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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

灯泡

dēngpào Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 灯泡 en 30 secondes

Explication 灯泡 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '灯泡' (dēngpào) is a basic object word. You should learn it alongside other household items like '桌子' (table) and '椅子' (chair). At this stage, focus on identifying the object and using it with simple verbs like '买' (buy) or '看' (see). You might need it if you are living in a Chinese-speaking environment and need to tell your landlord that something is broken. Remember that '灯' means light, and '泡' looks like a bubble. It's a concrete noun, so don't worry about the slang 'third wheel' meaning yet. Just focus on the physical light bulb you see every day. A1 learners should be able to say '这是一个灯泡' (This is a light bulb) or '我要买灯泡' (I want to buy a light bulb). It's a very practical word for survival Chinese.

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At the A2 level, you start to use '灯泡' in more complex functional sentences. You should be able to use the measure word '个' correctly (e.g., '一个灯泡'). You will also learn the adjective '坏了' (huài le - broken) to describe a bulb that no longer works. This is useful for 'Problem and Solution' type dialogues. For example, '灯泡坏了，怎么办？' (The bulb is broken, what should I do?). You might also start to see the word in shopping contexts, where you have to distinguish between different types of bulbs using basic colors or sizes. At A2, you are building the foundation to handle basic domestic issues in Mandarin. You should also be aware that '灯泡' is the 'bulb' part, while '灯' is the whole lamp. This distinction prevents confusion when asking for help.

By B1, you should be comfortable using '灯泡' in a variety of situational contexts, including home maintenance and basic technical descriptions. You will learn more specific verbs like '换' (huàn - to change/replace) and '安装' (ānzhuāng - to install). You might also encounter '节能灯泡' (energy-saving bulbs) in discussions about the environment or household expenses. This level also introduces the metaphorical use of '电灯泡' (diàndēngpào) as a 'third wheel'. Understanding this cultural idiom is a key milestone in moving from literal to figurative language. You should be able to explain why a bulb is broken (e.g., '用太久了' - used for too long) and participate in a conversation about home improvement or social situations where you feel like an intruder.

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At the B2 level, '灯泡' becomes a tool for more nuanced expression. You can discuss the technical aspects of lighting, such as '瓦数' (wattage), '亮度' (brightness), and '寿命' (lifespan). You will be able to read product reviews for different brands of LED bulbs and compare their efficiency. In social contexts, you can use '电灯泡' fluently in jokes or to express subtle social discomfort. You might also encounter the word in more formal settings, such as workplace safety reports or interior design discussions. At this level, you should also understand the difference between '灯泡' and other lighting terms like '灯管' (tube) or '射灯' (spotlight). Your ability to use '灯泡' in compound sentences and with advanced resultative complements (like '换好了' - finished changing) should be solid.

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At the C1 level, you are exploring the linguistic and cultural history of '灯泡'. You might read articles about the history of electricity in China and how the introduction of the light bulb changed social structures and nighttime activities. You can analyze the etymology of the word and how '泡' (bubble) reflects a specific era of glass manufacturing. In literature, you might see '灯泡' used as a symbol of modernity, isolation, or the harsh 'exposure' of truth. You can engage in complex debates about energy policy involving 'LED灯泡' vs. traditional lighting. Your mastery of the 'third wheel' slang allows you to use it with various tones—ironic, sympathetic, or dismissive. You are also aware of regional variations in measure words and pronunciation (like the Beijing 'er' coloration).

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At the C2 level, '灯泡' is a word you master in all its dimensions, from the highly technical to the deeply metaphorical. You can understand puns and wordplay involving '灯泡' in high-level comedy or sophisticated literature. You might encounter it in philosophical texts discussing the nature of light and shadow, or in technical patents for new lighting technologies. You can effortlessly switch between the colloquial '灯泡' and the academic '白炽灯光源'. You understand the sociolinguistic evolution of how '电灯泡' became a metaphor for a third person in a relationship, potentially linking it to Western counterparts or other Asian linguistic influences. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, catching every nuance in tone, register, and cultural baggage associated with this seemingly simple word.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

灯泡 en 30 secondes

灯泡 (dēngpào) means 'light bulb' and is a basic noun for home maintenance and daily life.
It is composed of 'light' (灯) and 'bubble' (泡), describing its physical shape.
The slang '电灯泡' refers to a 'third wheel' who intrudes on a couple's privacy.
Commonly used with measure word '个' (gè) and verbs like '换' (change) or '坏' (broken).

