燃料

• Pinyin: rán liào
• Hanzi breakdown: 燃 = 火 (fire) + 然 (phonetic); 料 = 米 (rice) + 斗 (measure) — material for burning

Meaning

Fuel; material used for burning to produce heat or energy. Covers substances like coal, oil, natural gas, and wood.

Refers to any substance burned to generate heat, light, or power. Frequently used in energy, transportation, and environmental contexts. Also used metaphorically to describe something that fuels passion or motivation.

Examples

1. 这种新型燃料比传统石油更加环保。 This new type of fuel is more environmentally friendly than traditional petroleum.
2. 飞机起飞前需要检查燃料是否充足。 Before takeoff, the aircraft needs to be checked for sufficient fuel.
3. 冬天农村的主要燃料是木柴和煤炭。 In winter, the main fuels in rural areas are firewood and coal.

Usage Guide

Context: energy, transportation, science

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 汽车的燃料快用完了，我们得去加油。(The car is almost out of fuel; we need to refuel.)
• 科学家正在研究新型清洁燃料。(Scientists are researching new types of clean fuel.)

Don't Say

• 我的燃料很高 meaning I have a lot of energy (Don't use 燃料 to describe personal vitality — it refers to physical substances; say 我精力很充沛 instead)

Origin & History

A compound of 燃 (to burn) and 料 (material) — literally 'burning material'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal