Learn a Chinese Character - 灭 (miè(Fourthtone)) - To extinguish; to put out; to kill

1. Character Basics

Radical: \u0022火\u0022 (huǒ, fire)

Stroke Count: 5 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: miè (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

To extinguish; to put out; to kill; to destroy; to eliminate; to annihilate; to quench

4. Common Words

\u0022灭火\u0022 (miè huǒ) - to put out a fire
\u0022消灭\u0022 (xiāo miè) - to eliminate; to wipe out
\u0022灭绝\u0022 (miè jué) - to become extinct; to wipe out
\u0022灭亡\u0022 (miè wáng) - to perish; to become extinct
\u0022灭火器\u0022 (miè huǒ qì) - fire extinguisher
\u0022破灭\u0022 (pò miè) - to be shattered; to fall through
\u0022灭绝人性\u0022 (miè jué rén xìng) - inhuman; brutal
\u0022灭顶之灾\u0022 (miè dǐng zhī zāi) - a fatal disaster; a disaster that destroys everything

5. Grammar & Usage

\u0022灭\u0022 is primarily used as a verb meaning \u0022to extinguish\u0022 or \u0022to put out\u0022. It can be used in various grammatical patterns:

As a transitive verb: \u0022灭火\u0022 (miè huǒ) - to put out a fire
In compound verbs: \u0022消灭\u0022 (xiāo miè) - to eliminate
In idiomatic expressions: \u0022灭顶之灾\u0022 (miè dǐng zhī zāi) - a fatal disaster
In resultative complement constructions: \u0022扑灭\u0022 (pū miè) - to stamp out
With objects to indicate destruction: \u0022灭族\u0022 (miè zú) - to exterminate a family

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, \u0022灭\u0022 carries significant symbolic meanings. Historically, it was often used in the context of wars and political struggles, representing the downfall of dynasties or the elimination of enemies. The concept of \u0022灭\u0022 is also important in traditional Chinese philosophy, particularly in the concept of yin and yang, where destruction can lead to new beginnings.

Additionally, the character is associated with fire safety and disaster prevention, which has been a crucial aspect of Chinese urban planning and community life for centuries. The traditional practice of \u0022灭火\u0022 (putting out fires) has evolved into modern fire prevention systems while maintaining cultural significance.

7. Example Sentence

消防员迅速灭火。

Xiāo fáng yuán xùn sù miè huǒ。

The firefighters quickly put out the fire.

8. Memory Tips

The character \u0022灭\u0022 (miè) consists of two parts: \u0022一\u0022 (yī, one) on top of \u0022火\u0022 (huǒ, fire). This visual representation suggests \u0022covering fire with something flat to put it out\u0022, which directly relates to its meaning of \u0022to extinguish\u0022 or \u0022to put out\u0022.

To remember this character, think of the top horizontal stroke as a lid or a flat object being placed over a fire to smother it. This simple visual association can help you quickly recall both the character's form and its meaning.