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March 24, 2026
铜(銅)tóng(tong2)
铜 (tóng) refers to the chemical element copper, which is a reddish-brown metal known for its conductivity and malleability. It is commonly used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and coins. In broader contexts, it can also refer to bronze, an alloy of copper.
Strokes11Radical钅Frequency#7797DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Copper holds historical significance in China, where it was extensively used in ancient coinage and tools. The phrase '铜器时代' (tóngqì shídài, the bronze age) reflects its importance in Chinese civilization.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny, reddish-brown coin that glistens in the sunlight, representing copper. The character 铜 is composed of the metal radical (金) on the left, indicating it is a metal, and the phonetic component (同) on the right, linking it to the sound 'tóng'. Picture a group of identical coins (同) made of copper.
Meanings of 铜
tóng(tong2)
1copper (chemistry)
2copper, bronze
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 铜
铜Simplified
銅Traditional
11Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7797Frequency Rank
块Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 铜
Podcast: 铜
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AI Study Notes for 铜
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 铜 with similar-sounding characters, like 同 (tóng), which means 'same'. 铜 is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in discussions about materials or chemistry. Students should pay attention to the tone, ensuring they pronounce it as tóng (second tone).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 铜 connects to themes of chemistry and materials, making it relevant for students exploring technical vocabulary. Focus on its usage in scientific contexts and collocations such as 铜器 (tóngqì, copper utensils) or 铜矿 (tóngkuàng, copper mine).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铜 with the character for 'same' (同). For example, saying '我喜欢同' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) instead of '我喜欢铜' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) when referring to copper. Always ensure you are using the correct character for the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铜
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 同 represents the sound. Simplified form of 銅.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half同 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 铜? 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 铜?
Decomposition of 铜
IDS Structure⿰钅同
铜Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
同tong2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 铜?
How to say copper (chemistry) in Chinese
“copper (chemistry)” in Chinese is铜tóng
铜 (tóng) refers to the chemical element copper, which is a reddish-brown metal known for its conductivity and malleability. It is commonly used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and coins. In broader contexts, it can also refer to bronze, an alloy of copper.
When to use 铜
A common mistake is confusing 铜 with similar-sounding characters, like 同 (tóng), which means 'same'. 铜 is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in discussions about materials or chemistry. Students should pay attention to the tone, ensuring they pronounce it as tóng (second tone).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 铜 with the character for 'same' (同). For example, saying '我喜欢同' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) instead of '我喜欢铜' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) when referring to copper. Always ensure you are using the correct character for the intended meaning.
Write 铜
铜
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Practice writing 铜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 铜
铜 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 4
Complete the Sentence
壁炉台上是一对明代的青____花瓶。
On the mantelpiece are a pair of bronze Ming vases.
