燃烧

ránshāo
verbIntermediate
general

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.

figurative

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.

Collocations

燃烧的欲望burning desire燃烧的热情burning passion燃烧的火焰burning flames

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

燃烧的热情phrase
burning passion
燃烧的欲望phrase
burning desire

💡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.

Word Breakdown

to burn
root
+
to burn
root
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