cannot say '飞机车站.' Similarly, don't confuse '机场' with '码头' (mǎtóu - pier/dock) for ships. Each mode of transport has its specific 'field' or 'station' in Chinese.

Contextual Overuse: Don't use '机场' to refer to the airplane itself. If you want to say 'The airplane is big,' use '飞机很大,' not '机场很大.' The airport is the place; the airplane is the vehicle.

While 机场 (jīchǎng) is the most common term, there are several related words that you should know to expand your vocabulary and understand different nuances of aviation and travel. Understanding the difference between these terms will help you sound more precise in professional or formal settings.

飞机场 (fēijīchǎng): This is the full version of the word. '飞机' (airplane) + '场' (field). It is more literal and often used by children or in older literature. In modern daily life, it is almost always shortened to '机场.'

小孩子常说：我们要去飞机场看大飞机。 (Children often say: We are going to the airport to see the big planes.)

航空站 (hángkōngzhàn): Literally 'aviation station.' This term is more formal and is often used in Taiwan or in technical aviation contexts to refer to an air terminal or a specific station within an aviation network. In Mainland China, it is less common in speech but appears in official documents.

When comparing 机场 to 候机楼 (hòujīlóu), the distinction is between the entire facility and the specific building where passengers wait. '机场' includes the runways, hangars, and control towers, while '候机楼' specifically refers to the terminal building. If you are meeting someone inside, you might say '我在候机楼门口等你' (I'm waiting for you at the terminal entrance).

停机坪 (tíngjīpíng): This refers specifically to the 'apron' or 'tarmac' where planes are parked. You would hear this in news reports or from pilots, but rarely in casual travel conversation unless you are looking out the window at the planes.

飞机正停在停机坪上。 (The plane is currently parked on the tarmac.)

Another related term is 空军基地 (kōngjūn jīdì), which means 'air force base.' While it is technically an airport, it is never called a '机场' in a civilian sense. Using '机场' implies a civil aviation facility for public use. If you are talking about military flights, use '基地' (base).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In early 20th century Chinese, airports were sometimes called '航空场' (hángkōngchǎng) before the more concise '机场' became the dominant term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʒiːtʃæŋ/

US /ˈdʒiːtʃæŋ/

The stress is equal on both syllables in Mandarin, but the tones are the primary focus.

Rhymes With

商场 (shāngchǎng) 广场 (guǎngchǎng) 市场 (shìchǎng) 农场 (nóngchǎng) 赛场 (sàichǎng) 操场 (cāochǎng) 战场 (zhànchǎng) 磁场 (cíchǎng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ji' in the third tone like 'ji' (挤 - crowded).
Pronouncing 'chang' in the first tone like 'chang' (昌 - prosperous).
Dropping the 'ng' at the end of 'chang' to make it sound like 'chan'.
Confusing 'ji' with 'qi' (seven/air).
Muddling the tones into a flat monotone.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The characters are relatively simple and common in early HSK levels.

Writing 2/5

机 is easy, but 场 requires attention to the right-side component.

Speaking 1/5

Two syllables with distinct tones; easy to pronounce for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, frequently heard in announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

飞 (fly) 机 (machine) 场 (field) 去 (go) 在 (at)

Learn Next

航站楼 (terminal) 登机口 (gate) 行李 (luggage) 护照 (passport) 航班 (flight)

Advanced

空管 (ATC) 值机 (check-in) 中转 (transfer) 延误 (delay) 取消 (cancel)

Grammar to Know

Directional Verbs with '去'

我去机场。 (Subject + 去 + Place)

Location with '在'

我在机场。 (Subject + 在 + Place)

Measure Words for Buildings

一座机场。 (Number + 座 + Building)

Time before Location

我明天在机场等你。 (Subject + Time + Location + Verb)

Noun Modification with '的'

机场的员工。 (Possessor + 的 + Noun)

Examples by Level

我去机场。

I go to the airport.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

机场很大。

The airport is big.

Subject + Adjective (with implied 'is').

他在机场。

He is at the airport.

Use '在' to indicate location.

机场在哪儿？

Where is the airport?

Basic question word '哪儿' (where).

北京机场。

Beijing Airport.

Location comes before the noun.

