灭

• Pinyin: miè
• Hanzi breakdown: 灭 = simplified form showing something covering fire to extinguish it

Meaning

To extinguish; to put out; to destroy; to eliminate. Causing something to cease existing.

Primary meaning: extinguishing fire (灭火). Extended meanings: destroy (消灭敌人), wipe out species (灭绝), kill/silence (灭口). Common phrases: 熄灭 (go out/extinguish), 毁灭 (destroy utterly), 灭火器 (fire extinguisher). Can be harsh when applied to people.

Examples

1. 消防员用了两个小时才把大火扑灭。 It took the firefighters two hours to extinguish the blaze.
2. 科学家警告说，如果不采取措施，这种动物可能在十年内灭绝。 Scientists warn that if measures aren't taken, this animal species may go extinct within ten years.
3. 他的一番话彻底浇灭了她心中的希望。 His words completely extinguished the hope in her heart.

Usage Guide

Context: fire safety, environment, conflict

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 记得灭火再离开。(Remember to put out the fire before leaving.)
• 许多物种正面临灭绝。(Many species are facing extinction.)

Don't Say

• 对人随便用灭 (灭 applied to people implies killing — use carefully)

Origin & History

灭 originally showed fire (火) being covered by a lid, representing extinguishing flames.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal