Definition
星星之火 is a set phrase from the famous saying 星星之火,可以燎原 ('a single spark can start a prairie fire'). It literally means 'a spark of stars' or 'a single spark', but figuratively refers to something small that can grow into something enormous — often used in revolutionary, social, or transformative contexts. It functions as a noun phrase in sentences.
n.
a single spark (something small that can lead to widespread change)
Examples
- 星星之火,。xīng xing zhī huǒ suī xiǎo, què kěyǐ diǎn rán zhěng piàn cǎoyuán.Although a single spark is small, it can ignite the entire prairie.
- 星星之火,。Bú yào dīgū xīng xing zhī huǒ de lìliàng, tā kěnéng gǎibiàn shìjiè.Don't underestimate the power of a single spark; it could change the world.
- 星星之火,。Zhè chǎng yùndòng qǐyuán yú yí gè xīng xing zhī huǒ, rújīn yǐjīng liáo yuán.This movement originated from a single spark, and now it has spread like wildfire.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.