燃烧
木头在火里燃烧。
The wood is burning in the fire.
To undergo combustion, producing heat and light.
蜡烛燃烧时发出柔和的光。
The candle burns with a soft light.
火山爆发时岩浆会燃烧周围的一切。
When a volcano erupts, the lava burns everything around it.
This is the most common meaning of 燃烧, referring to the process of combustion.
To feel intense passion or emotion, often in a destructive or consuming way.
他的心中燃烧着对正义的渴望。
His heart burns with a desire for justice.
她的眼中燃烧着愤怒的火焰。
Her eyes burned with flames of anger.
In this figurative sense, 燃烧 describes strong emotions that feel as intense as fire.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Figurative Use
Remember that 燃烧 can be used both literally and figuratively. In the figurative sense, it describes intense emotions.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Always consider the context when using 燃烧. In most cases, it refers to physical burning, but it can also describe strong emotions.
Word Origin
The word 燃烧 is composed of 燃 (rán, meaning 'to burn') and 烧 (shāo, meaning 'to burn'). Together, they describe the process of combustion.
Usage Notes
While 燃烧 is most commonly used to describe physical combustion, it can also be used figuratively to describe intense emotions or passions.