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March 24, 2026
灭(滅)miè(mie4)
The character 灭 (miè) means to extinguish or put out, particularly in reference to fire. It can also imply extenuation or eradication, such as wiping out a species or a concept. Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, it conveys the action of completely eliminating something.
Strokes5Radical火Frequency#3843DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of extinguishing or exterminating extends to traditional practices, such as the importance of controlling fire in household safety and rituals involving purification. The character is often encountered in discussions about environmental conservation and species protection.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fire (represented by the radical 灬) being extinguished by a giant 'MIE' (pronounced like 'me') who pours water on it. Visualize 'MIE' as a heroic figure who saves the day by putting out dangerous flames.
Meanings of 灭
miè(mie4)
1to extinguish or put out
2to go out (of a fire etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 灭
灭Simplified
滅Traditional
5Strokes
火Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3843Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 灭
Podcast: 灭
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AI Study Notes for 灭
Quick Contrast
熄 (xī) vs 灭 (miè): use 熄 when specifically referring to the act of turning off a light or flame, while 灭 implies a more complete or destructive extinguishing.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 灭 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as in legal or military language, so be mindful of the register when using it. Common collocations include 灭火 (extinguish a fire) and 灭绝 (exterminate).
HSK Study Tips
While 灭 is not currently an HSK vocabulary word, it connects with verbs of action and destruction found in lower HSK levels. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in phrases and building vocabulary around related actions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 灭 by confusing it with other verbs like 消 (xiāo) which means to eliminate but in a less intense way. For example, saying 灭掉 (miè diào) instead of 消掉 (xiāo diào) can change the intensity of the action being described.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 灭
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Learning Lab
Knowing 灭 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
Simplified form of 滅. Depicts water (氵) being used to extinguish a fire (火). 戌 is a sound component. The traditional component 氵 was removed for simplification.
The character 灭 (miè) means to extinguish or put out, particularly in reference to fire. It can also imply extenuation or eradication, such as wiping out a species or a concept. Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, it conveys the action of completely eliminating something.
When to use 灭
Be careful not to confuse 灭 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as in legal or military language, so be mindful of the register when using it. Common collocations include 灭火 (extinguish a fire) and 灭绝 (exterminate).
灭 or something close to it
熄 (xī) vs 灭 (miè): use 熄 when specifically referring to the act of turning off a light or flame, while 灭 implies a more complete or destructive extinguishing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 灭 by confusing it with other verbs like 消 (xiāo) which means to eliminate but in a less intense way. For example, saying 灭掉 (miè diào) instead of 消掉 (xiāo diào) can change the intensity of the action being described.
Write 灭
灭
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Grammar Patterns of 灭
灭 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 5 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
目前，30%的爬行动物、鸟类和鱼类面临____绝的危险。
30 percent of reptiles, birds, and fish are currently threatened with extinction.
