火柴

• Pinyin: huǒ chái
• Hanzi breakdown: 火 = fire; 柴 = firewood/kindling

Meaning

Match; matchstick. A small stick for lighting fires.

The traditional tool for starting fires before lighters became common. Still used in some contexts like lighting candles or camping. The fairy tale '卖火柴的小女孩' (The Little Match Girl) is well-known in China.

Examples

1. 野营的时候记得带火柴，万一打火机坏了还能生火。 Remember to bring matches when camping, in case the lighter breaks you can still start a fire.
2. 小时候妈妈不让我玩火柴，怕我烧伤自己。 When I was little, mom didn't let me play with matches, afraid I'd burn myself.
3. 他划了好几根火柴才把蜡烛点着。 He struck several matches before he was able to light the candle.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, camping, traditional, stories

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你有火柴吗？(Do you have any matches?)
• 小心火柴，别烫到手。(Be careful with the match; don't burn your hand.)

Don't Say

• 我火柴了炉子 (火柴 is a noun, not a verb — use 点燃 or 点着 for lighting)

Origin & History

Compound of 火 (fire) + 柴 (kindling, firewood), meaning kindling for fire.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal