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点燃 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
点燃diǎnránto igniteHSK 6, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #5543, Hard
点燃diǎnránto set on fireHSK 6, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #5543, Hard
点燃diǎnránaflameHSK 6, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #5543, Hard
diǎnrán(dian3ran2)dian ran T3
  1. 1to ignite
  2. 2to set on fire
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March 24, 2026

点燃(點燃)diǎnrán(dian3ran2)

点燃 (diǎn rán) means to ignite or set something on fire. It is commonly used in both literal contexts, such as lighting a fire or a candle, and metaphorical contexts, such as igniting passion or enthusiasm in a person or group.

Strokes25Frequency#5543DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, fire has significant symbolism, often representing energy, transformation, and celebration, such as during festivals. The act of 点燃 can symbolize the start of new beginnings or initiatives.

Memory Tip

Imagine a candle that needs a spark to come to life; the character '点' resembles a small dot (the spark) and '燃' depicting flames. Together, they create an image of igniting something from a small point.

Meanings of 点燃

diǎnrán(dian3ran2)
1to ignite
2to set on fire
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About 点燃

点燃Simplified
點燃Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 点燃

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Podcast: 点燃

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AI Study Notes for 点燃

Quick Contrast

点火 (diǎnhuǒ) — use 点燃 for starting a fire in a broader or metaphorical sense, while 点火 is more specifically for igniting something like a stove or engine.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tones; '点' (diǎn) and '燃' (rán) must be pronounced correctly to convey the intended meaning. This phrase is often used in both formal and informal settings, so it is versatile in usage. Common collocations include '点燃激情' (ignite passion) or '点燃火焰' (light a flame).

HSK Study Tips

While 点燃 is not specifically listed in HSK vocabulary, it relates to themes of fire and light found in HSK 3 and 4 words. Students should focus on recognizing the components and tones, as well as using it in sentences related to fire, emotions, or motivation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 点燃 with 点火 when discussing fire-related topics. For example, saying '我点火了' (I ignited) when they mean to say '我点燃了火' (I set the fire). Ensure correct usage based on context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 点燃

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Component Characters

点diǎnpoint
HSK 19 strokes灬
View full entry
燃ránto burn
16 strokes火
View full entry

How to say to ignite in Chinese

“to ignite” in Chinese is点燃diǎnrán

点燃 (diǎn rán) means to ignite or set something on fire. It is commonly used in both literal contexts, such as lighting a fire or a candle, and metaphorical contexts, such as igniting passion or enthusiasm in a person or group.

When to use 点燃

Be cautious with the tones; '点' (diǎn) and '燃' (rán) must be pronounced correctly to convey the intended meaning. This phrase is often used in both formal and informal settings, so it is versatile in usage. Common collocations include '点燃激情' (ignite passion) or '点燃火焰' (light a flame).

点燃 or something close to it

点火 (diǎnhuǒ) — use 点燃 for starting a fire in a broader or metaphorical sense, while 点火 is more specifically for igniting something like a stove or engine.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 点燃 with 点火 when discussing fire-related topics. For example, saying '我点火了' (I ignited) when they mean to say '我点燃了火' (I set the fire). Ensure correct usage based on context.

Write 点燃

点
燃

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Cultural Notes for 点燃

💡Did you know?

点燃这个词常用于描述点火的行为,比如在户外露营时点燃营火。中国的许多传统节日,如春节,都会用烟花来庆祝,点燃烟花是重要的一部分。

Frequently Asked Questions about 点燃

点燃 is not overly formal and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. However, it might be more commonly found in contexts related to fire, cooking, or metaphorical expressions.

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