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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'extinguished' with 熄 (xī)

    Actions & Events
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    将 + 熄 + 的 + Noun / 熄灭

    Explanation

    The verb/adjective 熄 (xī) means 'extinguished' or 'to go out,' referring to a fire, light, or flame dying down. It is often used in compounds like 熄灭 (to extinguish) or with 将 to indicate something is about to go out. It describes the state of a fire or light fading away.

    Examples

    • 风太大了，蜡烛一下子就熄了。

      Fēng tài dà le, làzhú yíxiàzi jiù xī le.

      The wind was too strong, and the candle went out in an instant.

    • 篝火快要熄灭了，再加点木柴吧。

      Gōuhuǒ kuàiyào xīmiè le, zài jiā diǎn mùchái ba.

      The bonfire is about to go out — add some more firewood.

    • 停电以后，走廊里的灯全都熄了。

      Tíngdiàn yǐhòu, zǒuláng lǐ de dēng quán dōu xī le.

      After the power went out, all the lights in the hallway went dark.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'extinguished' with 熄 (xī) | Chinese Grammar