The term 灯泡 (dēngpào) is a quintessential noun in the Chinese language, primarily referring to a physical light bulb. Linguistically, it is composed of two characters: 灯 (dēng), meaning lamp or light, and 泡 (pào), which literally means bubble or blister. This descriptive naming convention perfectly captures the spherical, bubble-like appearance of traditional incandescent bulbs. In everyday life, you will encounter this word in hardware stores, home maintenance discussions, and grocery lists. However, the depth of '灯泡' extends far beyond electrical engineering. In a fascinating sociolinguistic twist, it has become the standard Mandarin slang for a 'third wheel'—someone who accompanies a romantic couple and inadvertently (or awkwardly) disrupts their privacy. The logic is that a bright light bulb illuminates everything, leaving no 'dark corners' for the couple to enjoy their intimacy, thus making the third person a source of unwanted 'light'. This dual utility makes '灯泡' a mandatory word for learners who wish to navigate both domestic chores and social nuances in Chinese-speaking environments.

Literal Meaning: A light bulb, specifically the glass housing and filament used for illumination.

Metaphorical Meaning: A 'third wheel' in a social context, usually referred to as '电灯泡' (diàndēngpào).

我们需要换一个新的灯泡，这个坏了。 (We need to change a new light bulb; this one is broken.)

In a technical sense, '灯泡' covers everything from the old-fashioned tungsten filaments to modern LED variants, though technical manuals might use '光源' (light source) or '灯管' (lamp tube) for specific shapes. When you go to a '五金店' (hardware store), simply asking for a '灯泡' will get you the standard screw-in or bayonet-style bulb. The evolution of this word mirrors China's rapid urbanization; from the '60-watt' (六十瓦) era of dim yellow light in shared courtyard houses to the high-tech, smart-home integrated '智能灯泡' (smart bulbs) found in modern apartments in Shanghai and Beijing, the '灯泡' remains the central symbol of domestic progress and clarity.

这个节能灯泡可以用很多年。 (This energy-saving bulb can be used for many years.)

Social Context: Used frequently in casual conversation when discussing home repairs or social awkwardness.

Using 灯泡 correctly requires understanding its role as a concrete noun and its common verbal pairings. The most frequent verbs associated with it are 换 (huàn - to change), 买 (mǎi - to buy), 坏了 (huài le - broken/burnt out), and 装 (zhuāng - to install). Because Chinese grammar is context-heavy, the way you describe a bulb's state reveals a lot about your proficiency. For instance, saying '灯泡烧了' (the bulb is burnt) is more idiomatic for an electrical failure than just saying it's 'broken'.

厨房的灯泡忽然熄灭了，可能烧断了。 (The kitchen light bulb suddenly went out; it might have burnt out.)

When specifying the type of bulb, the modifier precedes '灯泡'. Common modifiers include 节能 (jiénéng - energy-saving), 彩色 (cǎisè - colored), and 磨砂 (móshā - frosted). In sentence construction, the measure word '个' is your safest bet. For example, '两个灯泡' (two light bulbs). If you are referring to the social 'third wheel' usage, you almost always use the three-character form 电灯泡 (diàndēngpào) to avoid ambiguity, though in tight contexts, people will understand '灯泡'.

Verb Pairing: 换 (Change): 你能帮我换一下那个高处的灯泡吗？ (Can you help me change that high light bulb?)

超市里有各种瓦数的灯泡。 (There are various wattages of light bulbs in the supermarket.)

In advanced usage, you might discuss the '寿命' (shòumìng - lifespan) of a bulb or its '亮度' (liàngdù - brightness). When writing or speaking about smart homes, you'll encounter '无线灯泡' (wireless bulbs) or '智能控制灯泡' (smart-controlled bulbs). The syntax remains simple: [Adjective] + [Number] + [Measure Word] + 灯泡.

Verb Pairing: 亮 (Bright/Light up): 这个灯泡不够亮，换个一百瓦的吧。 (This bulb isn't bright enough; change it for a 100-watt one.)

