Meaning
灯泡 literally means 'lamp bubble' and refers to the glass bulb containing a filament or LED that produces light. In modern usage, it can refer to any type of electric light bulb. Colloquially, it's also used to describe someone who is a 'third wheel' in a romantic situation, as they are unwanted extra light.
Usage
This is a common everyday word used when discussing household items, shopping for bulbs, or electrical fixtures. The slang meaning of 'third wheel' (当灯泡) is widely understood among younger speakers. When shopping, people often specify types like LED灯泡 or节能灯泡 (energy-saving bulb).
Examples
- 01客厅的灯泡坏了，你能帮我换一个吗？, ?The light bulb in the living room is burnt out. Can you help me change it?
- 02他们两个约会，我可不想当灯泡。, .The two of them are on a date. I don't want to be a third wheel.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个灯泡
- 只两只灯泡
Common collocations
- 换灯泡to change a light bulb
- 灯泡坏了the light bulb is broken/burnt out
- LED灯泡LED bulb
- 当灯泡to be a third wheel
Origin
The term combines 灯 (lamp) with 泡 (bubble), describing the bubble-shaped glass enclosure of early incandescent bulbs. This naming pattern reflects the physical appearance of the original Edison-style bulbs.