Meanings of 火
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 火
Podcast: 火
Podcast: 火
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 火
火 (huǒ) vs 烈 (liè) — use 火 for general fire or heat, while 烈 specifically describes intense or fierce flames.
Be careful not to confuse 火 with related characters like 灯 (dēng, light) or 烧 (shāo, to burn). While 'fire' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, its metaphorical uses (like expressing urgency) are more common in casual conversations. Remember to pronounce it with the correct tone: huǒ (third tone) to avoid confusion.
As an HSK 4 character, 火 connects to other words related to heat and intensity, such as 热 (rè, hot) and 烧 (shāo, to burn). Focus on understanding its various meanings and uses in phrases, which can enhance your vocabulary related to emotions and conditions.
Learners often mispronounce 火 as 'huo' (without the tone) leading to confusion with other characters. Always emphasize the third tone: huǒ. Additionally, using it inappropriately in phrases like '火的水' (huǒ de shuǐ, fire's water) instead of '热水' (rèshuǐ, hot water) can lead to misunderstandings.
Pronunciation of 火
Drill the tone of 火 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 火
Pictograph of fire.
Flames
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 火
Pictograph of fire.
- 1The giveawayFlames
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 火? 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
What type of character formation is 火?
Decomposition of 火
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 火?
How to say fire in Chinese
“fire” in Chinese is火
The character 火 (huǒ) primarily means 'fire' and is used in various contexts, such as describing heat, flames, or anything related to burning. It also conveys urgency and intensity, often used metaphorically to express strong emotions like anger or passion. In Chinese medicine, it can refer to internal heat or conditions associated with excess energy.
When to use 火
Be careful not to confuse 火 with related characters like 灯 (dēng, light) or 烧 (shāo, to burn). While 'fire' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, its metaphorical uses (like expressing urgency) are more common in casual conversations. Remember to pronounce it with the correct tone: huǒ (third tone) to avoid confusion.
火 or something close to it
火 (huǒ) vs 烈 (liè) — use 火 for general fire or heat, while 烈 specifically describes intense or fierce flames.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 火 as 'huo' (without the tone) leading to confusion with other characters. Always emphasize the third tone: huǒ. Additionally, using it inappropriately in phrases like '火的水' (huǒ de shuǐ, fire's water) instead of '热水' (rèshuǐ, hot water) can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 火
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 火 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 火
火 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 9 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.
Complete the Sentence
我们都喜欢吃____锅。
We all like eating hotpot.
Example Sentences for 火 (10)
Cultural Notes for 火
In Western cultures, fire often symbolizes danger and caution, while in Chinese culture, it embodies both potential destruction and transformative power, highlighting its dual nature in life.
Word Family of 火
Compound Meaning
What does 伙 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 火
Common phrases include 火锅 (huǒguō, hot pot), which is a popular dish, and 火急 (huǒjí, urgent), used to indicate something that requires immediate attention.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 火?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.