Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
火柴huǒchái(huo3chai2)
火柴 refers to a matchstick, which is a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is coated with a flammable substance at one end. It is commonly used to ignite a fire, such as lighting candles or starting a barbecue. In everyday contexts, it can also refer to safety matches or strike-anywhere matches, highlighting its practical use in both domestic and outdoor settings.
Strokes14Frequency#7362DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, fire plays a significant role in festivals such as the Lantern Festival, where matches are used to light lanterns. This symbolizes illuminating the path for the coming year, reflecting the importance of fire in cultural practices.
Memory Tip
Think of 火 (fire) combined with 柴 (firewood) to visualize how a matchstick (火柴) is essential for starting a fire. Picture striking a match against a rough surface and watching it ignite, connecting the sound 'huǒ' with the visual of flames.
Meanings of 火柴
huǒchái(huo3chai2)
1match (for lighting fire)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 火柴
火柴Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7362Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 火柴
Podcast: 火柴
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 火柴
Quick Contrast
火柴 (matchstick) vs 火焰 (flame) — use 火柴 when referring to the object used to create fire, while 火焰 refers to the actual fire produced.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 火柴 with similar words like 燃料 (fuel) or 点火器 (lighter), as they refer to different means of creating fire. The word is neutral in tone, but can feel informal in certain contexts; thus, it is appropriate in both casual and slightly formal settings. Common collocations include '点火柴' (light a match) and '买火柴' (buy matches).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 火柴 connects with other vocabulary related to fire and cooking, such as 烟火 (fireworks) and 炉子 (stove). Students should focus on pronunciation and usage in practical scenarios, like discussing cooking or camping.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 火柴 with 火焰 (flame) or 火种 (kindling), which are related but refer to different aspects of fire. For example, saying '我需要火焰来点火' (I need flames to light) instead of using 火柴 is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 火柴
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 火柴 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
“match (for lighting fire)” in Chinese is火柴huǒchái
火柴 refers to a matchstick, which is a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is coated with a flammable substance at one end. It is commonly used to ignite a fire, such as lighting candles or starting a barbecue. In everyday contexts, it can also refer to safety matches or strike-anywhere matches, highlighting its practical use in both domestic and outdoor settings.
When to use 火柴
Be careful not to confuse 火柴 with similar words like 燃料 (fuel) or 点火器 (lighter), as they refer to different means of creating fire. The word is neutral in tone, but can feel informal in certain contexts; thus, it is appropriate in both casual and slightly formal settings. Common collocations include '点火柴' (light a match) and '买火柴' (buy matches).
火柴 or something close to it
火柴 (matchstick) vs 火焰 (flame) — use 火柴 when referring to the object used to create fire, while 火焰 refers to the actual fire produced.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 火柴 with 火焰 (flame) or 火种 (kindling), which are related but refer to different aspects of fire. For example, saying '我需要火焰来点火' (I need flames to light) instead of using 火柴 is incorrect.
Write 火柴
火
柴
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 火柴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 火柴
火柴 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
