爇 (ruò) - To burn & to set fire to

爇Tone 4

ruò ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

儒三

爇 · ruò

To burn;

to set fire to;

to ignite;

to kindle;

often used in classical or literary contexts.

To burnto set fire toto ignite

Usage highlights

To burn incenseTo set fire to grassTo burn writingsTo ignite a flameTo burn offeringsTo kindle a fire

Synonyms

  • 焚— to burn; to set on fire
  • 烧— to burn; to cook
  • 燃— to burn; to ignite

Antonyms

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

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They lit the ceremonial fire (爇香).
  • The wildfire consumed the forest (爇林).
  • He burned the documents to destroy evidence (爇文书).
  • Ancient rituals involved burning offerings (爇祭品).

Collocations

  • To burn incense(爇香)
  • To set fire to grass(爇草)
  • To burn writings(爇书)
  • To ignite a flame(爇火)
  • To burn offerings(爇祭)
  • To kindle a fire(爇火种)

Idioms

  • To burn incense and pray(焚香爇烛)
  • To burn bridges(爇舟破釜)
  • To burn books and bury scholars(焚书爇儒)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts and rituals, often associated with ceremonial burning.
  • Used in historical contexts describing destruction by fire, particularly of documents or offerings.
  • Considered a literary character rather than common in modern usage.

FAQ