爆竹

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 爆竹 (bàozhú) refers to firecrackers, traditionally made from bamboo tubes filled with explosive powder. They are commonly used in Chinese culture to celebrate festivals, especially the Lunar New Year, to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Cultural Context

Firecrackers are deeply embedded in Chinese customs and are often set off at the start of celebrations to create a festive atmosphere. The loud noise is believed to scare away evil spirits and bad luck.

Common Collocations

  • 爆竹 (fàng bàozhú): to set off firecrackers, used during celebrations.
  • 爆竹 (bàozhú shēng): the sound of firecrackers, often associated with festive scenes.
  • 安全爆竹 (ānquán wán bàozhú): playing with firecrackers safely, a common safety reminder.

Usage Notes

When using 爆竹, it is important to note that it often appears in contexts related to festivals or celebrations. It is a noun and usually paired with verbs like (to set off) or (to play with). Because of safety concerns, modern usage sometimes emphasizes caution.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 爆竹 with 烟花 (yānhuā), which means fireworks. 爆竹 specifically refers to the smaller, bamboo-based firecrackers that produce a loud bang, whereas 烟花 refers to colorful aerial fireworks.

Example Sentences

During the Spring Festival, our family set off many firecrackers at the door

Children like to play with firecrackers during festivals, but they must pay

The sound of firecrackers is very loud and is often used to celebrate