The word 灯泡 resonates in several distinct environments in Chinese culture. The most common is the 五金店 (wǔjīn diàn), the ubiquitous hardware shops found in every neighborhood. Here, you'll hear customers asking about '螺丝口' (screw base) versus '卡口' (bayonet base) bulbs. It's a place of practical, gritty conversation where '灯泡' is just another tool for living. Another major setting is the 家庭环境 (jiātíng huánjìng - family environment). Parents might tell children to stay away from a hot light bulb ('灯泡很烫，别碰'), or a spouse might complain about a flickering bulb in the hallway. This word is deeply embedded in the 'chores' vocabulary of any household.

老板，给我拿两个螺旋口的LED灯泡。 (Boss, give me two screw-base LED bulbs.)

In the realm of 社交媒体 (shèjiāo méitǐ - social media) and youth culture, '电灯泡' is heard in vlogs, TV dramas, and casual chats. If a friend posts a photo of themselves eating alone while their two friends are being romantic in the background, the caption will almost certainly include '我真是个巨大的电灯泡' (I am truly a huge light bulb/third wheel). It’s a self-deprecating humor that resonates with Gen Z and Millennials. You'll also hear it in 办公场所 (bàngōng chǎngsuǒ - workplaces) when reporting facility issues to the '后勤' (hòuqín - logistics/maintenance) department.

At the Supermarket: '灯泡在生活用品区，就在电池旁边。' (Light bulbs are in the household goods area, right next to the batteries.)

你们去约会吧，我才不当灯泡呢。 (You guys go on your date; I’m not going to be a third wheel.)

Finally, in 影视剧 (yǐngshì jù - movies and TV), the 'flickering light bulb' is a classic trope for horror or suspense scenes, or conversely, the 'changing of a light bulb' is a classic trope for a romantic encounter between a male lead and a female lead who needs help with 'manly' chores. Understanding '灯泡' allows you to catch these subtle narrative cues.

For English speakers, the most common mistake with 灯泡 is using the wrong measure word. While English uses 'a' or 'the', Chinese requires a classifier. Many beginners mistakenly use '只' (zhī) for everything, but for bulbs, '个' (gè) is the standard. Another frequent error is confusing '灯泡' with '灯' (dēng). '灯' is a general term for a lamp, light, or fixture, whereas '灯泡' is specifically the bulb inside. If you say '我要换个灯', you are saying you want to change the whole lamp/fixture, which might be much more expensive and labor-intensive than you intended!

Confusion: 灯 vs 灯泡: 灯 (Dēng) = The whole lamp/fixture. 灯泡 (Dēngpào) = Just the bulb.

错误: 我买了一个新灯。(Wrong if you only bought the bulb). 正确: 我买了一个新灯泡。

A more subtle mistake involves the slang '电灯泡'. Learners often forget the '电' (electric) part when using the slang formally, though informally it's okay. However, you should never use '灯泡' to mean a 'bright idea' as in English cartoons. In Chinese, a bright idea is '灵光一现' (língguāng yīxiàn) or '好主意' (hǎo zhǔyì). If you point to your head and say '灯泡!', people will just think you're talking about your hair (or lack thereof, as '灯泡' can also be a mean slang for a bald head).

Collocation Error: Don't say '开灯泡' (open the bulb). Say '开灯' (turn on the light).

Lastly, be careful with the verb '烧' (shāo - burn). While '灯泡烧了' means the bulb burnt out, '烧灯泡' sounds like you are intentionally setting bulbs on fire. Use '灯泡坏了' if you're unsure. Also, ensure you don't confuse '灯泡' with '肥皂泡' (féizàopào - soap bubble), although they share the 'pào' character.

To expand your vocabulary beyond 灯泡, you must understand its neighbors in the 'lighting' semantic field. The most direct alternative is 灯管 (dēngguǎn), which refers to fluorescent tubes. If you are in an office or a modern kitchen with long lights, you are likely looking for a '灯管' rather than a '灯泡'. For decorative lighting, you might use 灯珠 (dēngzhū), which refers to the tiny 'beads' or individual LEDs on a strip.

灯泡 vs 灯管: 灯泡 is bulb-shaped; 灯管 is tube-shaped.

客厅用的是灯管，卧室用的是灯泡。 (The living room uses tubes; the bedroom uses bulbs.)

Another related term is 手电筒 (shǒudiàntǒng), meaning flashlight. While it contains a bulb, the device itself is a 'tong' (tube). For those interested in technical specifications, 发光二极管 (fāguāng èrjíguǎn) is the formal term for LED, though in daily life, people just say 'LED灯' or 'LED灯泡'. If you want to describe the light itself, use 光线 (guāngxiàn) or 灯光 (dēngguāng).

灯具 (Dēngjù): A formal/collective term for lighting fixtures and appliances.

When discussing the 'third wheel' aspect, alternatives include 多余的人 (duōyú de rén - superfluous person) or 跟班 (gēnbān - follower/lackey), but neither carries the specific 'romantic intruder' nuance that '电灯泡' does. In literature, light is often symbolized by 烛 (zhú - candle), which was the '灯泡' of ancient China. Comparing '灯泡' with '蜡烛' (làzhú - candle) is a common way to discuss the transition from tradition to modernity.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The slang '电灯泡' (third wheel) is said to originate from the idea that a light bulb is 'bright' and 'shining,' which prevents a couple from having a 'dim' or private moment to kiss or be intimate in the dark.

Guide de prononciation

UK /dʌŋ paʊ/

US /dʌŋ paʊ/

Primary stress on 'dēng', sharp falling stress on 'pào'.

Rime avec

冷 (lěng) 等 (děng) 帽 (mào) 照 (zhào) 高 (gāo) 到 (dào) 笑 (xiào) 叫 (jiào)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'deng' as 'den' (missing the 'g').
Pronouncing 'pao' as 'bao' (confusing 'p' and 'b').
Getting the tones wrong (e.g., both 1st tone).
Missing the nasality of the 'eng' ending.
Confusing the 'ao' sound with 'ou'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and commonly seen in daily life.

Écriture 3/5

Writing '灯' is easy, but '泡' requires remembering the water radical and the right side.

Expression orale 2/5

The tones are distinct (1, 4), making it easy to pronounce clearly.

Écoute 2/5

Very common word, usually easy to pick out in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

灯 (light) 泡 (bubble) 电 (electricity) 坏 (broken) 换 (change)

Apprends ensuite

开关 (switch) 插座 (socket) 电线 (wire) 亮度 (brightness) 约会 (date)

Avancé

瓦特 (watt) 流明 (lumen) 半导体 (semiconductor) 钨丝 (filament) 光污染 (light pollution)

Grammaire à connaître

Measure words for objects

一个灯泡 (One light bulb)

The 'le' of change of state

灯泡坏了 (The bulb has become broken)

Resultative complements

灯泡换好了 (The bulb is successfully changed)

Ba-sentence for manipulation

把灯泡拧紧 (Screw the bulb tight)

Comparative structures

这个灯泡比那个亮 (This bulb is brighter than that one)

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Exemples par niveau

这是一个灯泡。

This is a light bulb.

Uses the basic '这 + 是 + (classifier) + noun' structure.

我要买灯泡。

I want to buy light bulbs.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

灯泡在那儿。

The light bulb is over there.

Noun + 在 + Location.

灯泡不亮。

The light bulb is not bright/on.

Noun + 不 + Adjective.

你有灯泡吗？

Do you have a light bulb?

Subject + 有 + Object + 吗?

一个大灯泡。

A big light bulb.

Number + Classifier + Adjective + Noun.

看这个灯泡。

Look at this light bulb.

Imperative verb + Object.

灯泡是白的。

The light bulb is white.

Noun + 是 + Adjective + 的.

这个灯泡坏了。

This light bulb is broken.

Uses '坏了' to indicate a change of state (it's now broken).

我需要换一个新灯泡。

I need to change a new light bulb.

Subject + 习惯 + Verb + Object.

哪儿可以买到灯泡？

Where can I buy light bulbs?

Potential complement '买到' (to successfully buy).

这个灯泡多少钱？

How much is this light bulb?

Asking for price.

帮我拿个灯泡过来。

Help me bring a light bulb over.

Verb + 过来 (directional complement).

超市里有很多灯泡。

There are many light bulbs in the supermarket.

Location + 有 + Noun.

别碰那个灯泡，很烫！

Don't touch that light bulb, it's very hot!

Negative imperative '别' (don't).

我买了两只灯泡。

I bought two light bulbs.

Use of '只' as an alternative classifier.

这种节能灯泡比普通的贵一点。

This kind of energy-saving bulb is a bit more expensive than ordinary ones.

Comparison structure 'A 比 B + Adjective'.

我昨天才换的灯泡，怎么又坏了？

I only just changed the bulb yesterday, how is it broken again?

Use of '才' for 'just recently' and '又' for 'again'.

如果你去约会，我就不当电灯泡了。

If you go on a date, I won't be a third wheel.

Metaphorical use of '电灯泡'.

把那个坏灯泡取下来。

Take that broken bulb down.

Ba-sentence '把 + Object + Verb + Directional Complement'.

这个灯泡的亮度可以调节吗？

Can the brightness of this bulb be adjusted?

Noun + 的 + Noun (possessive/attribute).

我不知道这个灯泡是什么型号的。

I don't know what model this light bulb is.

Embedded question as an object.

灯泡忽然闪了一下，然后就灭了。

The bulb flashed suddenly, then went out.

Sequence of events with '然后'.

这种灯泡已经停产了。

This kind of bulb has already been discontinued.

Completed action with '已经...了'.

由于灯泡长时间过热，灯罩都变形了。

Due to the bulb overheating for a long time, the lampshade has deformed.

Causal link '由于... (result)'.

他觉得在那两个恋人中间，自己简直是个超级大灯泡。

He felt that between those two lovers, he was simply a huge third wheel.

Use of '简直' (simply/literally) for emphasis.

这种LED灯泡的寿命长达五万小时。

The lifespan of this LED bulb is as long as 50,000 hours.

Verb '长达' (reaches as long as).

换灯泡的时候一定要先关掉电源。

When changing a bulb, you must turn off the power first.

Time clause '...的时候'.

这种磨砂灯泡发出的光线比较柔和。

The light emitted by this frosted bulb is relatively soft.

Relative clause with '发出的'.

我们需要购买一批大功率的灯泡来布置会场。

We need to purchase a batch of high-power bulbs to set up the venue.

Measure word '批' for a batch/group.

灯泡的钨丝断了，所以不亮了。

The tungsten filament of the bulb is broken, so it won't light up.

Technical terminology '钨丝' (tungsten filament).

别总是在人家约会时去凑热闹，别当灯泡。

Don't always join in when others are on a date; don't be a third wheel.

Colloquial advice.

随着技术的革新，传统的白炽灯泡正逐渐被LED取代。

With technological innovation, traditional incandescent bulbs are gradually being replaced by LEDs.

Passive structure '被' and formal '随着'.

他那番话就像在黑暗中点亮了一盏灯泡，让我豁然开朗。

His words were like lighting a bulb in the dark, making everything suddenly clear to me.

Metaphorical use of light for clarity.

在这个三人行的旅程中，我始终摆脱不掉那种‘灯泡’的尴尬感。

Throughout this three-person trip, I could never shake off that awkward 'third wheel' feeling.

Complex emotional expression.

灯泡内部的真空程度直接影响到其发光效率。

The degree of vacuum inside the bulb directly affects its luminous efficiency.

Formal noun phrase '其' (its).

设计师巧妙地利用了裸露的灯泡来营造工业风的氛围。

The designer cleverly used exposed bulbs to create an industrial-style atmosphere.

Adverbial '巧妙地' (cleverly).

如果不及时更换老化灯泡，可能会引发短路甚至火灾。

If aging bulbs are not replaced in time, they may cause short circuits or even fires.

Conditional '如果...可能会'.

这些废弃的灯泡需要进行专门的环保处理。

These discarded light bulbs require specialized environmentally friendly disposal.

Formal '进行...处理'.

那盏灯泡在风中摇曳，发出的光影显得支离破碎。

That bulb swayed in the wind, and the light and shadow it cast appeared fragmented.

Literary description.

爱迪生对灯泡灯丝材料的成千上万次试验，诠释了坚持的真谛。

Edison's thousands of experiments on bulb filament materials interpreted the true meaning of perseverance.

High-level vocabulary '诠释' (interpret) and '真谛' (true essence).

在这个充满消费主义色彩的时代，连灯泡的报废似乎都被设计好了。

In this era full of consumerism, even the obsolescence of light bulbs seems to have been designed.

Discussing 'planned obsolescence'.

他自嘲为‘万年灯泡’，以此来消解单身在社交场合中的窘迫。

He mocked himself as a 'perpetual third wheel' to dissipate the embarrassment of being single in social situations.

Advanced psychological description.

光线的波长与灯泡涂层的化学成分有着千丝万缕的联系。

The wavelength of light is inextricably linked to the chemical composition of the bulb's coating.

Idiom '千丝万缕' (inextricably linked).

这盏微弱的灯泡，在空旷的废墟中勾勒出一种近乎绝望的寂寥。

This weak bulb outlined a sense of loneliness bordering on despair in the vast ruins.

Highly descriptive, evocative language.

智能灯泡的普及，标志着人类对居住环境掌控力的又一次飞跃。

The popularization of smart bulbs marks another leap in human control over their living environment.

Abstract historical/social commentary.

在这一场权力的博弈中，他不过是被人随时可以捏碎的灯泡而已。

In this game of power, he was nothing more than a light bulb that could be crushed by others at any time.

Metaphorical use in a political/power context.

灯泡的明灭，仿佛是城市心脏跳动的微弱脉搏。

The flickering of the light bulbs is like the weak pulse of the city's heart beating.

Personification and poetic analogy.

Collocations courantes

换灯泡

买灯泡

灯泡坏了

节能灯泡

磨砂灯泡

大功率灯泡

智能灯泡

灯泡寿命

拧灯泡

彩色灯泡

Phrases Courantes

电灯泡

— Literal electric bulb or metaphorical 'third wheel'.

别当我们的电灯泡。

换个灯泡

— To replace a bulb.

你能帮我换个灯泡吗？

灯泡烧了

— The bulb has burnt out.

灯泡又烧了，真麻烦。

一个灯泡

— One light bulb (standard counting).

我只要一个灯泡。

大灯泡

— A large bulb or a very obvious 'third wheel'.

他坐在那儿像个大灯泡。

LED灯泡

— LED light bulb.

LED灯泡很省电。

高瓦数灯泡

— High-wattage bulb.

高瓦数灯泡很亮。

旧灯泡

— Old bulb.

把旧灯泡扔掉。

备用灯泡

— Spare bulb.

家里有备用灯泡吗？

各种灯泡

— Various types of bulbs.

商店里有各种灯泡。

Souvent confondu avec

灯泡 vs 灯 (dēng)

A general term for lamp/light. '灯泡' is specifically the bulb.

灯泡 vs 灯管 (dēngguǎn)

Refers to fluorescent tubes, not rounded bulbs.

灯泡 vs 肥皂泡 (féizàopào)

A soap bubble. Shares 'pào' but is unrelated to light.

Expressions idiomatiques

"电灯泡"

— A person who is present when a couple wants to be alone.

我不想去当你们的电灯泡。

Informal

"自认灯泡"

— To acknowledge one is being a third wheel.

他自认灯泡，早早就走了。

Casual

"超级电灯泡"

— An extremely intrusive or awkward third wheel.

你这个超级电灯泡，快走吧！

Slang

"万年灯泡"

— Someone who is always the third wheel and never has their own partner.

他自嘲是万年灯泡。

Humorous

"灯泡一闪"

— Not a standard idiom, but used to describe a sudden realization (like a cartoon).

他脑子里灯泡一闪，想出了主意。

Informal/Translation-influenced

"闪亮如灯泡"

— Used to describe something very bright or a bald head.

他的光头闪亮如灯泡。

Informal/Offensive

"拒绝当灯泡"

— Refusing to join a couple to avoid awkwardness.

她明智地拒绝当灯泡。

Neutral

"灯泡坏了没人换"

— A metaphor for being lonely or single.

单身久了，灯泡坏了都没人换。

Informal

"专业灯泡"

— Someone who is frequently in the third wheel position.

