爝 (jué) - A torch & a small fire

爝Tone 2

jué ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

爝 · jué

A torch;

a small fire;

historically refers to a torch used in rituals or for illumination.

A torcha small firehistorically refers to a torch used in rituals

Usage highlights

Torch fireGlimmer of a torchRitual torchTo hold a torchTo extinguish a torch

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 大水— great flood (as an opposing element to fire)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient ritual used a torch (爝火).
  • He lit a small fire (爝火) to guide the way.
  • The philosopher Zhuangzi mentioned the insignificance of a torch's light (爝火) compared to the sun and moon.

Collocations

  • Torch fire(爝火)
  • Glimmer of a torch(爝光)
  • Ritual torch(祭爝)
  • To hold a torch(持爝)
  • To extinguish a torch(熄爝)

Idioms

  • The torch fire does not rival the sun and moon(爝火不息日月)
  • A single torch in the long night(长夜一爝)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts like the Zhuangzi, often symbolizing something small or insignificant compared to a greater whole.
  • Historically associated with ritual ceremonies where fire held symbolic importance.
  • Used metaphorically in literature to represent a faint hope or a small guiding light in darkness.

FAQ