unknown, 14 strokes, radical 火, rank #11607, Very Hard
xī(xi1) T1
1to extinguish
2to put out (fire)
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March 24, 2026
熄xī(xi1)
The character 熄 (xī) means to extinguish or put out, typically in reference to fire or light. It can also imply the cessation of something, such as an end to an activity or the fading away of life. This term is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Strokes14Radical火Frequency#11607DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of extinguishing a fire can symbolize not just the end of a physical flame but also the end of a situation or emotion, reflecting a perspective on change and impermanence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright flame that suddenly goes out (熄). The character has the radical 火 (huǒ) which means 'fire,' reminding you that this word relates to extinguishing flames. Picture a firefighter (xī) quickly extinguishing a fire to help remember the pronunciation.
Meanings of 熄
xī(xi1)
1to extinguish
2to put out (fire)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 熄
熄Simplified
14Strokes
火Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11607Frequency Rank
Podcast: 熄
Podcast: 熄
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AI Study Notes for 熄
Quick Contrast
熄 (xī) vs 灭 (miè) — use 熄 for putting out a fire or light, while 灭 indicates complete destruction or extinction.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 熄 with similar terms that involve starting something, like 点 (diǎn), which means to light or ignite. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone when pronouncing to avoid misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
While 熄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other Level 3 and 4 words like 灯 (dēng - lamp) and 火 (huǒ - fire). Students should focus on recognizing it in context, especially regarding discussions about fire safety or extinguishing flames.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 熄 and 关 (guān), which means to turn off. For example, saying '熄灯' (xī dēng) is correct for 'extinguishing a light,' but saying '关火' (guān huǒ) means to turn off the fire, not extinguish it.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 熄
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1The giveawayTo end 息 a flame 火; 息 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 熄? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 熄?
Decomposition of 熄
IDS Structure⿰火息
熄Full Character
=
火Huo3
left
息xi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 熄?
How to say to extinguish in Chinese
“to extinguish” in Chinese is熄xī
The character 熄 (xī) means to extinguish or put out, typically in reference to fire or light. It can also imply the cessation of something, such as an end to an activity or the fading away of life. This term is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
When to use 熄
Common mistakes include confusing 熄 with similar terms that involve starting something, like 点 (diǎn), which means to light or ignite. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone when pronouncing to avoid misunderstanding.
熄 or something close to it
熄 (xī) vs 灭 (miè) — use 熄 for putting out a fire or light, while 灭 indicates complete destruction or extinction.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 熄 and 关 (guān), which means to turn off. For example, saying '熄灯' (xī dēng) is correct for 'extinguishing a light,' but saying '关火' (guān huǒ) means to turn off the fire, not extinguish it.
Write 熄
熄
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Practice writing 熄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 熄
熄 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
灯____了，屋里陷入一片漆黑。
The light went out, and the room was plunged into darkness.
Example Sentences for 熄 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
灯熄了，屋里陷入一片漆黑。
dēng xī le， ， wū lǐ xiàn rù yī piàn qī。
The light went out, and the room was plunged into darkness.
