Klick
Meaning: One kilometer; a unit of distance used in the military.
Standard military slang for kilometers. Despite America using miles for civilian measurements, the military uses the metric system for compatibility with NATO allies. 'Klick' makes quick radio communication easier than saying 'kilometer.'
Examples
- The base is about five klicks north of here. 基地在这里以北大约五公里(klick)的地方。La base está a unos cinco klicks al norte de aquí.基地はここから北に約5クリック先だ。기지는 여기서 북쪽으로 약 5클릭 거리다.
- We humped ten klicks through the jungle that day. 那天我们在丛林中行军了十公里。Ese día recorrimos diez klicks a pie por la selva.あの日、ジャングルの中を10クリック行軍した。그날 정글 속을 10클릭이나 행군했다.
- The enemy position is two klicks out. 敌人阵地在两公里外。La posición enemiga está a dos klicks.敵の陣地は2クリック先だ。적 진지는 2클릭 전방이다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: military, veteran speech, adventure
Tone: tactical, matter-of-fact
✓ Do Say
- Five klicks out.五公里外。Five klicks out.Five klicks out.(5クリック先。)5클릭 전방.
- We walked about three klicks.我们走了大约三公里。We walked about three klicks.We walked about three klicks.(約3クリック歩いた。)약 3클릭 걸었어.
✗ Don't Say
- Rarely used by civilians — sounds affected if you haven't served.平民很少使用——没服过役的人说这个词会显得做作。Rara vez lo usan los civiles — suena afectado si no has servido en el ejército.民間人にはほとんど使われない — 軍歴がないと気取って聞こえる。민간인이 거의 쓰지 않는다 — 군 복무 경험이 없으면 작위적으로 들린다.
Origin & History
Possibly from the clicking sound of a gas regulator on Australian military rifles used in Vietnam, which clicked every 100 meters of map distance. Adopted by US forces during the Vietnam War.
Cultural Context
Era: 1960s–present
Generation: All ages
Social background: Military
Regional notes: All regions
More From This Topic
More from Military & Patriotic
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free