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March 24, 2026
酰xiān(xian1)
The character 酰 (xiān) refers to an acyl group in chemistry, which is a functional group derived from an acid by removing a hydroxyl group. It is commonly used in organic chemistry to describe various acyl compounds and reactions. Understanding this term is crucial for students studying advanced chemistry as it serves as a building block for more complex organic structures.
Strokes13Radical酉
Cultural Note
In the context of Chinese education, chemistry is a vital subject, and understanding terms like 酰 is important for students pursuing careers in science and technology. This character exemplifies the integration of language and scientific terminology in modern Chinese education.
Memory Tip
Think of 酰 (xiān) as a 'sour' (酸, suān) character, since it relates to acids in chemistry. The radical 酉 (yǒu) can remind you of 'fermenting' (like souring), linking it to the idea of acids, while the 'xiān' pronunciation can sound like 'sour' in English, helping you remember its meaning.
Meanings of 酰
xiān(xian1)
1acylate
2acid radical
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 酰
酰Simplified
13Strokes
酉Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 酰
Podcast: 酰
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AI Study Notes for 酰
Usage Notes
酰 is primarily used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry. It may not be familiar to everyday conversation, so learners should be cautious about using it outside of academic settings. Common collocations include 酰基 (acyl group) and 酰氨 (acyl amine).
HSK Study Tips
酰 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it is relevant for learners at higher levels, especially those studying specialized subjects like chemistry. Students should focus on the context in which this term is used, often alongside other chemical terminology.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 酰 with other similar-sounding characters related to acids, such as 酸 (suān, sour/acid). It's crucial to remember that 酰 specifically indicates an acyl group, while 酸 refers to acidity in a broader sense.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 酰
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Phonosemantic compound. 酉 represents the meaning and 先 represents the sound.
1The meaning half酉 carries the sense.
2The sound half先 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaychemical
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 酰? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 酰?
Decomposition of 酰
IDS Structure⿰酉先
酰Full Character
=
酉you3
left
先xian1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 酰?
How to say acylate in Chinese
“acylate” in Chinese is酰xiān
The character 酰 (xiān) refers to an acyl group in chemistry, which is a functional group derived from an acid by removing a hydroxyl group. It is commonly used in organic chemistry to describe various acyl compounds and reactions. Understanding this term is crucial for students studying advanced chemistry as it serves as a building block for more complex organic structures.
When to use 酰
酰 is primarily used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry. It may not be familiar to everyday conversation, so learners should be cautious about using it outside of academic settings. Common collocations include 酰基 (acyl group) and 酰氨 (acyl amine).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 酰 with other similar-sounding characters related to acids, such as 酸 (suān, sour/acid). It's crucial to remember that 酰 specifically indicates an acyl group, while 酸 refers to acidity in a broader sense.
Write 酰
酰
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Practice writing 酰 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 酰
酰 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 3 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 4
Complete the Sentence
制备了D-果糖与L-天冬____胺的反应产物.
The reaction product derived from D fructose and L asparagine was prepared.