天 (tiān) - Heaven & sky

天Tone 1

tiān ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 大

檀婷

天 · tiān

Heaven;

sky;

day;

nature;

weather;

divine;

celestial.

Heavenskyday

Usage highlights

SkyWeatherTodayHeavenNatureDay

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sky is blue (天空是蓝色的).
  • Today is a beautiful day (今天天气很好).
  • Heavenly Kingdom (天国) is a concept in some religions.
  • Nature (自然) is often referred to as 天 in classical texts.

Collocations

  • Sky(天空)
  • Weather(天气)
  • Today(今天)
  • Heaven(天堂)
  • Nature(天然)
  • Day(白天)

Idioms

  • Heaven helps those who help themselves(天助自助者)
  • A bolt from the blue(晴天霹雳)
  • In the lap of the gods(听天由命)
  • Heavenly made match(天作之合)
  • Heaven net恢恢(天网恢恢，疏而不漏)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Central concept in Chinese philosophy and religion, representing the supreme natural force or divine authority.
  • Historically, the Emperor was considered the 'Son of Heaven' (天子), ruling with a Mandate from Heaven.
  • In Daoism, Heaven is part of the fundamental triad: Heaven, Earth, and Humanity (天、地、人).

FAQ