空难

• Pinyin: kōng nàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 空 = air/sky; 难 = 又 + 隹 (bird) variant — difficult/disaster

Meaning

Plane crash; air disaster. An accident involving an aircraft that results in casualties or destruction.

A serious term used in news and official contexts. Encompasses crashes, explosions, and other catastrophic incidents involving aircraft. Often triggers investigations and memorial services.

Examples

1. 这是近十年来最严重的空难事故。 This is the most serious air disaster in the past decade.
2. 空难调查组正在现场搜集证据。 The air disaster investigation team is collecting evidence at the scene.
3. 政府为空难遇难者举行了追悼会。 The government held a memorial service for the victims of the plane crash.

Usage Guide

Context: news, aviation, tragedy

Tone: somber

Do Say

• 空难原因正在调查中。(The cause of the air disaster is under investigation.)
• 空难造成多人遇难。(The plane crash caused multiple fatalities.)

Don't Say

• 飞机晚点了，真是空难。(Don't use 空难 for delays or minor problems — it specifically means a crash with casualties)

Origin & History

Compound of 空 (air/aviation) + 难 (disaster/difficulty). Literally 'air disaster.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal