炬

jù
巨 + 火

Definitions

jù torch

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 火 represents the meaning and 巨 represents the sound.

Semantic: 火 Phonetic: 巨

About

炬 (jù) is a phono-semantic compound meaning "torch", a portable light source. Its semantic component is the fire radical 火 (huǒ) on the left, placing it within the category of fire and light. The right side, 巨 (jù, "giant"), provides the pronunciation. The character specifically denotes a bundle of combustible materials, like bound sticks or pitch-soaked reeds, designed to burn brightly and resist wind while carried by hand. Before modern lighting, such torches were essential tools for nighttime illumination.

Example Sentences Hide

他拿着火炬跑步。

Tā názhe huǒjù pǎobù.

He is running with a torch.

火炬照亮了道路。

Huǒjù zhàoliàngle dàolù.

The torch illuminated the path.

运动员高举着火炬。

Yùndòngyuán gāo jǔzhe huǒjù.

The athlete is holding the torch high.

火炬在黑暗中显得特别明亮。

Huǒjù zài hēi'àn zhōng xiǎnde tèbié míngliàng.

The torch appears especially bright in the darkness.

他的话语像火炬一样点燃了希望。

Tā de huàyǔ xiàng huǒjù yīyàng diǎnránle xīwàng.

His words ignited hope like a torch.

考古学家用火炬探索古老的洞穴。

Kǎogǔxuéjiā yòng huǒjù tànsuǒ gǔlǎo de dòngxué.

Archaeologists use torches to explore ancient caves.

尽管风雨交加，火炬依然熊熊燃烧。

Jǐnguǎn fēngyǔ jiāojiā, huǒjù yīrán xióngxióng ránshāo.

Despite the wind and rain, the torch still burns fiercely.

火炬的象征意义在开幕式上得到了充分体现。

Huǒjù de xiàngzhēng yìyì zài kāimùshì shàng dédàole chōngfèn tǐxiàn.

The symbolic meaning of the torch was fully embodied in the opening ceremony.

Related Characters

Component: 巨

巨 距 拒 柜 矩 钜 苣 讵 秬 鉅 粔 佢 歫 洰

Component: 火

灵 炮 灭 烟 炸 伙 灯 秋 烧 爆 烦 灰 炎 灾

Example Words

火炬 付之一炬 火炬手 蜡炬