hung1 gong3空降
Definition
To land from the air, or to be appointed to a high position from outside an organization.
- to descend or land safely from the air
- figurativeto be parachuted into a senior role or election as an outsider
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of landing from the air, this term is frequently used in professional settings to describe someone who is hired directly into a senior management position from outside the company. It carries a subtle implication that the person lacks internal experience or local knowledge of the organization's culture. Using it in this context often signals a critical or cynical tone regarding the hiring process.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general verb for landing, 降落, which is neutral and applies to all aircraft. 空降 specifically emphasizes the descent from the air, often involving parachutes or specialized airborne operations, making it sound more dramatic or tactical than a standard commercial flight landing.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
