Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
氙 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
xiānxenonn, 7 strokes, radical 气, rank #43437, Very Hard
xiānxenon (chemistry)unknown, 7 strokes, radical 气, rank #43437, Very Hard
xiān(xian1) T1
  1. 1xenon
  2. 2xenon (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
xiān(xian1)

氙 (xiān) refers to a chemical element known as xenon, which is a colorless, odorless gas used in various applications such as lighting and photography. It is commonly encountered in chemistry contexts but is less frequently used in everyday conversation, making it a specialized term primarily relevant to scientific discussions.

Strokes7RadicalFrequency#43437DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, xenon is often associated with advancements in technology, especially in lighting and photography, reflecting China's rapid industrial growth and interest in modern scientific exploration.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'xenon' gas balloon floating in the air, emitting a bright light. The character 氙 has the water radical 气 (air) and the sound component 'xiān,' which can remind you of the ‘shining’ effect of xenon in lights.

Meanings of 氙

xiān(xian1)
1xenon
2xenon (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 氙

Simplified
7Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 氙

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 氙

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'xenon' gas balloon floating in the air, emitting a bright light. The character 氙 has the water radical 气 (air) and the sound component 'xiān,' which can remind you of the ‘shining’ effect of xenon in lights.

Usage Notes

氙 is typically used in scientific or technical contexts, so it may not be appropriate in casual conversation. Learners should be cautious with pronunciation as the tone is critical; ensure to maintain the first tone when saying 'xiān.' Common collocations include phrases like '氙灯' (xenon lamp).

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 氙 can enhance your chemistry-related vocabulary. It's beneficial to learn related chemistry terms that might appear in scientific texts or discussions.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, xenon is often associated with advancements in technology, especially in lighting and photography, reflecting China's rapid industrial growth and interest in modern scientific exploration.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 氙 with similar-sounding words; for instance, saying 'xián' instead of 'xiān' can change the meaning completely. It's important to practice the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 氙

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 氙

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

gas

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 氙?

Decomposition of 氙

IDS Structure⿹气山
Full Character
=
qi4
enclosing
Shan1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 氙?

Write 氙

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 氙

氙 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

在此矮频矮压功用下使惯边____气爆发火花不不不不不充电.

In this high frequency high voltage of tube - Xenon produces the spark discharge.

Example Sentences for 氙 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在此矮频矮压功用下使惯边氙气爆发火花不不不不不充电.

zài cǐ ǎi pín ǎi yā gōng yòng xià shǐ guàn biān xiān qì bào fā huǒ huā bù bù bù bù bù chōng diàn.

In this high frequency high voltage of tube - Xenon produces the spark discharge.

Cultural Notes for 氙

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, xenon is often associated with advancements in technology, especially in lighting and photography, reflecting China's rapid industrial growth and interest in modern scientific exploration.

Word Family of 氙

Words Containing This Character1
xiānxenon (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 氙 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 氙

No, 氙 is primarily used in scientific contexts and is not commonly found in everyday conversations.