Meanings of 鉛
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About 鉛
Podcast: 鉛
Podcast: 鉛
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AI Study Notes for 鉛
Be careful not to confuse 鉛 (qiān) with 迁 (qiān), which means 'to move or change.' This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in science and industry. Common collocations include 鉛筆 (qiānbǐ, pencil) and 鉛水 (qiānshuǐ, lead water).
While 鉛 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK level 4 and 5 words related to materials and chemistry. Students should focus on recognizing it in texts about industrial topics or environmental discussions.
Learners often mispronounce 鉛 as 'qián' with a rising tone, rather than 'qiān' with a high-level tone. Additionally, some confuse it with related terms like 鉛筆 (pencil), which can lead to incorrect sentences.
Pronunciation of 鉛
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Etymology of 鉛
Simplified form of 鉛. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 公 represents the sound.
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鉛
Simplified form of 鉛. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 公 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half釒 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half几 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymetal
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鉛? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 鉛
Identify the Components
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How to say lead in Chinese
“lead” in Chinese is鉛
The character 鉛 (qiān) refers to 'lead,' the heavy metal element commonly used in batteries, radiation shielding, and as a pigment in paints. It is important in both industrial contexts and when discussing environmental issues related to lead exposure. This word is often encountered in discussions about materials and chemistry.
When to use 鉛
Be careful not to confuse 鉛 (qiān) with 迁 (qiān), which means 'to move or change.' This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in science and industry. Common collocations include 鉛筆 (qiānbǐ, pencil) and 鉛水 (qiānshuǐ, lead water).
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 鉛 as 'qián' with a rising tone, rather than 'qiān' with a high-level tone. Additionally, some confuse it with related terms like 鉛筆 (pencil), which can lead to incorrect sentences.
Write 鉛
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Practice writing 鉛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 鉛
In Western cultures, the use of lead has been heavily regulated due to health risks, but in Chinese manufacturing, it has sometimes been less strictly controlled, leading to safety concerns.
Word Family of 鉛
Compound Meaning
What does 铅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鉛
鉛 means 'lead,' referring to the metal used in various applications.
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