导弹

• Pinyin: dǎo dàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 导 = 巳 + 寸 (guide, lead); 弹 = 弓 + 单 (bullet, spring)

Meaning

A guided missile; a self-propelled projectile guided to its target. The standard Chinese military term for missiles of all types.

The standard term for guided missiles in Chinese, covering everything from anti-tank missiles to intercontinental ballistic missiles. Essential in discussions of national defence, geopolitics, and arms control.

Examples

1. 该国宣布成功研发了一款新型洲际弹道导弹。 The country announced that it had successfully developed a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile.
2. 反导系统旨在拦截来袭的弹道导弹，保护重要战略目标。 The missile defense system is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles and protect important strategic targets.
3. 军事专家分析了这次导弹试射对地区安全形势的深远影响。 Military experts analyzed the far-reaching impact of this missile test on the regional security situation.

Usage Guide

Context: military, geopolitics, defence

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 双方就限制中程导弹的部署问题举行了多轮会谈。(The two sides held multiple rounds of talks on limiting the deployment of intermediate-range missiles.)
• 防空导弹系统的升级是加强国土防卫能力的重要措施。(Upgrading the surface-to-air missile system is an important measure to strengthen national territorial defence.)

Don't Say

• 导弹很厉害 — too vague; specify type, capability, or context in formal writing

Origin & History

导 (guide) + 弹 (projectile, bullet) — a guided projectile

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal