燭 (zhú) - Candle — an object with a wick in & also refers metaphorically to illumination or enlightenment.

燭Tone 2

zhú ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

志

燭 · zhú

Candle — an object with a wick in the center of wax or tallow that provides light when burning;

also refers metaphorically to illumination or enlightenment.

Candle — an object with a wick inalso refers metaphorically to illumination or enlightenment.

Usage highlights

CandlelightCandleCandle holderCandlewickIlluminationBlow out a candle

Synonyms

  • 蜡— wax; candle
  • 灯— lamp; light

Antonyms

  • 暗— dark; darkness
  • 黑— black; dark

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The candlelight flickered in the dark room (烛光).
  • They lit candles for the birthday cake (蜡烛).
  • The teacher illuminated our minds like a candle (烛照).
  • This is an electric candle (电烛).

Collocations

  • Candlelight(烛光)
  • Candle(蜡烛)
  • Candle holder(烛台)
  • Candlewick(烛芯)
  • Illumination(烛照)
  • Blow out a candle(吹烛)

Idioms

  • Illuminate the dark and observe the obscure(洞烛其奸)
  • Follow the light of a firefly and read by the light of snow(囊萤映雪)
  • The candle flickers in the wind(风烛残年)
  • The candle sheds tears at dawn(蜡炬成灰泪始干)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, candles were essential for lighting before electricity.
  • Candles symbolize enlightenment, knowledge, and the illumination of truth in philosophical contexts.
  • Red candles are used in weddings and festivals as symbols of joy and celebration.
  • The phrase '风烛残年' metaphorically refers to old age and fragility, like a candle flickering in the wind.

FAQ