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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.
Frequency#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)
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About 火柴
火柴Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7362Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 火柴
Podcast: 火柴
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
xiāng fǎn, , tā huá le gēn huǒ, chái , diǎn liàng le méi.
Instead, he struck a match and lighted the gas.
6
腿瘦得像火柴棍一样的饥饿儿童
tuǐ shòu dé xiàng huǒ chái gùn yī yàng de jī è ér tóng
starving children with legs like matchsticks
7
他划着一根火柴,点火抽烟.
tā huá zháo yī gēn huǒ chái, , diǎn huǒ chōu.
He struck a match and lit up.
8
他划了一根火柴.
tā huá le yī gēn huǒ chái.
He struck a match.
9
这火柴容易划着.
zhè huǒ chái róng yì huá zháo.
The match lights easily.
10
火柴划不着.
huǒ chái huá bù zháo.
The match wouldn't strike.
Cultural Notes for 火柴
🏮Cultural insight
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.
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.
火柴 is best used for igniting small flammable materials like paper or kindling, rather than large or non-flammable items.
Yes, 火柴 is commonly used when discussing lighting fires, especially in cooking or camping contexts.
