1.
aircraft; airplane
A general term for any machine capable of flight, including airplanes, helicopters, and other flying vehicles. A formal and technical term compared to the everyday 飛行機.
A formal, inclusive term for any flying machine. Broader than 飛行機 (airplane), which refers specifically to fixed-wing aircraft.
Common collocations
- 航空機産業 (aircraft industry)
- 航空機事故 (aircraft accident)
- 小型航空機 (small aircraft)
- 無人航空機 (unmanned aircraft, drone)
Scope note
航空機 covers all aircraft including helicopters, gliders, and drones, while 飛行機 typically refers only to fixed-wing airplanes. In everyday conversation, 飛行機 is far more common; 航空機 is preferred in news reports, technical writing, and official documents.
Counter: 機