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March 24, 2026
着火(著火)zháohuǒ(zhao2huo3)
着火 (zhao2 huo3) means 'to ignite' or 'to catch fire.' It is commonly used to describe something that is on fire or the act of starting a fire, often in emergency contexts such as house fires or wildfires. This phrase can also indicate the state of being on fire, making it versatile in both literal and figurative uses.
Strokes15Frequency#3916DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, fire safety is a significant concern, especially in urban areas with high-rise buildings. The phrase 着火 is particularly relevant during festivals like Chinese New Year when fireworks are prevalent, and fire hazards increase.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fire starting in a house (着火) and the flames climbing up the walls. The character 着 (zhao2) looks like a person (the 'igniter') setting something ablaze, while 火 (huo3) clearly represents fire. Think of 'zhao' as 'ignite,' and when you see '火,' you remember it’s all about fire!
Meanings of 着火
zháohuǒ(zhao2huo3)
1to ignite
2to burn
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About 着火
着火Simplified
著火Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3916Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 着火
Podcast: 着火
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AI Study Notes for 着火
Quick Contrast
着火 (to catch fire) vs 点火 (to ignite/start a fire) — use 着火 when referring to something that is already on fire, while 点火 is used for the act of starting a fire.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 着火 with other similar phrases like 点火 (diǎn huǒ), which means 'to light' or 'to ignite' something intentionally, like a candle. 着火 is more about the unintended ignition or catching fire. This term is often used in urgent discussions, so a more formal context may require additional clarifications.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 着火 connects to other vocabulary related to safety and emergencies. Students should focus on practical scenarios where this term might be used, such as discussing fire safety or emergency responses. Learning related terms like 灭火 (miè huǒ, to extinguish fire) can also be beneficial.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly say '着火的房子' when they should simply say '房子着火了' to convey that the house is on fire. Remember to use the correct sentence structure for clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 着火
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着火 (zhao2 huo3) means 'to ignite' or 'to catch fire.' It is commonly used to describe something that is on fire or the act of starting a fire, often in emergency contexts such as house fires or wildfires. This phrase can also indicate the state of being on fire, making it versatile in both literal and figurative uses.
When to use 着火
Be careful not to confuse 着火 with other similar phrases like 点火 (diǎn huǒ), which means 'to light' or 'to ignite' something intentionally, like a candle. 着火 is more about the unintended ignition or catching fire. This term is often used in urgent discussions, so a more formal context may require additional clarifications.
着火 or something close to it
着火 (to catch fire) vs 点火 (to ignite/start a fire) — use 着火 when referring to something that is already on fire, while 点火 is used for the act of starting a fire.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly say '着火的房子' when they should simply say '房子着火了' to convey that the house is on fire. Remember to use the correct sentence structure for clarity.
Write 着火
着
火
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Grammar Patterns of 着火
着火 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 2 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.
