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March 24, 2026
蜡烛(蠟燭)làzhú(la4zhu2)
蜡烛 (làzhú) refers to a candle, a source of light made from wax with a wick. It is commonly used for illumination, decoration, or during ceremonies, symbolizing warmth and hope.
Frequency#3983DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, candles are often used during festivals like the Lantern Festival or in religious practices to symbolize remembrance and the guiding of spirits.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'lazy' (sounds like 'la') candle ('蜡烛') that melts slowly, leaving a trail of wax. Visualize the melting wax creating a pool of light, making it easier to remember both the shape of the character and its meaning.
Meanings of 蜡烛
làzhú(la4zhu2)
1candle
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蜡烛
蜡烛Simplified
蠟燭Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3983Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 蜡烛
Podcast: 蜡烛
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AI Study Notes for 蜡烛
Quick Contrast
蜡烛 (làzhú) vs 蜡 (là) — choose 蜡烛 for a complete candle, while 蜡 refers only to wax material.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'lazy' (sounds like 'la') candle ('蜡烛') that melts slowly, leaving a trail of wax. Visualize the melting wax creating a pool of light, making it easier to remember both the shape of the character and its meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 蜡烛 with other words for light sources, such as 灯 (dēng) which refers to lamps. While 蜡烛 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is particularly associated with special occasions like birthdays or religious ceremonies.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 蜡烛 connects to other vocabulary related to light and celebration. Students should focus on its usage in various contexts and related expressions, such as 点蜡烛 (light a candle).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, candles are often used during festivals like the Lantern Festival or in religious practices to symbolize remembrance and the guiding of spirits.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong measure word, such as saying 一块蜡烛 instead of 一根蜡烛. Remember to use 根 or 支 as the correct classifiers.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蜡烛
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Grammar Patterns of 蜡烛
蜡烛 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
墙上唯一的装饰是几支____和一面镜子。
The only wall decorations are candles and a single mirror.
Example Sentences for 蜡烛 (10)
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1
墙上唯一的装饰是几支蜡烛和一面镜子。
qiáng shàng wéi yī de zhuāng shì shì jī zhī là zhú hé yī miàn jìng zǐ。
The only wall decorations are candles and a single mirror.
2
流浪汉从深口袋里掏出了一截蜡烛。
liú làng hàn cóng shēn kǒu dài lǐ tāo chū le yī jié là zhú。
The tramp produced a stump of candle from his deep pockets.
3
他擦了一根火柴把蜡烛点亮.
tā cā le yī gēn huǒ chái bǎ là zhú diǎn liàng.
He struck a light and set the candle going.
4
喂, 这不是蜡烛油和粘土 吗 ?在你衣服上. ”
wèi, , zhè bù shì là zhú yóu hé nián tǔ? ma ? zài nǐ.”
Say -- ain't this grease and clay, on your clothes? "
5
这根蜡烛完全烧尽了。
zhè gēn là zhú wán quán shāo jìn le。
The candle had burned right down.
6
两根蜡烛上的蜡燃烧时熔化在一起.
liǎng gēn là zhú shàng de là rán shāo shí róng huà zài yī qǐ.
The wax from the two candles fused as they burned.
The candle had burned down to the socket of the candlestick.
9
我们可以看见晚餐的剩汤残羹和插上蜡烛的半个生日大蛋糕.
wǒ mén kě yǐ kàn jiàn wǎn cān de shèng tāng cán gēng hé chā shàng là zhú de bàn gè shēng rì dà dàn gāo.
We see the remnants of a dinner and also one half of large cake with candles.
10
福斯特夫妇过穷日子的时候, 交给他们多少蜡烛都能信得过.
fú sī tè fū fù guò qióng rì zǐ de shí hòu, , jiāo gěi tā mén duō shǎo là zhú dū néng xìn dé.
When the Fosters were poor, they could have been trusted with untold candles.
Cultural Notes for 蜡烛
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, candles are often used during festivals like the Lantern Festival or in religious practices to symbolize remembrance and the guiding of spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜡烛
蜡烛 specifically refers to candles, while 灯 refers to electric lamps or lights.
Yes, 蜡烛 can be used in everyday contexts, especially when discussing lighting or celebrations.
The correct measure words are 根 (gēn) or 支 (zhī), depending on the context.