About
The character "熄", which means to extinguish or to go out, is structured from the semantic component "火" (fire) combined with the phonetic and semantic component "息" (breath, to rest). This composition directly informs its core meaning: the action of a fire ceasing, as if its breath or life has been stilled. Historically, its meaning was literal and concrete, referring specifically to the dying out of flames or lights. Over time, this sense expanded into more abstract and figurative usage, applying to anything that ceases or dies out, such as a trend, a hope, or even life itself, thereby retaining the fundamental idea of cessation that originates from its pictorial logic.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
大火熄灭了。
请熄灯睡觉。
发动机突然熄火了。
蜡烛在风中熄灭了。
停电后所有灯都熄了。
森林大火被消防员熄灭了。
为了节约能源，我们熄掉了不必要的电器。
在紧急情况下，系统会自动熄火以防止事故。