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March 24, 2026
炬jù(ju4)
The character 炬 (jù) refers to a 'torch' or 'flame' used for illumination. It commonly denotes a portable light source, often associated with providing guidance or hope in darkness. In literature, it can symbolize enlightenment and inspiration.
Strokes8Radical火Frequency#32465DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, torches were often used during festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light and good fortune.
Memory Tip
Imagine holding a torch (炬) that lights your path. The character looks like a flame on top of a stick. Think of the 'j' in 'jù' as the flickering flame, guiding you through the dark.
Meanings of 炬
jù(ju4)
1torch
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 炬
炬Simplified
8Strokes
火Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 炬
Podcast: 炬
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AI Study Notes for 炬
Quick Contrast
炬 (jù, torch) vs 火把 (huǒbǎ, torch) - use 炬 for literary or symbolic contexts, while 火把 is more common for practical use.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine holding a torch (炬) that lights your path. The character looks like a flame on top of a stick. Think of the 'j' in 'jù' as the flickering flame, guiding you through the dark.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 炬 (torch) with related words like 火 (fire) or 灯 (lamp). While 炬 is more specific to torches, 火 is a broader term for fire. This word is more formal and might not be used in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 炬 is not included in the HSK levels, it can connect to words related to light and fire, such as 火 (huǒ) and 光 (guāng). Focus on recognizing its structure and practicing its usage in context.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, torches were often used during festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light and good fortune.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 炬 with 灯 when discussing light sources in general. Remember that 炬 specifically refers to a torch, while 灯 refers to fixed lighting sources. An incorrect example would be saying '我需要一个炬来照亮房间' (I need a torch to light up the room), which should use 灯 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 炬
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Grammar Patterns of 炬
炬 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Flaming torches were positioned at intervals along the terrace.
5
整幢公寓大楼被付之一炬。
zhěng chuáng gōng yù dà lóu bèi fù zhī yī jù。
A complete tenement block was burnt to the ground.
Cultural Notes for 炬
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, torches were often used during festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light and good fortune.
Word Family of 炬
Words Containing This Character3
火炬huǒjùa torch
炬jùtorch
付之一炬to put to the torch (idiom)
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 火炬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 炬
灯 (dēng) refers to lamps or lights that are stationary, while 炬 specifically refers to a torch, which is portable and often used outdoors.
Yes, 炬 can also symbolize guidance or inspiration in a metaphorical sense, similar to how a torch leads the way in dark times.
