空间
kōngjiān
In Chinese, the English phrase "space" is translated as 空间 (kōngjiān).
空间 refers to a gap, an empty place. It is a common formal way to refer to physical, abstract or virtual space.
Meaning: a gap, an empty place (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 空间 is composed of 空 (kōng), meaning 'empty' or 'void' and 间 (jiān), meaning 'room' or 'interval'.
Which one should you use?
While 空间 (kōngjiān) refers to physical or abstract space/volume, 太空 (tàikōng) is used specifically for 'outer space' in an astronomical context. The term 间隔 (jiàngé) can refer to a space or distance between objects in technical or engineering contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression 空儿 (kòngr) is an informal term commonly heard in northern China that refers to available time or free space.
How do you pronounce it?
kōngjiān
Did you know?
- In Chinese Buddhism, the character 空 (kōng) used in 空间 translates the Sanskrit term 'sunyata', which refers to the philosophical concept of 'emptiness' as the fundamental nature of existence.
- In modern digital slang, 空间 (kōngjiān) often refers specifically to a user's profile on Qzone, one of China's most influential early social networking platforms.
- When talking about 'personal space' in a social or emotional sense, Chinese speakers may avoid 空间 and instead use 距离 (jùlí), which literally means 'distance'.
Examples in context
- 你去过外层空间吗？Have you ever been to outer space?This sentence is useful for asking about visiting outer space using 空间.Tatoeba #5660517 by verdastelo9604, translation #5647181 by mailohilohi
- “你能动一下吗？”“哦，对不起，我不知道自己占了那么多空间。”"Can you move over a bit?" "Yeah, sorry, I didn't realize I took up that much space."This sentence shows how to use 空间 when talking about taking up physical room.Tatoeba #5552618 by verdastelo9604, translation #5573275 by n1ls
- 联盟号宇宙飞船于美国东部时间晚上9点53分脱离国际空间站，携带3人返回地球。The Soyuz spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station at 9:53 p.m. EDT, carrying three people back to Earth.This sentence uses 空间 in a technical context regarding the International Space Station.Tatoeba #8748603 by cxpadonis, translation #8713614 by Hybrid
- 请将这些文件放到我的个人空间里。Please upload these files to my personal space.
- 人类对太空探索的兴趣与日俱增。Human interest in exploring space grows day by day.
- 这两栋大楼之间的间隔有多远？How far is the space between these two buildings?
- 我这周末有点空儿，我们一起出去吧。I have some free time this weekend. Let's go out together.
- 你可以借我一点儿地方放书吗？Can you spare me some space to put books?
- 让我看看你的电脑空间够不够存放这张照片。Let me check if your computer storage space is enough for this photo.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is looking at a small apartment.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这个房间的居住空间有点小。Zhège fángjiān de jūzhù kōngjiān yǒudiǎn xiǎo.The living space in this room is a bit small.
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，感觉很挤。Shì de, gǎnjué hěn jǐ.Yes, it feels very cramped.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我们需要找一个空间大的房子。Wǒmen xūyào zhǎo yí gè kōngjiān dà de fángzi.We need to find a house with more space.
- 雨婷 Yuting那我再看看别的。Nà wǒ zài kànkan bié de.Then I will look at other options.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
