气象

• Pinyin: qì xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 气 = simplified from 氣, air; 象 = pictograph of elephant, extended to mean phenomenon/appearance

Meaning

Meteorology; weather phenomena; atmosphere. The study or observation of weather conditions.

Used in formal and scientific contexts: 气象台 (weather station), 气象预报 (weather forecast), 气象学 (meteorology). Figuratively can mean 'atmosphere' or 'spirit': 新气象 (new atmosphere/spirit), 万千气象 (magnificent scenes).

Examples

1. 气象台预报明天有大风。 The weather station forecasts strong winds tomorrow.
2. 他从小就对气象学感兴趣。 He has been interested in meteorology since childhood.
3. 新的一年要有新的气象。 The new year should have a new atmosphere.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, science, figurative

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 今天气象台发布了暴雨预警。(The weather station issued a heavy rain warning today.)
• 公司呈现出蓬勃发展的新气象。(The company is showing a new atmosphere of vigorous development.)

Don't Say

• 今天气象很好。(For casual conversation about weather, use 天气 — 气象 sounds overly formal)

Origin & History

气 (qì, air/atmosphere) + 象 (xiàng, phenomenon/appearance). The phenomena of the atmosphere.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal