Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
太空 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
太空tàikōngouter spaceHSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #2541, Hard
tàikōng(tai4kong1)tai kong T4
  1. 1outer space
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

太空tàikōng(tai4kong1)

太空 (tài kōng) refers to outer space, the vast, seemingly infinite expanse that exists beyond the Earth's atmosphere. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as astronomy and space exploration, as well as in discussions about technology and the universe. The term conveys a sense of mystery and vastness associated with celestial bodies and phenomena.

Strokes12Frequency#2541DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 太空 is increasingly significant due to the country's growing investment in space exploration, including the successful Chang'e lunar missions and Tianwen-1 Mars rover project, which have inspired national pride and interest in science.

Memory Tip

Think of 太 (tài) as 'too' or 'very,' suggesting something vast, and 空 (kōng) as 'empty' or 'void.' Imagine a giant balloon filled with air (太) that suddenly bursts, leaving a vast (太) empty space (空) behind, symbolizing the emptiness of outer space.

Meanings of 太空

tàikōng(tai4kong1)
1outer space
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 太空 means.

About 太空

太空Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2541Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 太空

JasonAmy

Podcast: 太空

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 太空

Quick Contrast

宇宙 (yǔzhòu) refers to the universe as a whole, including all matter and energy, while 太空 (tàikōng) specifically denotes outer space, the region beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 太空 with other terms related to space, such as 航天 (hángtiān, space travel) or 空间 (kōngjiān, space/area), which refer to different aspects. Use 太空 in formal discussions about outer space exploration, while avoiding it in casual conversations about local spaces.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 太空 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to science and technology, such as 宇宙 (yǔzhòu, universe) and 卫星 (wèixīng, satellite). Focus on the context in which these terms are used together, especially in academic or technical settings.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes mistakenly use 太空 to refer to any kind of space, such as personal space or indoor space, which should instead be 空间 (kōngjiān). For example, saying '在太空里' (zài tài kōng lǐ) to mean 'in the room' is incorrect; the correct term is '在空间里' (zài kōngjiān lǐ).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 太空

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 太空 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 太空 to You

Let me explain 太空 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 太空 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 太空?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 太空 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
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

太tàihighest
HSK 14 strokes大
View full entry
空kōngempty
HSK 48 strokes穴
View full entry

How to say outer space in Chinese

“outer space” in Chinese is太空tàikōng

太空 (tài kōng) refers to outer space, the vast, seemingly infinite expanse that exists beyond the Earth's atmosphere. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as astronomy and space exploration, as well as in discussions about technology and the universe. The term conveys a sense of mystery and vastness associated with celestial bodies and phenomena.

When to use 太空

Learners often confuse 太空 with other terms related to space, such as 航天 (hángtiān, space travel) or 空间 (kōngjiān, space/area), which refer to different aspects. Use 太空 in formal discussions about outer space exploration, while avoiding it in casual conversations about local spaces.

太空 or something close to it

宇宙 (yǔzhòu) refers to the universe as a whole, including all matter and energy, while 太空 (tàikōng) specifically denotes outer space, the region beyond Earth's atmosphere.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes mistakenly use 太空 to refer to any kind of space, such as personal space or indoor space, which should instead be 空间 (kōngjiān). For example, saying '在太空里' (zài tài kōng lǐ) to mean 'in the room' is incorrect; the correct term is '在空间里' (zài kōngjiān lǐ).

Write 太空

太
空

Practice writing 太空 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 太空

太空 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

海伦描述了她身处____时失重状态下的生活。

Helen described life in a weightless environment during her period in space.

Example Sentences for 太空 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
海伦描述了她身处太空时失重状态下的生活。

hǎi lún miáo shù le tā shēn chǔ tài kōng shí shī zhòng zhuàng tài xià de shēng huó。

Helen described life in a weightless environment during her period in space.
2
太空时代开始于二十世纪.

tài kōng shí dài kāi shǐ yú èr shí shì jì.

The space age dawned in the twentieth century.
3
小行星, 亦称为 “ 小型行星 ”, 在外太空中不计其数.

xiǎo háng xīng, , yì chēng“ wéi “ xiǎo xíng”, háng xīng ”, zài wài tài kōng zhōng bù.

Asteroids, also known as " minor planets ", are numerous in the outer space.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 太空?

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 太空

It is pronounced as 'tài kōng', with the first tone on 'kōng' and the fourth tone on 'tài'.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 太空?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab