Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to burn' with 燃 (rán)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 燃

    Explanation

    The verb 燃 (rán) means 'to burn' or 'to ignite.' It describes the process of combustion or being set on fire. It appears in both classical poetry and modern Chinese, and forms compounds like 燃烧 (to burn/combust) and 点燃 (to light/ignite).

    Examples

    • 篝火在夜里燃了一整晚。

      gōuhuǒ zài yèlǐ rán le yì zhěng wǎn.

      The bonfire burned all through the night.

    • 蜡烛慢慢燃尽了，屋子暗了下来。

      làzhú mànmàn rán jìn le, wūzi àn le xiàlái.

      The candle slowly burned out, and the room grew dark.

    • 他点燃了一根火柴照亮前方。

      tā diǎnrán le yì gēn huǒchái zhàoliàng qiánfāng.

      He lit a match to illuminate the path ahead.

    Expressing 'to burn' with 燃 (rán) | Chinese Grammar