热气球

• Pinyin: rè qì qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 热气 = hot air (see above); 球 = 王 + 求 (jade/precious + seek — originally a round jade; now: any sphere)

Meaning

A hot air balloon. A large envelope inflated with heated air that generates lift, carrying a wicker basket with passengers for aerial leisure travel or sport.

Used in tourism, adventure sports, and aerial photography. Hot air balloon festivals are popular at scenic spots across China, notably in Zhangjiajie and Inner Mongolia. Also used metaphorically for ambitious ventures.

Examples

1. 乘坐热气球在云端俯瞰广袤的大地，是许多旅行者一生难忘的体验。 Riding in a hot air balloon and looking down on the vast land from above the clouds is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers.
2. 飞行员仔细检查了热气球的燃烧装置和气囊结构，确认一切正常后才允许游客登上吊篮。 The pilot carefully checked the balloon’s burner and envelope structure, and only after confirming everything was in order did he allow tourists to climb into the basket.
3. 这家旅游公司推出了热气球婚礼套餐，吸引了众多追求浪漫体验的新人前来预订。 This travel company launched a hot air balloon wedding package, attracting many couples seeking a romantic experience.

Usage Guide

Context: tourism, sports, travel, entertainment

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 受强风天气影响，景区当天的热气球飞行活动被迫取消，已购票的游客可申请全额退款或改期。(Due to strong wind conditions, the scenic area's hot air balloon flights that day were forced to be cancelled; ticket holders may apply for a full refund or rescheduling.)
• 首届国际热气球节在鄂尔多斯草原盛大开幕，来自二十余个国家的飞行队伍在蓝天下展示了各式绚丽的彩色球体。(The first International Hot Air Balloon Festival opened grandly on the Ordos grasslands, with flight teams from more than twenty countries showcasing a dazzling array of colourful balloon shapes against the blue sky.)

Don't Say

• 我的梦想是热气球 — use 我的梦想是乘热气球飞行 or 我想体验热气球; 热气球 is the object, not the activity itself

Origin & History

热气 (hot air) + 球 (ball/sphere) — a spherical vessel lifted by hot air

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal