air
air — 名詞
1. the invisible blend of gases — mostly oxygen with nitrogen — which covers our pl
空氣
包圍地球、可供呼吸的氣體
the invisible blend of gases — mostly oxygen with nitrogen — which covers our planet and which living creatures must pull into the lungs in order to stay alive.
Sven opened the kitchen window to let in some fresh air.
Sven 打開廚房窗戶，讓一些新鮮空氣進來。
collocation: fresh air
The factory near our school pumps dirty smoke into the air.
學校附近的工廠把髒煙排到空氣中。
collocation: into the air
Children at the daycare need clean air to stay healthy.
托兒所的小朋友需要乾淨的空氣才能保持健康。
collocation: clean air
After climbing the steps, Grandpa stopped to catch his breath in the cool morning air.
爬完樓梯後，爺爺停下來，在清涼的晨間空氣裡喘口氣。
- fresh air
- clean air
- polluted air
- breathe in the air
- atmosphere
more scientific or technical, refers to the whole layer of gas around Earth
- oxygen
only the gas we breathe in, not the full mixture
用法筆記
Almost always uncountable. Use 'the air' when speaking about the air around you in a specific place.
常見錯誤
2. the open empty area up above us — for example, where birds fly past a window or
空中；天空
地面上方的開放空間
the open empty area up above us — for example, where birds fly past a window or a thrown ball travels before it lands.
When the team scored, Ines threw her cap high into the air.
球隊得分時，Ines 把帽子高高拋向空中。
into the air after a verb of throwing
A flock of geese passed over the lake, low in the air.
一群雁低飛掠過湖面上空。
The kite from Mei's birthday gift stayed in the air for almost an hour.
美美生日禮物的那只風箏在空中停留了將近一個小時。
stay/be + in the air
Heavy black smoke rose into the air above the burning warehouse.
濃濃的黑煙從燃燒中的倉庫上方升上天空。
- into the air
- in the air
- high in the air
- rise into the air
- ground
the surface of the Earth below us
文法句型
into the air
in the air
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (the gas itself): here the focus is on the open space above ground, not on what we breathe.
3. the height that a player or athlete reaches above the ground when jumping or sen
騰空高度
跳躍或擊球時離地的高度
the height that a player or athlete reaches above the ground when jumping or sending a ball upward, often used in sports talk.
The young snowboarder caught huge air off the ramp at the X Games.
那位年輕滑雪板選手在 X Games 的跳台上跳得超高。
informal sports collocation: catch + air
Eitan's serve got plenty of air before dropping just inside the line.
Eitan 的發球騰得相當高，剛好落在界內。
get + air for ball flight
Skateboarders practise for hours to get more air on every jump.
滑板選手會練習好幾個小時，只為了每次跳躍都能跳得更高。
The basketball player got so much air that his head almost reached the rim.
那位籃球員跳得超高，頭幾乎要碰到籃框。
- get air
- catch air
- huge air
- big air
文法句型
get + air
catch + air
用法筆記
Mainly informal sports register (skateboarding, snowboarding, basketball). Often used with 'get', 'catch', or 'big/huge'.
4. the way of moving people or goods by using planes or other aircraft, rather than
空運；搭飛機
以飛機運送或旅行的方式
the way of moving people or goods by using planes or other aircraft, rather than by road, ship, or rail.
The fresh tuna from Hokkaido was sent to Taipei by air the same morning.
北海道的新鮮鮪魚當天上午就空運到台北。
by air for transport method
Travel by air has become much cheaper since low-cost airlines arrived in Asia.
自從廉價航空進入亞洲後，搭飛機旅行便宜了許多。
travel by air as a noun phrase
The medical team reached the small island by air within two hours.
醫療團隊在兩小時內就搭飛機抵達那座小島。
Companies often ship urgent parts by air to avoid long sea delays.
公司常以空運寄送急件零件，避免海運耽擱太久。
- by air
- travel by air
- send by air
- air freight
文法句型
by air
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed pattern 'by air'. Distinguish from sense 2: here the meaning is the method of travel, not the physical space above ground.
常見錯誤
5. a particular feeling, mood, or quality that a person, place, or thing seems to g
氣質；氛圍
人或地方散發出的特定感覺
a particular feeling, mood, or quality that a person, place, or thing seems to give out — for example, a quiet street that feels mysterious, or a guest who looks confident.
The old library on Hill Road has an air of mystery, even on sunny afternoons.
Hill Road 上那座老圖書館即使在晴朗的午後，仍透著神秘的氛圍。
an air of + abstract noun
Despite losing the match, the captain kept an air of calm in front of reporters.
雖然輸了比賽，隊長在記者面前仍保持鎮定的神情。
an air of + emotion noun
Dr. Greta entered the courtroom with an air of quiet authority.
Greta 醫師帶著一股沉靜的權威感走進法庭。
The empty fishing village had a sad air about it after the storm.
風暴過後，那座空蕩的漁村透著一股哀傷的氣氛。
noun + air about it
- an air of mystery
- an air of confidence
- an air of authority
- an air of calm
- atmosphere
usually about a place rather than a person
- manner
focuses on how someone behaves, not the impression they give
- aura
stronger and more mysterious in tone
文法句型
an air of + noun
用法筆記
Almost always singular and used with 'an' plus an 'of'-phrase ('an air of confidence'). Distinguish from sense 1 (the gas): the wording 'an air of' is a strong signal of this metaphorical meaning.
常見錯誤
6. the situation of currently being sent out by a radio station, TV channel, or sim
播出中
正在或停止廣播電視播出的狀態
the situation of currently being sent out by a radio station, TV channel, or similar broadcaster, used in the fixed phrases 'on the air' and 'off the air'.
Stay quiet — Uri is on air in thirty seconds.
請保持安靜，Uri 三十秒後就要上節目了。
on air just before live broadcast
The morning show has been on the air every weekday since 1998.
這個晨間節目自 1998 年以來，每個工作日都持續播出。
on the air over a long period
The cooking program went off the air last summer because of low ratings.
那個烹飪節目去年夏天因為收視率太低而停播。
go off the air
Once the host realised her mic was on air, she stopped the joke immediately.
主持人發現自己的麥克風還在播出中時，立刻停止那個玩笑。
- on the air
- off the air
- go on air
- go off air
- off air
not currently being broadcast
文法句型
on (the) air
off (the) air
用法筆記
Only used in the fixed expressions 'on (the) air' and 'off (the) air'. Distinguish from verb sense 3 ('to air a programme'): this noun sense names the state, not the action of broadcasting.
常見錯誤
7. a short, often gentle musical piece with a clear melody, used mainly in older or
詠嘆調；曲調
短而抒情的古典音樂旋律
a short, often gentle musical piece with a clear melody, used mainly in older or classical music writing — for example, a slow song for one voice or one instrument.
Bach's Air on the G String is one of the most loved melodies in classical music.
巴哈的《G 弦上的詠嘆調》是古典音樂中最受人喜愛的旋律之一。
title use: Air on the G String
The young soprano performed a soft Italian air at the recital.
那位年輕女高音在獨唱會上演唱了一首柔和的義大利曲調。
The 18th-century composer wrote dozens of airs for solo violin.
這位十八世紀作曲家為小提琴獨奏寫下數十首詠嘆曲。
An old Scottish air drifted from the parlour as we walked past.
我們經過時，一首古老的蘇格蘭曲調從客廳裡飄了出來。
- a Scottish air
- play an air
- compose an air
用法筆記
Literary and musicology register; mainly seen in pieces from the 17th to 19th century. In everyday English, use 'tune' or 'melody' instead.
in the air
idiomfelt by many people but not yet confirmed or seen — for example, a mood, a change, or a piece of news that everyone seems to sense.
瀰漫；隱約感受到
Excitement was in the air on the night before the school festival.
By March, talk of layoffs was in the air across the whole department.
out of thin air
idiomappearing or coming from nowhere, with no clear source or explanation.
憑空出現；無中生有
Ines pulled the missing keys out of thin air and grinned at us.
The journalist accused the minister of inventing the figures out of thin air.
up in the air
idiomstill not decided or settled, usually because more information or agreement is needed.
懸而未決；尚未確定
Plans for the family reunion are still up in the air until Grandma confirms the date.
The job offer in Singapore is up in the air after the merger was announced.
clear the air
idiomto talk openly about a problem so that bad feelings between people end and the relationship feels normal again.
化解誤會；消除緊張
After the argument, Eitan invited her sister for coffee to clear the air.
The two managers met privately to clear the air before Monday's meeting.
walking on air
idiomfeeling extremely happy or excited, usually because of very good news.
飄飄然；欣喜若狂
After Yale accepted her, Sven was walking on air for a whole week.
The young father was walking on air when the nurse handed him his baby.
give yourself airs
idiomto behave as if you are more important or better than other people.
擺架子；自命不凡
Since winning the prize, the young writer has started to give himself airs.
Don't give yourself airs just because you got promoted before the rest of us.
airs and graces
idiomBehavior that shows someone thinks they are more important than they really are.
裝腔作勢
Maya put on airs and graces after winning the award.
Despite his wealth, Brian never showed any airs and graces.
Clean air that you breathe after being inside or in a polluted place.
一口新鮮空氣
Sara opened the window to get a breath of fresh air.
After the meeting, Diego went outside for a breath of air.
Plans or dreams that are unlikely to happen.
空中樓閣
Tom spent his youth building castles in the air about fame.
Instead of building castles in the air, focus on real goals.
To disappear suddenly and mysteriously.
憑空消失
The keys vanished into thin air from the table.
How did the cat disappear into thin air without a sound?
finger in the air
idiomAn estimate or method that is not accurate or scientific, based on guessing.
憑感覺猜測
The budget was just a finger in the air guess.
Our plan is a bit finger in the air, but we'll try.
float/walk on air
idiomTo feel extremely happy.
飄飄然
After hearing the news, Lily was walking on air.
When he got the job, he felt like floating on air.
on/off (the) air
idiomBroadcasting or not broadcasting on television or radio.
播出中/停播
The radio station will be back on air at 6 AM.
The show was taken off the air after low ratings.
To say a name, number, etc. without thinking, especially as an answer.
隨口說出
He plucked a random number out of the air.
When asked, she plucked a name out of the air.
In a way that shows you think you are better than others and are not friendly.
目中無人
She walked past with her nose in the air, ignoring us.
He spoke with his nose in the air, looking down on everyone.
air — 動詞
1. to say what you think, feel, or are upset about, usually in front of other peopl
公開表達
把意見或不滿說給大家知道
to say what you think, feel, or are upset about, usually in front of other people so that the matter becomes known.
Staff were invited to air their concerns at Friday's open meeting.
員工受邀在週五的公開會議上表達他們的疑慮。
air + concerns (typical object)
Mrs. Wong used the town hall to air her views on the new highway.
Wong 太太利用市民大會公開表達她對新公路的看法。
air + views
Parents aired their grievances about school lunches in a long letter to the principal.
家長們在一封寫給校長的長信中陳述對學校午餐的不滿。
air + grievances (formal complaint)
The union leader aired his disappointment with the company's final offer.
工會領袖公開表達他對公司最終提案的失望。
- air your views
- air your concerns
- air a grievance
- air your opinion
文法句型
air + opinion/view/grievance/complaint
用法筆記
Object is almost always an abstract noun about feelings or complaints (views, opinions, grievances, concerns, frustrations). Formal register; rare in casual speech.
常見錯誤
2. to let fresh air move through a room or around clothes, sheets, or other items s
通風；晾
讓房間或衣物接觸新鮮空氣以變乾或變香
to let fresh air move through a room or around clothes, sheets, or other items so that they smell better or become dry.
Grandma airs the spare bedroom every Saturday morning before guests arrive.
奶奶每週六早上會在客人到之前讓客房通風。
air + room
Eitan hung the wet towels on the balcony to air in the afternoon sun.
Eitan 把濕毛巾掛在陽台上，讓它們在午後陽光下晾乾。
intransitive: leave items to air
Please air your hiking boots outside — they still smell of last week's mud.
請把你的登山鞋拿到外面晾一晾，它們還有上週的泥巴味。
The hotel staff air the guest rooms as soon as one set of visitors leaves.
一批客人離開後，飯店人員馬上會讓客房通風。
- air a room
- air the bedding
- air your clothes
- air out (US)
- seal
to close off so no air can pass through
文法句型
air + room/clothes/bedding
air out (US)
用法筆記
American English often uses the phrasal form 'air out'. Subjects of the intransitive use are usually clothes, bedding, or shoes.
常見錯誤
3. to send out a programme, episode, or interview through radio or television so th
播出；播放
透過廣播或電視播送節目
to send out a programme, episode, or interview through radio or television so that listeners and viewers can receive it.
PBS will air the new documentary about coral reefs on Sunday at 9pm.
PBS 將於週日晚上九點播出這部關於珊瑚礁的新紀錄片。
air + documentary
The interview with the former president aired last night on Channel 4.
與前總統的訪談昨晚在第四頻道播出。
intransitive: programme + air
The station decided not to air the violent scenes during family viewing hours.
電視台決定在闔家觀賞時段不播出那些暴力畫面。
negative: choose not to air
Reruns of the cooking show air every weekday afternoon on the food channel.
這個烹飪節目的重播每週一到週五下午在美食頻道播出。
- air a programme
- air an episode
- first aired
- air an interview
- pull
to remove a programme from the schedule
文法句型
air + programme/episode/interview
用法筆記
Object is usually a programme, episode, advertisement, or interview. Distinguish from noun sense 6 ('on the air'): here 'air' is the action a station does; the noun sense names the state.
常見錯誤
4. to choose not to reply to someone's message or call, in order to show that you a
故意不理
刻意不回覆訊息或來電以表達不滿
to choose not to reply to someone's message or call, in order to show that you are upset or do not want to talk to them.
Uri has been airing me ever since I forgot his birthday last month.
自從我上個月忘了 Uri 的生日之後，他就一直不理我。
informal: air + person
Don't air your sister just because she borrowed your sweater without asking.
別只因為妹妹沒問過就借走你的毛衣，就故意不理她。
Eitan aired all of Ines's texts during the week of their argument.
Eitan 跟 Ines 吵架的那一週，把她所有的訊息都已讀不回。
air + person's messages
It's rude to air your friends online when a real conversation would solve the problem.
明明好好談一談就能解決，卻在網路上故意冷處理朋友，這樣很沒禮貌。
- air someone
- air someone's texts
- leave someone on air
文法句型
air + person
leave somebody on air
用法筆記
Slang, mostly North American and Caribbean youth English. The object is the person being ignored, or that person's messages. Sometimes appears as 'leave someone on air'.