烛 (zhú) - candle & to illuminate

烛Tone 2

zhú ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

志

烛 · zhú

candle;

to illuminate;

to light up;

used metaphorically for enlightenment or guidance.

candleto illuminateto light up

Usage highlights

candlecandlelightcandle holdercandlewickcandle flameblow out a candle

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 暗— dark; dim
  • 黑— black; dark

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She lit a candle (蜡烛) for the birthday cake.
  • The room was illuminated by candlelight (烛光).
  • The teacher's words enlightened me (烛照).
  • They held a candlelight vigil (烛光守夜).

Collocations

  • candle(蜡烛)
  • candlelight(烛光)
  • candle holder(烛台)
  • candlewick(烛芯)
  • candle flame(烛焰)
  • blow out a candle(吹灭蜡烛)

Idioms

  • Blind man holding a candle(盲人执烛)
  • Illuminate the dark and observe the subtle(洞烛幽微)
  • Follow the light of a firefly and the glow of snow(囊萤映雪)
  • The breeze blows out the candle(风烛残年)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, candles were essential lighting tools before electricity.
  • Candlelight often symbolizes enlightenment, wisdom, and guidance in literature.
  • Candles are used in traditional ceremonies and religious rituals.
  • The character contains the fire radical (火), indicating its association with light and heat.

FAQ