Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
砷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
砷
shēn
arsenic
n, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #18234, Very Hard
砷
shēn
arsenic (chemistry)
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #18234, Very Hard
shēn(shen1)shen T1
1arsenic
2arsenic (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
砷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.
Strokes10Radical石Frequency#18234DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 砷 means.
About 砷
砷Simplified
10Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 砷
Podcast: 砷
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 砷
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.
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
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 砷, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 砷 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 砷?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 砷 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
砷 = 石 + 申. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 砷
IDS Structure⿰石申
砷Full character
=
石dan4
left
申Shen1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 砷?
How to say arsenic in Chinese
“arsenic” in Chinese is砷shēn
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.
When to use 砷
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 砷
砷
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 砷 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 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
