This is the 1802nd most frequent Chinese word.
空中
"空中" means "in the air" or "airborne."
Here, "空中" refers to the state of being in the air or the sky, specifically the space above ground level where airplanes fly.
飞机在空中飞行。
The airplane is flying in the air.
In this sentence, "空中" indicates the atmosphere or sky above, where the balloons ascend after being released.
孩子们把手中的气球放上空中。
The children released the balloons into the air.
"空中" in this usage describes the spatial location where the action occurs, suggesting it happens off the ground and suspended in the air.