照 (zhào) - To shine & to illuminate

照Tone 4

zhào ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

照 · zhào

To shine;

to illuminate;

to reflect;

to take a photo;

to look after;

according to;

in accordance with.

To shineto illuminateto reflect

Usage highlights

Take care ofTake a photoAccording toIlluminateReflectLicense

Synonyms

  • 映— to reflect; to shine
  • 照看— to look after; to care for

Antonyms

  • 暗— dark; dim
  • 蔽— to cover; to conceal

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sun shines brightly (阳光照耀).
  • Please take a photo of us (请给我们照张相).
  • According to the rules (按照规定).
  • Look after the children (照看孩子).

Collocations

  • Take care of(照顾)
  • Take a photo(照相)
  • According to(按照)
  • Illuminate(照耀)
  • Reflect(照映)
  • License(执照)

Idioms

  • Shine on high and illuminate below(高照下明)
  • Heart-to-heart(心照不宣)
  • Return like for like(以牙还牙，以眼还眼)
  • Shine back on one's origin(回光返照)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a hand holding a torch, symbolizing illumination and clarity.
  • Associated with wisdom and enlightenment in Buddhist contexts (e.g., 照见).
  • Represents order and compliance in administrative contexts (e.g., 执照, 护照).

FAQ