飞行模式

    fēixíng móshì

    Meaning: "飞行" means "flying," and "模式" means "mode." The term, translated as "airplane mode," literally refers to switching off the communication function of an electrical device, most often smartphones, while people are flying. While a smartphone is switched to "airplane mode," it will lose contact with mobile base stations and the user will not be able to call or send messages. This practice is introduced to ensure flying safety. The term is also used metaphorically to refer to a situation where a person shuts himself off from others and doesn't want to be disturbed.

    A: 小明怎么了？从昨天下午开始我就找不到他，不上网、不回短信、也不接我电话。

    Xiǎomíng zěnme le? Cóng zuótiān xiàwǔ kāishí wǒ jìu zhǎobùdào tā, bù shàngwǎng、bù huí duǎnxìn、yě bù jiē wǒ diànhuà。

    What has happened to Xiaoming? I cannot reach him since yesterday afternoon. He's not online, doesn't reply my messages or answer my phone calls.

    B: 他现在处于“飞行模式”，这个星期五他就要期中考试了，现在专心复习功课呢。

    Tā xiànzài chǔyú "fēixíng móshì", zhègè xīngqīwǔ tā jìuyào qīzhōng kǎoshì le, xiànzài zhuānxīn fùxí gōngkè ne。

    He's in airplane mode now. The midterm exams will be Friday, and he's applying himself to his lessons.