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铀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
铀yóuuraniumn, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #17965, Very Hard
铀yóuuranium (chemistry)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #17965, Very Hard
铀yóuTaiwan pr. [you4]unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #17965, Very Hard
yóu(you2)you T2
  1. 1uranium
  2. 2uranium (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026

铀(鈾)yóu(you2)

铀 (yóu) refers to uranium, a chemical element that is commonly known for its use as fuel in nuclear reactors and for its radioactive properties. In scientific and industrial contexts, it is an important term, particularly in discussions around energy production and nuclear science.

Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#17965DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

Uranium plays a significant role in China's energy strategy, particularly in the context of nuclear power development. Understanding this word can provide insights into China's approach to energy and environmental issues.

Memory tip

Imagine a glowing yellow rock (like the symbol for uranium) that lights up the dark, reminding you of the letter 'Y' in 'Uranium.' The character 铀 has the metal radical '金' (jīn) on the left, hinting at its metallic nature, and the sound 'yóu' can be remembered by thinking of 'you' discovering this glowing rock.

Meanings of 铀

yóu(you2)
1uranium
2uranium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 铀

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

Podcast: 铀

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Podcast: 铀

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AI study notes for 铀

Usage Notes

When using 铀 in conversation, it is typically found in scientific or technical discussions, so it may not be appropriate for casual contexts. Be aware of using the correct pronunciation; confusing it with similar-sounding words could lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 铀 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of topics in chemistry and environmental science. Focus on related terms in these fields to build a comprehensive vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 铀 with other similar-sounding words like 有 (yǒu), which means 'to have.' A common mistake is saying '我有铀' (wǒ yǒu yóu), which means 'I have uranium,' when they might intend to discuss something else.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 铀

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Etymology of 铀

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 由 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鈾.

Memory hint

metal

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

Origin

铀 = 钅 + 由. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 铀

IDS Structure⿰钅由
铀Full character
=
钅jin1
left
由you2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 铀?

How to say uranium in Chinese

“uranium” in Chinese is铀yóu

铀 (yóu) refers to uranium, a chemical element that is commonly known for its use as fuel in nuclear reactors and for its radioactive properties. In scientific and industrial contexts, it is an important term, particularly in discussions around energy production and nuclear science.

When to use 铀

When using 铀 in conversation, it is typically found in scientific or technical discussions, so it may not be appropriate for casual contexts. Be aware of using the correct pronunciation; confusing it with similar-sounding words could lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 铀 with other similar-sounding words like 有 (yǒu), which means 'to have.' A common mistake is saying '我有铀' (wǒ yǒu yóu), which means 'I have uranium,' when they might intend to discuss something else.

Write 铀

铀

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

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Grammar patterns of 铀

铀 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 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

在每1000个____原子当中,只有七个是铀235.

Only 7 uranium atoms of every 1,000 are U -

Example sentences for 铀 (3)

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1
在每1000个铀原子当中,只有七个是铀235.

zài měi1000 gè yóu yuánzǐ dāngzhōng, zhǐyǒu qī gè shì yóu235.

Only 7 uranium atoms of every 1,000 are U -
2
实际上,它是用来将铀浓缩以制造武器。

shíjìshàng, tā shì yònglái jiāng yóu nóngsuō yǐ zhìzào wǔqì。

It was actually used for enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels.
3
沥清铀矿和铜铀云母比纯铀的放射性强得多.

lì qīng yóu kuàng hé tóng yóu yún mǔ bǐ chún yóu de fàngshè xìng jiàng de duō.

Pitchblende and chalcolite are much more radioactive than uranium itself.

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Cultural Notes for 铀

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The perception of uranium differs significantly between cultures; in Western contexts, it is often associated with nuclear power and weaponry, while in China, it may be viewed more through the lens of energy security and technological advancement.

Word Family of 铀

Words containing this character3
铀yóuTaiwan pr. [yòu]鈾
浓缩铀enriched uranium濃縮鈾
沥青铀矿pitchblende (uranium ore)瀝青鈾礦
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 铀

What does 浓缩铀 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 铀

You pronounce it as 'yóu', with a rising tone.

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