Meanings of 蠟
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About 蠟
Podcast: 蠟
Podcast: 蠟
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AI Study Notes for 蠟
Be careful not to confuse 蠟 (là) with other similar-sounding words, particularly those related to food or different forms of light. This word is more commonly used in informal contexts, especially when discussing candles or craft materials. Watch out for the tone; the word is pronounced with a falling tone (là).
Although 蠟 is not in HSK vocabulary, it connects to other words in HSK 3 and 4 that relate to everyday objects and materials like 蜡笔 (làbǐ, crayon) or 烛 (zhú, candle). Focus on its usage in describing materials and objects to enhance your vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 蠟 (là) with other words like 蜡 (là), which is a more common form for wax. For example, saying '我买了蜡' (Wǒ mǎile là) instead of '我买了蠟' (Wǒ mǎile là) can lead to confusion about the type of wax or the context.
Pronunciation of 蠟
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Etymology of 蠟
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 昔 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠟.
insect
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蠟
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 昔 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠟.
- 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half巤 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayinsect
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蠟? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 蠟
Identify the Components
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How to say candle, wax; maggot in Chinese
“candle, wax; maggot” in Chinese is蠟
The character 蠟 (là) refers to wax or candles, commonly used in contexts involving lighting, decoration, or rituals. It can also mean maggot, often used in discussions about decay or waste. The dual meanings reflect the material properties of wax and the biological process of decay.
When to use 蠟
Be careful not to confuse 蠟 (là) with other similar-sounding words, particularly those related to food or different forms of light. This word is more commonly used in informal contexts, especially when discussing candles or craft materials. Watch out for the tone; the word is pronounced with a falling tone (là).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 蠟 (là) with other words like 蜡 (là), which is a more common form for wax. For example, saying '我买了蜡' (Wǒ mǎile là) instead of '我买了蠟' (Wǒ mǎile là) can lead to confusion about the type of wax or the context.
Write 蠟
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Practice writing 蠟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 蠟
Compound Meaning
What does 蜡烛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蠟
It is pronounced là, with a falling tone.
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