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March 24, 2026
空气(空氣)kōngqì(kong1qi4)
空气 (kōngqì) refers to the invisible mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth, essential for life. It is commonly used in discussions about the environment, health, and weather. The term can also imply the atmosphere or mood in a figurative sense.
Strokes12Frequency#1903DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about 空气 often relate to health and wellness, especially concerning air quality in urban areas. The term is frequently mentioned in the context of environmental protection and public health campaigns.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big balloon filled with colorful gases representing different moods—this balloon is like 空气 (kōngqì), surrounding us and affecting our feelings. The character 空 (kōng) means 'empty' or 'sky,' and 气 (qì) means 'gas' or 'vital energy,' helping you visualize the air around us.
Meanings of 空气
kōngqì(kong1qi4)
1air
2atmosphere
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About 空气
空气Simplified
空氣Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1903Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 空气
Podcast: 空气
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AI Study Notes for 空气
Quick Contrast
氧气 (yǎngqì) refers specifically to oxygen, a component of air, while 空气 (kōngqì) refers to the entire mixture of gases in the atmosphere.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 空气 with 风 (fēng, wind), as they refer to different concepts. In informal contexts, you might hear phrases like '空气好' (the air is good) when discussing pollution. Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronunciation can change meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 空气 connects with other environmental vocabulary, such as 雨 (yǔ, rain) and 天气 (tiānqì, weather). Students should focus on using it in sentences related to nature and well-being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 空气 with 空 (kōng, empty) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我喜欢空' (I like empty) instead of '我喜欢空气' (I like the air) can lead to misunderstandings.
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Pronunciation of 空气
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空气 (kōngqì) refers to the invisible mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth, essential for life. It is commonly used in discussions about the environment, health, and weather. The term can also imply the atmosphere or mood in a figurative sense.
When to use 空气
Be careful not to confuse 空气 with 风 (fēng, wind), as they refer to different concepts. In informal contexts, you might hear phrases like '空气好' (the air is good) when discussing pollution. Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronunciation can change meaning.
空气 or something close to it
氧气 (yǎngqì) refers specifically to oxygen, a component of air, while 空气 (kōngqì) refers to the entire mixture of gases in the atmosphere.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 空气 with 空 (kōng, empty) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我喜欢空' (I like empty) instead of '我喜欢空气' (I like the air) can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 空气
空
气
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Grammar Patterns of 空气
空气 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
