大気

• Reading: たいき
• Romaji: taiki
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (tai) — big, great; 気 (ki) — air, spirit, atmosphere
• Pronunciation: /ta.i.ki/

Meaning

Atmosphere; the air surrounding the earth. The gaseous envelope of a celestial body.

A noun used primarily in scientific, environmental, and weather contexts. Common compounds include 大気汚染 (taiki osen, air pollution), 大気圧 (taiki atsu, atmospheric pressure), and 大気中 (taiki chuu, in the atmosphere). More technical than 空気 (kuuki, air).

Examples

1. 大気汚染は健康に悪い影響を与える。 Air pollution has a negative impact on health.
2. 地球の大気は窒素と酸素でできている。 Earth's atmosphere is made up of nitrogen and oxygen.
3. 山の上では大気が薄くなる。 The atmosphere gets thinner at the top of a mountain.

Usage Guide

Context: science, environment, weather

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 大 (tai, big/great) and 気 (ki, air/spirit). Literally 'the great air,' distinguishing the earth's atmosphere from ordinary air.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated