Meanings of 宇航员
By ear
Play it, then pick what 宇航员 means.
About 宇航员
Podcast: 宇航员
Podcast: 宇航员
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 宇航员
航天员 (hángtiānyuán) - use 宇航员 when emphasizing the role of navigating the universe, while 航天员 is more focused on the aspect of space travel.
While 宇航员 is the formal term for astronaut, in casual conversation, you might hear people simply say '航天员' (hángtiānyuán) which also means astronaut but is more commonly used. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing the characters, as mispronouncing can change the meaning.
This word is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, but it is useful for learners interested in science and technology. Focus on understanding the components: '宇' and '航' appear in other terms related to space and navigation, aiding vocabulary expansion.
Learners often confuse 宇航员 with related terms like 航天员, which can lead to miscommunication. Be sure to use the correct term based on the context, as 宇航员 is more formal.
Pronunciation of 宇航员
Drill the tone of 宇航员 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 宇航员 to You
Let me explain 宇航员 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 宇航员 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 宇航员?
Learning Lab
Knowing 宇航员 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say astronaut in Chinese
“astronaut” in Chinese is宇航员
宇航员 (yǔhángyuán) refers to an astronaut, specifically someone trained to travel and work in space. This term combines '宇' meaning 'universe' or 'space', '航' meaning 'navigate' or 'sail', and '员' meaning 'member' or 'person', highlighting the role of a person who navigates the universe.
When to use 宇航员
While 宇航员 is the formal term for astronaut, in casual conversation, you might hear people simply say '航天员' (hángtiānyuán) which also means astronaut but is more commonly used. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing the characters, as mispronouncing can change the meaning.
宇航员 or something close to it
航天员 (hángtiānyuán) - use 宇航员 when emphasizing the role of navigating the universe, while 航天员 is more focused on the aspect of space travel.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 宇航员 with related terms like 航天员, which can lead to miscommunication. Be sure to use the correct term based on the context, as 宇航员 is more formal.
Write 宇航员
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 宇航员 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 宇航员?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 宇航员
Both terms refer to astronauts, but 宇航员 is more formal, while 航天员 is commonly used in everyday conversation.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 宇航员?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.