我是专业灯泡，习惯了。

Joking

"灯泡背景"

— Being the unimportant person in the background of a couple's photo.

我在照片里只是个灯泡背景。

Casual

Facile à confondre

灯泡 vs 灯具

Both relate to lighting.

'灯具' is the fixture (the whole lamp structure), while '灯泡' is just the glass bulb inside.

他在灯具店买了一个漂亮的吊灯和两个灯泡。

灯泡 vs 电灯

Sounds similar to '电灯泡'.

'电灯' refers to the whole electric light system or lamp, while '电灯泡' is the specific bulb or the slang 'third wheel'.

开一下电灯。

灯泡 vs 灯罩

Part of a lamp.

'灯罩' is the lampshade that covers the '灯泡'.

灯罩可以保护灯泡。

灯泡 vs 电筒

Produces light.

'电筒' is a flashlight; '灯泡' is the component inside it.

电筒里的灯泡坏了。

灯泡 vs 火把

Source of light.

'火把' is a torch (fire), while '灯泡' is electric.

古代用火把，现代用灯泡。

Structures de phrases

这是[Noun]。

这是灯泡。

[Noun]坏了。

灯泡坏了。

我不想当[Slang]。

我不想当电灯泡。

由于[Reason]，[Result]。

由于灯泡坏了，屋里很黑。

[Noun]被[Agent]取代。

旧灯泡被LED取代了。

[Noun]象征着[Concept]。

这盏灯泡象征着希望。

Any

帮我[Verb][Noun]。

帮我买灯泡。

Any

哪儿有[Noun]？

哪儿有灯泡？

Famille de mots

Noms

灯 (dēng - light)

泡 (pào - bubble)

电灯泡 (diàndēngpào - light bulb/third wheel)

灯罩 (dēngzhào - lampshade)

灯座 (dēngzuò - lamp socket)

Verbes

亮 (liàng - to light up)

熄 (xī - to go out/extinguish)

换 (huàn - to change)

拧 (níng - to screw/twist)

Adjectifs

明亮的 (míngliàng de - bright)

昏暗的 (hūn'àn de - dim)

节能的 (jiénéng de - energy-saving)

Apparenté

手电筒 (flashlight)

台灯 (desk lamp)

吊灯 (chandelier)

灯光 (lighting)

电 (electricity)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily life and home maintenance.

Erreurs courantes

Using '只' (zhī) as the only measure word. → 一个灯泡 (yī gè dēngpào).
While '只' is sometimes used, '个' is much more common and safer for learners.
Saying '开灯泡' to turn on the light. → 开灯 (kāi dēng).
You turn on the 'light' (the function), not the physical 'bulb' (the object).
Using '灯泡' for a 'bright idea'. → 好主意 (hǎo zhǔyì).
The English metaphor of a light bulb for an idea doesn't translate directly into Chinese speech.
Confusing '灯泡' with '灯管'. → 使用正确的名词。
If it's a long tube, it's a '灯管'. If you ask for a '灯泡' at a store, they will give you a round one.
Forgetting the '电' in the slang '电灯泡'. → 电灯泡 (diàndēngpào).
In formal or clear idiomatic usage, the full three characters are usually required for the 'third wheel' meaning.

Astuces

Measure Word Mastery

Always use '个' (gè) for bulbs. It's the most versatile and natural classifier for household objects.

Don't Forget the 'Dian'

While '灯泡' is the object, the slang 'third wheel' is almost always '电灯泡'. The extra '电' (electric) makes it clear you're using the idiom.

The 'Third Wheel' Joke

If you are with a couple, saying '我不想当电灯泡' is a great way to show off your cultural knowledge and humor.

Buying Bulbs

When buying bulbs in China, know your '瓦' (wǎ - watts). Most people still buy based on wattage.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure 'pào' is a clear falling tone. If you say it with a flat tone, it might sound like 'pāo' (to toss).

Home Maintenance

Learn '坏了' (broken) and '换' (change) together with '灯泡' as a functional set.

Polite Intrusion

Use the slang '电灯泡' to politely excuse yourself from a situation that feels like a date.

Look at the Radicals

The 'fire' in '灯' tells you it's about light; the 'water' in '泡' tells you it's like a bubble.

