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砷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
shēnarsenicn, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #18234, Hard
shēnarsenic (chemistry)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #18234, Hard
shēn(shen1) T1
  1. 1arsenic
  2. 2arsenic (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
shēn(shen1)

砷 (shēn) refers to arsenic, a chemical element known for its toxicity and use in various industrial applications. It is commonly discussed in chemistry and environmental science contexts, often in relation to its hazardous effects on health and the environment.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#18234DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, certain toxic substances like arsenic have historical uses, though modern practices caution against their use due to health risks. Awareness of its toxic nature is crucial in discussions about health and safety in China.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sharp 'sword' made of arsenic that can 'shred' through anything, representing the danger of this element. The character 砷 can be broken down: the radical 石 (stone) hints at its mineral nature, while the phonetic component 'shēn' sounds like 'shen,' a ghostly figure that symbolizes the toxicity lurking in the shadows.

Meanings of 砷

shēn(shen1)
1arsenic
2arsenic (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 砷

Simplified
10Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 砷

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AI Study Notes for 砷

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a sharp 'sword' made of arsenic that can 'shred' through anything, representing the danger of this element. The character 砷 can be broken down: the radical 石 (stone) hints at its mineral nature, while the phonetic component 'shēn' sounds like 'shen,' a ghostly figure that symbolizes the toxicity lurking in the shadows.

Usage Notes

砷 is primarily used in scientific contexts, so it is important to use it formally when discussing chemistry. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in informal settings. Be mindful of the tone; 'shēn' should always be pronounced with a high level tone.

HSK Study Tips

While 砷 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK level 5 chemistry-related terms. Focus on understanding its implications in environmental science and health to broaden your vocabulary in related contexts.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, certain toxic substances like arsenic have historical uses, though modern practices caution against their use due to health risks. Awareness of its toxic nature is crucial in discussions about health and safety in China.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 砷 with similar-sounding characters like 深 (shēn, deep) or 申 (shēn, to state). Remember, 砷 specifically refers to arsenic and should not be used interchangeably with these other words.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 砷

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Etymology of 砷

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

Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 申 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

mineral

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 砷?

Decomposition of 砷

IDS Structure⿰石申
Full Character
=
dan4
left
Shen1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 砷?

Write 砷

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 砷

砷 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

这种材料是一种叫做镓锰____化物的东东.

The material is a semiconductor called gallium manganese arsenide.

Example Sentences for 砷 (1)

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1
这种材料是一种叫做镓锰砷化物的东东.

zhè zhǒng cái liào shì yī zhǒng jiào zuò jiā měng shēn huà wù de dōng dōng.

The material is a semiconductor called gallium manganese arsenide.

Cultural Notes for 砷

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, certain toxic substances like arsenic have historical uses, though modern practices caution against their use due to health risks. Awareness of its toxic nature is crucial in discussions about health and safety in China.

Word Family of 砷

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

Compound Meaning

What does 砷 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 砷

Arsenic has historical uses in traditional medicine, but awareness of its toxicity has made it a subject of caution.