星星之火 (xīng xing zhī huǒ) — a single spark (something small that can lead to widespread change)

Definition

Literary set phrase for 'a single spark' — emphasizes a small force that can grow into a great change. Used in written or rhetorical contexts, not daily speech.

noun
a single spark (something small that can lead to widespread change)

Examples

  • 星星之火，。
    xīng xing zhī huǒ Suī xiǎo, què kě yǐ diǎn rán zhěng piàn cǎo yuán.
    Although a single spark is small, it can ignite the entire prairie.
  • 星星之火，。
    Bú yào dī gū xīng xing zhī huǒ de lì liàng, tā kě néng gǎi biàn shì jiè.
    Don't underestimate the power of a single spark; it could change the world.
  • 星星之火，。
    Zhè chǎng yùn dòng qǐ yuán yú yí gè xīng xing zhī huǒ, rú jīn yǐ jīng liáo yuán.
    This movement originated from a single spark, and now it has spread like wildfire.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

The top of 星 is a later simplified form of 晶, twinkling stars; the bottom 生 shows the sound.

Open 星 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

The top of 星 is a later simplified form of 晶, twinkling stars; the bottom 生 shows the sound.

Open 星 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape pairs 止, a foot, with 一, a beginning place, and means to go.

Open 之 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

火 is a simple drawing of a fire, with flames shown rising upward.

Open 火 →

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