Meaning
照耀 describes the action of light shining brightly on something, illuminating it. It's often used poetically or formally to describe sunlight, moonlight, or other sources of radiant light brightening an area or object. The word carries a somewhat elevated, literary quality compared to simpler words like 照.
Usage
Native speakers use 照耀 in both literal contexts (sunlight shining on mountains) and figurative ones (hope illuminating people's hearts). It appears frequently in written Chinese, news reports, and formal speech. The word suggests not just light touching something, but actively brightening or glorifying it with radiance.
Examples
- 01清晨的阳光照耀着整个村庄。.The morning sunlight illuminates the entire village.
- 02希望的光芒照耀着每一个人的心灵。.The light of hope illuminates everyone's hearts.
Characters
Common collocations
- 阳光照耀sunlight shines
- 照耀大地to illuminate the earth
- 光辉照耀radiance shines
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to light and shining. 照 originally depicted fire (火) above, suggesting illumination. 耀 combines 光 (light) with 翟 (pheasant feathers), evoking the brilliant, eye-catching shine of colorful plumage.