坐车去机场。

Take a car to the airport.

Verb (to sit/take) + Object (vehicle) + Verb (go) + Destination.

机场有商店。

The airport has shops.

Use '有' for possession/existence.

这是机场。

This is the airport.

Demonstrative pronoun '这' + '是'.

我明天去机场接你。

I will go to the airport to pick you up tomorrow.

Time (tomorrow) + Verb + Object + Verb.

机场大巴在外面。

The airport bus is outside.

Compound noun '机场大巴'.

去机场要一个小时。

It takes one hour to get to the airport.

Duration of time '一个小时'.

机场里有很多餐厅。

There are many restaurants inside the airport.

Location '机场里' (inside the airport).

这个机场很新。

This airport is very new.

Measure word '个' used for airport.

我们要早点去机场。

We need to go to the airport a bit earlier.

Adverb '早点' (a bit earlier).

他在机场买了一本书。

He bought a book at the airport.

Past action with '了'.

机场的咖啡很贵。

The coffee at the airport is expensive.

Possessive '的' used to modify the noun.

因为天气不好，机场关闭了。

Because the weather is bad, the airport is closed.

Cause and effect using '因为'.

虽然机场很远，但是交通很方便。

Although the airport is far, transportation is convenient.

Conjunction '虽然...但是...'.

请问机场快轨在哪里换乘？

Excuse me, where do I transfer to the airport express rail?

Compound noun '机场快轨' (Airport Express).

我到了机场就给你发短信。

I will text you as soon as I arrive at the airport.

Pattern '一...就...' or '到了...就...'.

机场的安检非常严格。

The airport security check is very strict.

Specific term '安检' (security check).

他在机场工作了五年了。

He has worked at the airport for five years.

Duration of action with '了' at the end.

这个机场比那个机场大得多。

This airport is much bigger than that one.

Comparison pattern 'A 比 B + Adj + 得多'.

如果你去机场，记得带护照。

If you go to the airport, remember to bring your passport.

Conditional '如果...记得...'.

随着旅游业的发展，机场变得越来越拥挤。

With the development of tourism, the airport has become increasingly crowded.

Structure '随着...的发展'.

机场扩建工程预计明年完工。

The airport expansion project is expected to be completed next year.

Passive/Expectation '预计'.

为了提高效率，机场引进了自动登机系统。

In order to improve efficiency, the airport introduced an automated boarding system.

Purpose clause '为了'.

机场是城市通往世界的门户。

The airport is the city's gateway to the world.

Metaphorical use of '门户' (gateway).

由于机场罢工，所有航班都被取消了。

Due to an airport strike, all flights were cancelled.

Passive '被' and cause '由于'.

机场附近的酒店通常价格不菲。

Hotels near the airport are usually quite expensive.

Idiomatic expression '价格不菲' (not cheap).

他在机场候机室里完成了报告。

He finished the report in the airport lounge.

Specific location '候机室' (lounge/waiting room).

机场的吞吐量反映了一个城市的活力。

The airport's throughput reflects a city's vitality.

Formal term '吞吐量' (throughput).

大兴国际机场的建筑设计体现了现代美学。

The architectural design of Daxing International Airport embodies modern aesthetics.

Sophisticated verb '体现' (embody/reflect).

机场枢纽的建设对于优化区域交通网络至关重要。

The construction of airport hubs is crucial for optimizing regional transportation networks.

Formal structure '对于...至关重要'.

旅客在机场的滞留引发了广泛的社会关注。

The stranding of passengers at the airport sparked widespread social concern.

Abstract noun '滞留' (stranding/detention).

机场运营方必须在安全与便捷之间寻找平衡。

Airport operators must find a balance between security and convenience.

Abstract concept '平衡' (balance).

该机场已成为亚洲最重要的航空货运中心之一。

This airport has become one of Asia's most important air cargo centers.

Superlative structure '最...之一'.

机场周边的噪音污染一直是附近居民投诉的焦点。

Noise pollution around the airport has always been a focus of complaints from nearby residents.

Specific term '噪音污染' (noise pollution).

随着数字化转型的推进，‘智慧机场’的概念应运而生。

With the advancement of digital transformation, the concept of 'Smart Airport' emerged.

Idiom '应运而生' (emerge as the times require).

机场免税店的利润占了机场总收入的很大一部分。

Profits from airport duty-free shops account for a large portion of the airport's total revenue.

Financial term '占' (account for).

机场作为一个非地方（non-place），消解了传统地理的边界感。

The airport, as a non-place, dissolves the sense of traditional geographical boundaries.

Philosophical terminology '非地方' and '消解'.

全球化进程中，机场不仅是交通节点，更是资本流动的加速器。

In the process of globalization, airports are not just transportation nodes, but accelerators of capital flow.

Rhetorical structure '不仅是...更是...'.

机场建筑的宏大叙事往往掩盖了其内部运作的异化与单调。

The grand narrative of airport architecture often masks the alienation and monotony of its internal operations.

Literary terms '宏大叙事' and '异化'.

在机场这个微缩社会中，不同阶层的流动轨迹呈现出显著的差异性。

In the microcosm of the airport, the mobility trajectories of different classes show significant differences.

Sociological analysis '微缩社会' and '轨迹'.

机场的安保协议在反恐需求与公民隐私权之间构成了持久的博弈。

Airport security protocols constitute a lasting game between counter-terrorism needs and civil privacy rights.

Complex noun phrase '持久的博弈' (lasting game/struggle).

考察机场的演变，可以窥见二十世纪以来人类时空观念的剧变。

Examining the evolution of airports allows a glimpse into the dramatic changes in human concepts of time and space since the 20th century.

Academic verb '窥见' (glimpse/detect).

机场候机室的静谧与停机坪的喧嚣构成了鲜明的感官对比。

The tranquility of the airport lounge and the clamor of the tarmac form a sharp sensory contrast.

Parallelism and contrast '静谧' vs '喧嚣'.

机场的无缝衔接体现了现代物流系统对效率的极致追求。

The seamless connection of the airport reflects the modern logistics system's ultimate pursuit of efficiency.

Advanced vocabulary '无缝衔接' and '极致追求'.

Common Collocations

国际机场

去机场

机场大巴

机场接送

机场安检

机场建设

机场延误

机场快轨

机场免税店

离机场近

Common Phrases

机场见

— See you at the airport. Used when meeting someone for a flight.

明天机场见！

送机

— To drop someone off at the airport.

我去机场送机。

接机

— To pick someone up at the airport.

我今天去接机。

机场快线

— Airport express train line.

坐机场快线去市区。

机场休息室

— Airport lounge.

在机场休息室休息一下。

机场税

— Airport tax.

机票价格包含了机场税。

机场代码

— Airport code (e.g., PEK, PVG).

你的机场代码是什么？

机场跑道

— Airport runway.

机场有三条跑道。

机场当局

— Airport authorities.

机场当局正在调查此事。

机场管制

— Airport control/ATC.

由于机场管制，飞机不能起飞。

Often Confused With

机场 vs 火车站

Both are transit hubs, but 火车站 is for trains.

机场 vs 商场

Both end in '场', but 商场 is a shopping mall.

机场 vs 工厂

Sound similar in some dialects, but 工厂 is a factory.

Idioms & Expressions

"如坐针毡"

— To feel like sitting on a bed of needles; used to describe the anxiety of waiting for a delayed flight at an airport.

飞机延误了五个小时，他在机场如坐针毡。

Literary

"风尘仆仆"

— To be travel-stained/worn out from a long journey, often used when arriving at an airport.

他风尘仆仆地赶到了机场。

Formal

"天各一方"

— To be poles apart or separated by great distance, often felt when saying goodbye at an airport.

在机场别后，我们便天各一方了。

Literary

"一帆风顺"

— To have a smooth journey (bon voyage), commonly said to someone departing at the airport.

祝你这次旅行一帆风顺！

Common

"追星机场"

— Modern slang for 'chasing stars at the airport,' referring to fans waiting for celebrities.

今天的机场有很多追星族。

Slang

"机场秀"

— Airport show/fashion show, referring to celebrity airport fashion.

她的机场秀引起了关注。

Modern

"马不停蹄"

— Without stopping; used when someone rushes to the airport immediately after another event.

开完会后，他马不停蹄地赶往机场。

Idiomatic

"分道扬镳"

— To go separate ways, often used for friends parting at a transit airport.

我们在机场分道扬镳了。

Literary

"宾至如归"

— To feel at home; often used in slogans for high-quality airport lounges.

这个机场休息室让人感到宾至如归。

Formal

"万事如意"

— Everything goes as one wishes; a common blessing for travelers at the airport.

祝你旅途愉快，万事如意！

Common

Easily Confused

机场 vs 机厂

Sounds similar to 机场.

机厂 usually means an engine factory or repair shop, not a passenger airport.

他在飞机修造机厂工作。

机场 vs 广场

Both end with 场.

广场 is a city square or plaza, usually for people to walk in, not for planes.

天安门广场很大。

机场 vs 机床

Sounds somewhat similar.

机床 is a machine tool (lathe/mill), used in manufacturing.

工厂里有很多机床。

机场 vs 急场

Tones are different but 'ji' sounds similar.

This is not a real word, but '急' means urgent. Don't mispronounce 'jī' as 'jí'.

N/A

机场 vs 飞机场

It is the long form.

Not confusing, but less used in adult professional life than '机场'.

我带孩子去飞机场看飞机。

Sentence Patterns

我要去[地点]。

我要去机场。

[地点]在[方位]。

机场在那边。

坐[交通工具]去机场。

坐地铁去机场。

在机场[动词]。

在机场喝咖啡。

因为[原因]，所以机场[结果]。

因为大雪，所以机场关闭了。

到了机场以后，[动作]。

到了机场以后，请给我打电话。

[地点]是重要的[名词]。

机场是重要的交通枢纽。

随着[变化]，机场[影响]。

随着客流量增加，机场需要扩建。

Word Family

Nouns

飞机 (airplane)

机会 (opportunity - uses the same 'ji')

机器 (machine)

场所 (place)

场地 (site)

Verbs

起飞 (to take off)

降落 (to land)

登机 (to board a plane)

接机 (to pick up from airport)

送机 (to drop off at airport)

Adjectives

机械的 (mechanical)

宏大的 (grand - often used for airports)

拥挤的 (crowded)

航站楼 (terminal)

跑道 (runway)

塔台 (control tower)

海关 (customs)

登机牌 (boarding pass)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in travel, business, and daily news.

Common Mistakes

我要在机场去。 → 我要去机场。
In Chinese, you 'go to' a place using '去 + Place'. Using '在' makes it sound like you are already there performing the action of going.
机场北京 → 北京机场
Location modifiers must precede the noun in Mandarin.
用‘位’数机场 → 一个/座机场
‘位’ is a respectful measure word for people. Use ‘个’ or ‘座’ for buildings like airports.
机厂 → 机场
Confusing '场' (field) with '厂' (factory) changes the meaning significantly.
飞机场延误 → 机场延误
While '飞机场' is okay, '机场' is the standard term for official statuses like delays.

Tips

Word Order

Always put the city name before '机场'. It's 'Shanghai Airport' (上海机场), not 'Airport Shanghai'.

Tone Accuracy

Keep 'jī' high. If you say it with a rising tone, people might think you are saying 'jí' (urgent).

Meeting People

When picking someone up, look for the '接机口' (Arrivals Gate) sign. '接' means to receive/pick up.

Compound Words

Learn '机场' with '大巴' (bus) and '快轨' (express rail) to navigate easily.

Character Detail

Don't forget the '土' radical in '场'. It shows the airport is a piece of land.

Check-in

The word for check-in is '值机' (zhíjī). You will see this all over the airport.

Subway Tips

Subway lines going to the airport usually have a small airplane icon on the map.

Didi Usage

When using Didi, the app will often have a dedicated 'Airport' (机场) button for booking.

Professionalism

In a business email, use '机场' rather than '飞机场' to sound more professional.

The Machine Field

Always remember the literal meaning 'Machine Field' to never forget the characters.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Machine' (机) in a 'Field' (场). An airport is just a giant field full of flying machines.

Visual Association

Visualize the character 机 as a person standing next to a tree (the wood radical 木) looking at a flying machine. Visualize 场 as a flat piece of earth (the earth radical 土) where things happen.

