Definitions

(noun) wax; candle

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 蜡 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic radical 虫, meaning insects or small creatures, and the phonetic component 昔. Its traditional form, 蠟, uses the same radical but pairs it with the more complex phonetic element 巤. The primary meaning refers to wax, particularly beeswax, which explains the inclusion of the insect radical. Over time, the definition broadened to include other waxes like paraffin and synthetic varieties, as well as wax-based products such as candles.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Jin dynasty (266-420 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

烛很明亮。

Làzhú hěn míngliàng.

The candle is very bright.

我用笔画画。

Wǒ yòng làbǐ huàhuà.

I draw with crayons.

她喜欢像馆。

Tā xǐhuān làxiàng guǎn.

She likes the wax museum.

烛在桌子上燃烧。

Làzhú zài zhuōzi shàng ránshāo.

The candle is burning on the table.

制工艺品很精美。

Là zhì gōngyìpǐn hěn jīngměi.

Wax crafts are very exquisite.

烛的光线很柔和。

Làzhú de guāngxiàn hěn róuhé.

The candlelight is very soft.

染是一种传统工艺。

Làrǎn shì yī zhǒng chuántǒng gōngyì.

Batik is a traditional craft.

烛的油滴下来了。

Làzhú de làyóu dī xiàlái le.

The candle wax dripped down.