Meanings of 火柴
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Podcast: 火柴
Podcast: 火柴
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AI Study Notes for 火柴
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.
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).
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 火柴
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Component Characters
How to say match (for lighting fire) in Chinese
“match (for lighting fire)” in Chinese is火柴
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
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Practice writing 火柴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他划亮一根____，伸长胳膊举着。
He struck a match, and held it at arm's length.
Example Sentences for 火柴 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 火柴
火柴 refers to matchsticks, while 打火机 means lighter. Matches are struck to create fire, whereas lighters use fuel to produce a flame.
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