Word Web

机场 (Airport) 飞机 (Airplane) 机长 (Captain) 机票 (Ticket) 场馆 (Venue) 广场 (Square) 场景 (Scene) 商场 (Mall)

Challenge

Try to say 'I am going to the airport' five times quickly: 我去机场, 我去机场, 我去机场, 我去机场, 我去机场.

Word Origin

The term 机场 is a modern compound word that emerged in the early 20th century as aviation technology was introduced to China. It follows the standard Mandarin pattern of shortening longer phrases.

Original meaning: The character 机 (jī) originally meant a wooden loom. Over centuries, it evolved to mean 'mechanism' or 'crucial point,' and finally 'airplane' (飞机). 场 (chǎng) has always meant an open plot of ground.

Sino-Tibetan -> Sinitic -> Mandarin Chinese.

Cultural Context

Be aware that airport security in China is very strict; discussing 'security' or 'delays' is common, but sensitive political topics are avoided in public announcements.

In English-speaking cultures, airports are often associated with stress and long lines, whereas in China, while busy, they are also seen as symbols of national prestige and rapid development.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (The 'Starfish' design by Zaha Hadid). Shanghai Pudong (A major global cargo hub). Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital (Symbol of the 2008 Olympics).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traveling

我要去机场。
我的航班在哪个机场？
机场大巴在哪里？
请带我去机场。

Meeting Someone

我去机场接你。
你在机场哪个出口？
我在机场等了很久。
我们在机场见。

Public Transport

这站去机场吗？
机场快轨票价多少？
下一站是机场。
去机场要换乘吗？

Business/Work

他在机场工作。
机场建设需要时间。
机场的货运量很大。
我们需要去机场谈生意。

Emergency/News

机场因为大雨关闭了。
机场发生了事故。
所有机场都加强了安检。
机场大巴停运了。

Conversation Starters

"你通常怎么去机场？是坐地铁还是打车？ (How do you usually get to the airport? Subway or taxi?)"

"你觉得这个城市的机场漂亮吗？ (Do you think this city's airport is beautiful?)"

"你最喜欢哪一个国家的机场？为什么？ (Which country's airport do you like the most? Why?)"

"你曾经在机场迷路过吗？ (Have you ever gotten lost in an airport?)"

"如果你在机场等五个小时，你会做什么？ (If you had to wait five hours at the airport, what would you do?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你在机场接人的经历。你当时的心情是怎么样的？ (Describe an experience picking someone up at the airport. How were you feeling?)

你认为未来的机场会是什么样子的？请用中文写下你的想法。 (What do you think future airports will look like? Write your thoughts in Chinese.)

写一段话，介绍你家乡的机场。它大吗？离市区远吗？ (Write a paragraph introducing your hometown's airport. Is it big? Far from the city?)

记录一次在机场发生的有趣或者尴尬的事情。 (Record a funny or embarrassing thing that happened at the airport.)

讨论机场免税店购物的利与弊。 (Discuss the pros and cons of shopping at airport duty-free stores.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

机场 is the abbreviated, modern standard term used by adults and in professional settings. 飞机场 is more literal and often sounds a bit childish or dated, although it is not grammatically wrong.

You say '我要去机场' (Wǒ yào qù jīchǎng). '去' means to go, and '机场' is the destination.

The most common measure word is '个' (gè), as in '一个机场'. For a more formal or respectful tone when referring to the structure, you can use '座' (zuò), as in '一座现代化的机场'.

Yes, 机场 is universally understood and used in Taiwan, although you might also hear '航空站' in official contexts.

Yes, in internet slang, it can refer to a VPN service (SSR/V2Ray nodes) because the software icons often resemble small airplanes.

You can ask '机场大巴在哪里？' (Jīchǎng dàbā zài nǎlǐ?). '大巴' means large bus.

Yes, 机场 refers to the entire facility. If you want to refer specifically to the building where you check in, use '航站楼' (hángzhànlóu).

You say '机场延误' (jīchǎng yánwù) or '航班延误' (hángbān yánwù - flight delay).

Yes! '手机' (shǒujī) and '机场' (jīchǎng) both use '机' (jī), which means machine or mechanism.

Historically it was Beijing Capital (PEK), but now Daxing (PKX) is also a major hub. You would refer to them as '首都机场' and '大兴机场'.