Beyond the Bulb

Explore other '泡' words like '肥皂泡' (soap bubble) to see how the character is used.

Heat Warning

Remember '灯泡很烫' (the bulb is hot). It's a common warning for kids.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'DENG' (the sound of a bell ringing when you have an idea) and a 'PAO' (the sound of a bubble popping). A light bulb is where the idea pops!

Association visuelle

Imagine a glass bubble (泡) with a small fire (灯) inside it.

Word Web

Light Glass Electricity Bubble Third Wheel Bright Ceiling Filament

Défi

Go around your house and count how many '灯泡' you have in each room. Say the number in Chinese: '厨房里有三个灯泡'.

Origine du mot

The term '灯泡' emerged with the introduction of electrical lighting in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a compound of '灯' (lamp) and '泡' (bubble).

Sens originel : A bubble-shaped lamp.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Contexte culturel

Avoid using '灯泡' to describe someone's bald head unless you are very close friends, as it can be seen as mocking a physical trait.

Similar to 'third wheel' or 'fifth wheel'.

Edison's invention of the light bulb (taught in Chinese schools). The 'third wheel' trope in countless C-Dramas. The iconic 'idea' bulb in cartoons (though less common as a native idiom).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Hardware Store

我要买灯泡。
有LED的吗？
这个瓦数是多少？
给我拿两个。

Home Maintenance

灯泡坏了。
帮我换个灯泡。
灯泡太烫了。
这个灯泡不亮。

Socializing

我是个电灯泡。
别当灯泡了。
三个人太尴尬了。
你们聊，我先走了。

Supermarket

灯泡在哪儿？
这种灯泡贵吗？
有备用的吗？
那是节能灯泡。

Workplace

办公室灯泡闪。
叫后勤换灯泡。
这里需要更多灯泡。
灯泡寿命到了。

Amorces de conversation

"你觉得这种智能灯泡好用吗？ (Do you think this kind of smart bulb is useful?)"

"你会自己换灯泡吗？ (Do you know how to change a light bulb yourself?)"

"你曾经当过朋友的电灯泡吗？ (Have you ever been a third wheel for your friends?)"

"我们家灯泡坏了，你知道哪儿有五金店吗？ (Our house bulb is broken, do you know where there is a hardware store?)"

"你喜欢暖色调的灯泡还是冷色调的？ (Do you like warm-toned bulbs or cool-toned ones?)"

Sujets d'écriture

描述一次你不得不换灯泡的经历。 (Describe a time when you had to change a light bulb.)

你对‘电灯泡’这个社交角色有什么看法？ (What are your thoughts on the social role of a 'third wheel'?)

想象一个没有灯泡的世界会是什么样子。 (Imagine what a world without light bulbs would be like.)

写一段你和五金店老板买灯泡的对话。 (Write a dialogue between you and a hardware store owner buying a bulb.)

为什么节能灯泡对环境保护很重要？ (Why are energy-saving bulbs important for environmental protection?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, yes. The word '泡' (bubble) implies a rounded shape. For long tubes, Chinese uses '灯管'. However, in casual speech, people might say '灯泡' to refer to any replaceable light source in a socket.

Yes, you can say 'LED灯泡'. It is very common to refer to modern LED bulbs this way, even though they don't have the same internal structure as traditional incandescent ones.

It's usually used jokingly or self-deprecatingly. It's not a severe insult, but it does acknowledge an awkward social situation. Use it with friends, but maybe not with strangers.

The most common measure word is '个' (gè). You might also hear '只' (zhī), especially in southern China or when referring to bulbs as small individual items.

You can say '灯泡坏了' (broken) or '灯泡烧了' (burnt). '烧了' is more specific to electrical failure.

Yes. '灯' is the lamp or the light itself. '灯泡' is specifically the bulb. If you want to turn on the light, say '开灯', not '开灯泡'.

Because early light bulbs were made of blown glass and looked exactly like a glass bubble. The name stuck even as technology changed.

In English cartoons, a bulb appears over someone's head. While Chinese people understand this visual, they don't typically use the word '灯泡' to mean 'idea'. They use '主意' (zhǔyì).

The verb is '拧' (níng). You would say '拧灯泡'.

They are called '智能灯泡' (zhìnéng dēngpào).

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