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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.
Frequency#9364DifficultyHard
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
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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。
As the water came in the windows, all the lights went off.
6
他点燃半支香烟，但又马上把它熄灭了。
tā diǎn rán bàn zhī xiāng yān， ， dàn yòu mǎ shàng bǎ tā xī miè。
He lit a half-cigarette and almost immediately put it out again.
7
随后的报道称，海上的石油大火已经熄灭。
suí hòu de bào dào chēng， ， hǎi shàng de shí yóu dà huǒ yǐ jīng xī。
A later report said the oil fire on the sea was out.
8
观众席的灯光暗了下来，闪了几下，然后就熄灭了。
guān zhòng xí de dēng guāng àn le xià lái， ， shǎn le jī， xià ， rán hòu jiù xī。
The house lights dimmed, flickered and went out.
9
看门人巡视一圈，把灯熄灭。
kàn mén rén xún shì yī quān， ， bǎ dēng xī。
The janitor comes round to turn the lights out.
10
同时白蛋白和甲胎蛋白的合成被熄灭.
tóng shí bái dàn bái hé jiǎ tāi dàn bái de hé chéng bèi xī miè.
At the same time that albumin and fetoprotein synthesis is extinguished.
Cultural Notes for 熄灭
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 熄灭
You can say, '我把蜡烛熄灭了' (I extinguished the candle).
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is commonly heard in safety discussions.
The opposite would be 点燃 (diǎn rán), which means 'to ignite' or 'to light.'
