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March 24, 2026
熄灭(熄滅)xīmiè(xi1mie4)
熄灭 (xī miè) means to extinguish or to go out, particularly in reference to a flame or fire. It is often used in both literal contexts, such as putting out a candle or fire, and metaphorical ones, like the end of enthusiasm or passion.
Strokes19Frequency#9364DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of extinguishing fires is particularly relevant in Chinese culture, where fire safety is emphasized during festivals like the Lantern Festival, where many open flames are used. The ability to control fire is often associated with wisdom and responsibility.
Memory Tip
Imagine a flame flickering and then suddenly going out, like a light switch being turned off when you say '熄灭' (xī miè). The character 熄 (xī) suggests 'stop' or 'extinguish' with its radical 火 (fire), and 灭 (miè) reinforces the idea of 'destroying' or 'putting out' something that burns.
Meanings of 熄灭
xīmiè(xi1mie4)
1to stop burning
2to go out (of fire)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 熄灭
熄灭Simplified
熄滅Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9364Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 熄灭
Podcast: 熄灭
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AI Study Notes for 熄灭
Quick Contrast
熄灭 (extinguish) vs 灭 (destroy) — use 熄灭 when specifically referring to putting out a flame, while 灭 implies a more general sense of destruction.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 熄灭 with similar words like 消灭 (xiāo miè), which means to eliminate or eradicate. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; the fourth tone in 灭 (miè) is crucial for correct pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 熄灭 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to fire, energy, and cessation. Focus on its usage in compound phrases or with other verbs to enhance fluency, such as in discussions about safety or environmental issues.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 熄灭 with the word 熄灭 (xī miè) in terms of context. A common mistake is to say '熄灭火' instead of '熄灭火焰' (extinguish the flame), as the latter is more precise.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 熄灭
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熄灭 (xī miè) means to extinguish or to go out, particularly in reference to a flame or fire. It is often used in both literal contexts, such as putting out a candle or fire, and metaphorical ones, like the end of enthusiasm or passion.
When to use 熄灭
Be careful not to confuse 熄灭 with similar words like 消灭 (xiāo miè), which means to eliminate or eradicate. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; the fourth tone in 灭 (miè) is crucial for correct pronunciation.
熄灭 or something close to it
熄灭 (extinguish) vs 灭 (destroy) — use 熄灭 when specifically referring to putting out a flame, while 灭 implies a more general sense of destruction.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 熄灭 with the word 熄灭 (xī miè) in terms of context. A common mistake is to say '熄灭火' instead of '熄灭火焰' (extinguish the flame), as the latter is more precise.
Write 熄灭
熄
灭
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Grammar Patterns of 熄灭
熄灭 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
那支已____的香烟仍在他指间。
The dead cigarette was still between his fingers.
Example Sentences for 熄灭 (10)
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1
那支已熄灭的香烟仍在他指间。
nà zhī yǐ xī miè de xiāng yān réng zài tā zhǐ jiān。
