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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to light' with 点燃 (diǎnrán)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    点燃 + Object

    Explanation

    点燃 (diǎnrán) means "to light," "to ignite," or "to set fire to" and refers to the act of causing something to burn. It is a more formal or literary verb compared to the simpler 点 (to light). 点燃 is commonly used when describing lighting candles, fires, fireworks, or other flammable materials.

    Examples

    • 他点燃了生日蛋糕上的蜡烛。

      Tā diǎnrán le shēngrì dàngāo shàng de làzhú.

      He lit the candles on the birthday cake.

    • 大家一起点燃烟花，庆祝新年。

      Dàjiā yìqǐ diǎnrán yānhuā, qìngzhù xīnnián.

      Everyone lit fireworks together to celebrate the New Year.

    • 请小心点燃火柴，不要烫到手。

      Qǐng xiǎoxīn diǎnrán huǒchái, bú yào tàng dào shǒu.

      Please be careful when lighting the match — don't burn your hand.

    Expressing 'to light' with 点燃 (diǎnrán) | Chinese Grammar