上火 (shànghuǒ) · to have internal heat (in traditional…

Meanings

1 to have internal heat (in traditional Chinese medicine)
2 to suffer from excess heat symptoms (sore throat, acne, mouth ulcers)

Characters

上

Literally 'fire rises up' - in traditional Chinese medicine, excess heat rises in the body causing inflammation-like symptoms.

Examples

HSK 3

上火的时候最好多喝水。

Shànghuǒ de shíhou zuìhǎo duō hē shuǐ.

When you have internal heat, it's best to drink more water.

HSK 4

吃太多辣的会上火。

Chī tài duō là de huì shànghuǒ.

Eating too much spicy food will cause internal heat.

HSK 6

我上火了，嗓子疼。

Wǒ shànghuǒ le, sǎngzi téng.

I have excess heat - my throat hurts.

Tips

culture

上火 is a uniquely Chinese concept rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (中医). There's no direct English equivalent - it covers symptoms like sore throat, mouth ulcers, acne, and nosebleeds, all attributed to excess 'heat' in the body. Almost every Chinese person believes in it, and brands like 王老吉 herbal tea are marketed specifically as 怕上火，喝王老吉 ('Scared of getting hot? Drink Wanglaoji').

usage

Foods are classified as 'heating' (上火的) or 'cooling' (降火的). Fried food, spicy food, lychees, and durian are 上火. Green tea, watermelon, and bitter melon are 降火. This classification system is deeply embedded in Chinese daily life.