卫星

• Pinyin: wèi xīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 卫 = simplified guard/protect; 星 = 日 (sun) + 生 (life), star

Meaning

Satellite; a celestial body or artificial object orbiting a planet.

Can refer to natural satellites (like the Moon) or artificial satellites. China has an active space program, making this term common in news. Also used metaphorically in terms like 卫星城 (satellite city) or 卫星电视 (satellite TV). An important term in modern technology and science.

Examples

1. 月球是地球的唯一天然卫星。 The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite.
2. 中国成功发射了一颗新的通讯卫星。 China successfully launched a new communications satellite.
3. 现在很多人家里都装了卫星电视。 Many households now have satellite TV installed.

Usage Guide

Context: science, technology, news

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 人造卫星。(Artificial satellite.)
• 卫星导航。(Satellite navigation.)

Don't Say

• 一个卫星 for a planet's moon — use 一颗卫星; 颗 is the measure word for celestial bodies

Origin & History

Compound of 卫 (guard/protect) + 星 (star/celestial body), literally 'guarding star,' describing bodies that accompany planets.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal