Introduction
On June 17, 2021, the Long March 2F carrier rocket successfully launched the Shenzhou XII manned spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Shortly after, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit, marking another milestone in China’s space exploration journey.
Amid the buzz around Shenzhou XII, keen observers noticed a linguistic distinction: Chinese media refers to domestic space travelers as “航天员” (hángtiān yuán, "space flight personnel"), while foreign space travelers are called “宇航员” (yǔháng yuán, "space navigators"). This raises an intriguing question:
1. What’s the Difference Between “航天员” and “宇航员”?
The Origins of "Astronaut" and "Cosmonaut"
Most English speakers associate space travelers with the term “astronaut”, coined by Americans. The word combines:
- “Astro” (from Greek astron, meaning "star")
- “Naut” (from Greek nautēs, meaning "sailor").
However, Russian space travelers use “cosmonaut” (космонавт), a term inherited from the Soviet era. During the Cold War’s space race, the USSR rejected “astronaut” to assert linguistic independence. Here:
- “Cosmo” derives from Greek kosmos (universe).
- “Naut” retains its meaning of "sailor."
While both terms are functionally equivalent, Chinese media traditionally translates them as “宇航员”.
China’s Unique Term: “Taikonaut”
China’s space travelers are officially termed “航天员”, a designation introduced by Qian Xuesen, the father of Chinese aerospace. In English, “astronaut” was initially adopted, but the hybrid term “taikonaut” (from Mandarin tàikōng + naut) has gained global traction.
Notably, international media like the European Space Agency (ESA) now use “taikonaut” to describe Chinese astronauts, reflecting China’s growing influence in space exploration.
2. Key Spaceflight Vocabulary
Here’s a glossary of essential terms:
| Term | Meaning |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------|
| Manned spacecraft | 载人飞船 |
| Carrier rocket | 运载火箭 |
| Satellite Launch Center | 卫星发射中心 |
| Hurtle | 一冲飞天 |
| Orbit | 轨道 |
| Space station | 空间站 |
Example Sentences:
- The Long March rocket hurtled into the sky, carrying Shenzhou XII.
- After separating from the rocket, the spacecraft entered its designated orbit.
3. Behind the Scenes: The Mysterious Small Case
During the pre-launch ceremony, observers spotted astronauts carrying small cases. These were later revealed to be portable ventilation devices—essentially mini air conditioners—to regulate suit temperature.
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FAQs
Q1: Why does China use “taikonaut” instead of “astronaut”?
A: The term highlights China’s distinct space identity, blending Mandarin (tàikōng) with the Greek suffix -naut.
Q2: Is “cosmonaut” still used today?
A: Yes, primarily for Russian space travelers, preserving Cold War-era terminology.
Q3: How did “taikonaut” gain international recognition?
A: As China’s space program expanded, global media adopted the term for clarity and cultural relevance.
Q4: What’s the significance of Qian Xuesen’s “航天员”?
A: It reflects China’s self-reliant aerospace philosophy, distinguishing its program from Western/Russian frameworks.
Q5: Are there other country-specific astronaut terms?
A: For instance, French astronauts are sometimes called “spationauts” (espace + naut), though this is less common.
Conclusion
From “astronaut” to “taikonaut,” space terminology mirrors geopolitical and cultural narratives. As China cements its role in space exploration, its linguistic contributions—like “taikonaut”—symbolize a new era of global collaboration and competition.