Meanings of 烬
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Podcast: 烬
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AI study notes for 烬
灰 (huī) — use 烬 (jìn) when referring specifically to the remnants of a fire, while 灰 (huī) can refer to ash in a broader sense.
烬 is typically used in more formal or literary contexts and is less common in everyday conversation. Be mindful of its tone; the fourth tone can sometimes be confused with other similar-sounding words. It often collocates with terms related to fire or destruction.
While 烬 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK level vocabulary about fire and destruction, such as 火 (huǒ) and 灭 (miè). Students should focus on recognizing the character in literary texts to expand their vocabulary and understanding of metaphorical language.
Learners often confuse 烬 with 灰 (huī), which also means 'ash' but is more commonly used in daily language. A wrong example would be using 烬 to describe ash from a cigarette; in that case, 灰 would be more appropriate.
Pronunciation of 烬
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Etymology of 烬
A used up 尽 fire 火; 尽 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 烬?
Decomposition of 烬
Parts
Which of these is part of 烬?
How to say ashes, cinders, embers; remnants in Chinese
“ashes, cinders, embers; remnants” in Chinese is烬
The character 烬 (jìn) refers to ashes, cinders, or embers that remain after a fire has burned out. It can also symbolize remnants or the remains of something that has been consumed or destroyed, often used in poetic or literary contexts to evoke feelings of loss or nostalgia.
When to use 烬
烬 is typically used in more formal or literary contexts and is less common in everyday conversation. Be mindful of its tone; the fourth tone can sometimes be confused with other similar-sounding words. It often collocates with terms related to fire or destruction.
烬 or something close to it
灰 (huī) — use 烬 (jìn) when referring specifically to the remnants of a fire, while 灰 (huī) can refer to ash in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 烬 with 灰 (huī), which also means 'ash' but is more commonly used in daily language. A wrong example would be using 烬 to describe ash from a cigarette; in that case, 灰 would be more appropriate.
Write 烬
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Grammar patterns of 烬
烬 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.
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余____仍在炉膛里发出暗淡的光。
The embers still glowed in the hearth.
Example sentences for 烬 (2)
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Word Family of 烬
Words with 烬
What does 灰烬 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 烬
You might say, '火烧过后只剩下烬,' meaning 'After the fire, only ashes remained.'
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