借火 (jiè huǒ) — to ask for a light (for a cigarette, etc.)

Definition

借火 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to ask for a light', typically for a cigarette or lighter. The pattern is 借 + (measure word/quantity) + 火, as in 借个火 (ask for a light) or 借一下火 (borrow a light for a moment). You can also insert other elements between the two syllables depending on the situation. It is commonly used in polite requests among smokers.

v.o.

to ask for a light (for a cigarette, etc.)

Examples

，借火？
Dǎrǎo yíxià, néng jiè huǒ ma?
Excuse me, could I ask for a light?
。
Tā xiàng wǒ jiè le yí ge huǒ.
He asked me for a light.
。
Qǐng ràng wǒ jiè yíxià huǒ.
Please let me borrow a light.

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