Definitions

dēng (noun) lamp; light; lantern

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 灯 (dēng) derives from the traditional form 燈, composed of the fire radical 火 on the left, indicating its association with light and heat, and the phonetic component 登 on the right. Its simplified form 灯 substitutes the complex right side with the simpler phonetic element 丁, reducing strokes while preserving pronunciation. Originally, the character referred to a vessel or stand designed to hold a flame for illumination. Over time, its meaning broadened from oil lamps and candle holders to encompass all lighting fixtures, including modern electric lights, lanterns, and signal lights used in navigation and traffic.

Etymology Hide

Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

请把打开。

Qǐng bǎ dēng dǎkāi.

Please turn on the light.

房间里的很亮。

Fángjiān lǐ de dēng hěn liàng.

The light in the room is very bright.

晚上路会自动亮。

Wǎnshang lùdēng huì zìdòng liàng.

The streetlights automatically turn on at night.

我需要一台新台

Wǒ xūyào yī tái xīn táidēng.

I need a new desk lamp.

的颜色可以调节。

Dēng de yánsè kěyǐ tiáojié.

The color of the light can be adjusted.

在黑暗中,给了我们希望。

Zài hēi'àn zhōng, dēng gěile wǒmen xīwàng.

In the darkness, the light gives us hope.

这款智能可以通过手机控制。

Zhè kuǎn zhìnéng dēng kěyǐ tōngguò shǒujī kòngzhì.

This smart light can be controlled via a mobile phone.

由于电路故障,所有的突然熄灭了。

Yóuyú diànlù gùzhàng, suǒyǒu de dēng tūrán xīmiè le.

Due to a circuit fault, all the lights suddenly went out.