Definition
点灯 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to light a lamp' or 'to turn on a light'. It can be split by inserting a measure word, complement, or aspect marker between 点 and 灯, e.g. 点了一盏灯 ('lit a lamp'), 点起灯 ('light up a lamp'). In modern Chinese, 开灯 is more common for electric lights, while 点灯 carries a traditional or literary feel, often used for oil lamps or candles.
v.o.
to light a lampto turn on a light (often in a traditional or literary context)
Examples
- 点灯。Tā měitiān wǎnshang dōu diǎn dēng kàn shū.He reads by lamplight every evening.
- ，。Tā diǎn le yì zhǎn dēng, fángjiān liàng le qǐlái.He lit a lamp, and the room brightened up.
- 点灯。Gǔdài rén yòng yóu diǎn dēng.Ancient people used oil to light lamps.
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