HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
铅
qiān
lead
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
铅
qiān
old variant of 鉛
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
铅
qiān
old variant of 鉛|铅[qian1]
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
qiān(qian1) T1
1lead (chemistry)
2lead
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
铅(鈆)qiān(qian1)
铅 (qiān) refers to the chemical element lead, commonly used in batteries, radiation shielding, and previously in paints. It is important in industrial contexts, especially in metallurgy and manufacturing, but is also associated with health risks due to toxicity.
Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#8232DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
铅 has historical significance in Chinese medicine and craftsmanship, where lead was once used in traditional practices, albeit with an understanding of its dangers. This reflects a broader Chinese historical context of using various materials in arts and medicine.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 铅 as a metal that is 'lean' (qiān sounds like 'lean') and heavy. The radical 金 (metal) shows its connection to metals, while the overall structure suggests weight and density, reminiscent of lead's physical properties.
Meanings of 铅
qiān(qian1)
1lead (chemistry)
2lead
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 铅
铅Simplified
鈆Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8232Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 铅
Podcast: 铅
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AI Study Notes for 铅
Usage Notes
In formal scientific contexts, use 铅 specifically when referring to lead in chemistry. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure proper pronunciation of qiān with a high tone, distinct from qián (before).
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding 铅 enriches your knowledge of metals and materials in Chinese. Focus on its applications in everyday life and scientific discussions, connecting it with basic chemistry vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铅 with similar characters like 钱 (qián, money) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that 铅 refers specifically to lead, while 钱 refers to currency.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铅
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Drill the tone of 铅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Simplified form of 鉛. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 公 represents the sound.
1The meaning half钅 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 铅? 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 铅?
Decomposition of 铅
IDS Structure⿰钅⿱几口
铅Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
几ji1
top
口kou3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 铅?
How to say lead (chemistry) in Chinese
“lead (chemistry)” in Chinese is铅qiān
铅 (qiān) refers to the chemical element lead, commonly used in batteries, radiation shielding, and previously in paints. It is important in industrial contexts, especially in metallurgy and manufacturing, but is also associated with health risks due to toxicity.
When to use 铅
In formal scientific contexts, use 铅 specifically when referring to lead in chemistry. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure proper pronunciation of qiān with a high tone, distinct from qián (before).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 铅 with similar characters like 钱 (qián, money) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that 铅 refers specifically to lead, while 钱 refers to currency.
Write 铅
铅
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Practice writing 铅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 铅
铅 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 4 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
Complete the Sentence
一些最高档的酒杯是用____晶质玻璃制成的。
Some of the finest drinking glasses are made from lead crystal.
