灼热

• Pinyin: zhuó rè
• Hanzi breakdown: 灼 = 火 + 勺 (burn); 热 = 执 + 灬 (hot)

Meaning

Scorching; burning hot; searing. Extremely high temperature that can burn or cause discomfort.

Describes intense heat from fire, sun, or hot surfaces. Can also describe metaphorical burning sensations like passion or intense emotions. More literary and intense than 炎热 or 滚烫.

Examples

1. 夏日的阳光灼热难耐。 The summer sun was unbearably scorching.
2. 金属被烧得灼热发红。 The metal was heated until it was red-hot.
3. 她感受到他灼热的目光。 She felt his burning gaze.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, literature, description

Tone: intense

Do Say

• 沙漠里灼热的空气让人难以呼吸。(The scorching air in the desert makes it hard to breathe.)
• 钢水灼热的温度高达一千五百度。(The temperature of the scorching molten steel reaches up to 1500 degrees.)

Don't Say

• 咖啡灼热 — use 烫 for hot beverages; 灼热 implies burning intensity

Origin & History

灼 (to burn, scorch) + 热 (hot)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal