mayday
word
/ˈmeɪdeɪ/
MAY-day
/mˈeɪdeɪ/
MAY-day
Definition
A special emergency word used in radio communication to say that a ship, aircraft, or person is in serious and immediate danger and needs help at once.
Usage & Nuances
Used only for real emergencies, especially in aviation and maritime contexts. It is traditionally repeated three times: 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.' Do not confuse it with 'SOS': 'mayday' is spoken by radio, while 'SOS' is more general and often written or signaled.
Spanish: mayday - señal de socorroPortuguese (BR): mayday - sinal de socorroPortuguese (PT): mayday - sinal de socorroChinese (Simplified): 求救信号 - 无线电遇险呼救Chinese (Traditional): 求救訊號 - 無線電遇險呼救Hindi: मेडे - आपातकालीन संकट-संकेतArabic: مايداي - نداء استغاثةBengali: মেডেRussian: мэйдэйJapanese: メイデーVietnamese: MaydayKorean: 메이데이Turkish: maydayUrdu: مے ڈےIndonesian: mayday
Example Sentences
The pilot said Mayday on the radio.
basic
If the boat is sinking, call Mayday immediately.
basic
We heard a Mayday from a small plane.
basic
The captain kept repeating Mayday until someone answered.
natural
Once they sent a Mayday, rescue teams moved fast.
natural
This isn’t just a warning — it’s a full Mayday situation.
natural