灯泡 dēngpào light bulb
light bulb; see also 电灯泡; third-wheel or unwanted third party spoiling a couple's date (slang)
How to remember 灯泡: 灯 lamp + 泡 bubble = light bulb.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Light bulb' - 换灯泡 (huàn dēngpào) to change a bulb; measure word 个.
- Slang: 电灯泡 (diàndēngpào) 'a light bulb' is a third wheel spoiling a couple's date.
- The 'third wheel' figurative use is very common and playful.
Example sentences
- 灯泡发光。 Dēngpào fāguāng.A light bulb gives light.
- 三个灯泡烧坏了。 Sāngè dēngpào shāohuài le.Three bulbs have burned out.