Definition

1. Noun:
   • Hijacker / Skyjacker: A person who illegally seizes control of an aircraft, typically by force or threat of force, while it is in flight. This is the direct and most common translation for "không tặc."
   • Hijacking / Skyjacking: The act or instance of illegally seizing control of an aircraft. While the word is primarily a noun for the person, it can contextually refer to the event itself.

Usage Examples

• Noun (person):
  • Các không tặc đã bị cảnh sát bắt giữ. (The hijackers were arrested by the police.)
  • Không tặc yêu cầu máy bay đổi hướng. (The hijacker demanded the plane change course.)
• Noun (event):
  • Vụ không tặc đã gây ra một cuộc khủng hoảng quốc tế. (The hijacking caused an international crisis.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "không tặc" is a compound word formed from "không" (sky, air) and "tặc" (bandit, pirate), literally translating to "air pirate." It is used almost exclusively in the context of aircraft.
• It is a formal and media-friendly term, commonly seen in news reports about aviation security incidents.

Variants and Related Words

• Cướp máy bay (v/n): This is a more descriptive verb/noun phrase meaning "to hijack an airplane" or "airplane robber." It is often used interchangeably with "không tặc" for the person or act.
  • Bọn cướp máy bay đã đầu hàng. (The airplane hijackers surrendered.)

Synonyms

• Hijacker: A person who seizes control of a vehicle by force.
• Skyjacker: A more specific term for an aircraft hijacker.
• Air pirate: A literal, descriptive synonym.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms specifically using "không tặc." The concept is typically expressed directly.

1. Hijack, hijacker