燃 (rán) - Burn & ignite

燃Tone 2

rán ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

情仁

燃 · rán

Burn;

ignite;

combustion;

to set on fire;

to kindle;

to light;

to start burning.

Burnignitecombustion

Usage highlights

CombustionFuelIgniteCombustion engineInflammationKindling

Synonyms

  • 烧— to burn; to cook
  • 焚— to burn; to set fire to
  • 灼— to burn; to scorch

Antonyms

  • 熄— to extinguish; to put out
  • 灭— to extinguish; to destroy

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The fuel is burning (燃料在燃烧).
  • Please light the candle (请点燃蜡烛).
  • The engine ignites (发动机点火).
  • Combustion produces heat (燃烧产生热量).

Collocations

  • Combustion(燃烧)
  • Fuel(燃料)
  • Ignite(点燃)
  • Combustion engine(内燃机)
  • Inflammation(发炎)
  • Kindling(引燃物)

Idioms

  • Burning with anxiety(心急如焚)
  • Adding fuel to the fire(火上浇油)
  • The dying embers flare up again(死灰复燃)
  • Burning the midnight oil(挑灯夜战)
  • Igniting the fighting spirit(燃起斗志)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Associated with fire, energy, transformation, and purification in Chinese philosophy.
  • Used metaphorically for passion, enthusiasm, and strong emotions.
  • Important in contexts of energy production, industry, and technology.

FAQ