Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “drone” in Chinese! Whether you’re a language enthusiast, traveler, or simply curious about different translations, we will explore formal and informal ways to express “drone” in Chinese. Additionally, we’ll provide examples, tips, and regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Drone” in Chinese
Formal Chinese expressions are typically used in professional settings, formal conversations, or when addressing individuals with higher social status.
Translation: 无人机 (wú rén jī)
无人机 (wú rén jī) is the most common and widely accepted term for “drone” in Chinese. This literal translation means “unmanned aircraft.” It is used across mainland China, Taiwan, and other Chinese-speaking regions. Let’s see this term in action:
在科技领域，无人机的发展日趋成熟。
zài kē jì lǐng yù, wú rén jī de fā zhǎn rì qū chéng shú.
In the field of technology, the development of drones is becoming increasingly mature.
Translation: 无人航空器 (wú rén háng kōng qì)
Another formal term that can be used interchangeably with 无人机 is 无人航空器 (wú rén háng kōng qì). This phrase translates to “unmanned aerial vehicle.” It is commonly utilized in official documents, technical reports, or when a more precise description is needed:
政府将采购一批先进的无人航空器。
zhèng fǔ jiāng cǎi gòu yī pī xiān jìn de wú rén háng kōng qì.
The government will purchase a batch of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.
Informal Expressions for “Drone” in Chinese
Informal expressions are commonly favored in casual conversations, among friends, or when speaking with peers.
Translation: 空拍机 (kōng pāi jī)
空拍机 (kōng pāi jī) is a popular informal term used to refer to “drone” in Chinese. This phrase translates to “aerial camera.” It emphasizes the drone’s primary function, which is capturing aerial footage:
我想买个空拍机，可以记录旅行的美丽风景。
wǒ xiǎng mǎi gè kōng pāi jī, kě yǐ jì lù lǚ xíng de měi lì fēng jǐng.
I want to buy a drone to record the beautiful scenery during my travels.
Translation: 无人飞机 (wú rén fēi jī)
无人飞机 (wú rén fēi jī) is another informal term used to denote “drone” in Chinese. This phrase literally means “unmanned aircraft” and is commonly understood in casual conversations:
他用无人飞机拍摄了一段惊人的航拍视频。
tā yòng wú rén fēi jī pāi shè le yī duàn jīng rén de háng pāi shì pín.
He captured an amazing aerial video using a drone.
Regional Variations for “Drone” in Chinese
While the terms mentioned above are widely understood, it’s worth noting regional variations that may exist.
Translation: 遥控机 (yáo kòng jī) – Hong Kong Variation
In Hong Kong, some individuals might refer to a “drone” as 遥控机 (yáo kòng jī). While it can be considered an informal term, it specifically emphasizes the drone’s remote control aspect:
香港的年轻人越来越喜欢玩遥控机。
xiāng gǎng de nián qīng rén yuè lái yuè xǐ huān wán yáo kòng jī.
Youth in Hong Kong are increasingly fond of playing with drones.
In Closing
In this guide, we have explored several ways to say “drone” in Chinese, both formally and informally. The formal expressions, 无人机 and 无人航空器, are widely accepted across the Chinese-speaking world. When it comes to informal expressions, 空拍机 and 无人飞机 are commonly used in casual conversations. Finally, in Hong Kong, you might hear the term 遥控机 being used to refer to a drone.
Remember, language is dynamic, and new terms may emerge as technology advances. However, armed with the knowledge from this guide, you can confidently navigate conversations about drones in Chinese-speaking contexts.
