About
The character "汽" is structurally composed of the water radical (氵) and the component "气", which denotes steam or air, etymologically signaling its original meaning of water vapor or mist. Initially used to describe steam arising from heated water, its application later expanded during the industrial period to encompass steam-powered machinery, as in terms like "汽船" for steamship. The semantic range further evolved with technological advancements, leading to its modern association with petroleum-based fuels, exemplified by "汽油" for gasoline, while still retaining its foundational link to vapor in words such as "蒸汽". Throughout these changes, the character's form has consistently integrated the water radical to imply a liquid or vapor state and the "气" component to convey the concept of a gaseous substance.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
汽车停在路边。
水烧开时冒出蒸汽。
汽油是一种重要能源。
这家工厂生产汽车零件。
蒸汽机车已被淘汰。
新能源汽车越来越普及。
汽车尾气会污染空气。
汽化过程需要吸收热量。