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铱 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
铱yīiridiumn, 11 strokes, radical 钅, rank #50190, Very Hard
铱yīiridium (chemistry)unknown, 11 strokes, radical 钅, rank #50190, Very Hard
yī(yi1) T1
  1. 1iridium
  2. 2iridium (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

铱(銥)yī(yi1)

铱 (yī) refers to the chemical element iridium, which is a dense, silvery-white metal known for its corrosion resistance and high melting point. It is primarily used in various industrial applications, including electronics and jewelry. In chemistry, it is significant for its unique properties and is often studied in the context of noble metals.

Strokes11Radical钅Frequency#50190DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

Iridium is recognized in China for its use in high-quality pens and jewelry, reflecting the country's appreciation for craftsmanship and durable materials. The element's rarity and uniqueness are often highlighted in discussions about valuable resources in Chinese industry.

Memory Tip

Imagine a shiny silver 'Y' (for yī) standing tall like a pillar made of iridium, reflecting light and resisting rust. Picture this pillar in a laboratory where scientists are excitedly discussing the rare and valuable properties of iridium, making it memorable as both a character and a concept.

Meanings of 铱

yī(yi1)
1iridium
2iridium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 铱

铱Simplified
銥Traditional
11Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 铱

JasonAmy

Podcast: 铱

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AI Study Notes for 铱

Usage Notes

Since 铱 is a technical term primarily used in scientific contexts, it may not be commonly encountered in everyday conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding terms in Mandarin. In formal settings like academic discussions, ensure accurate pronunciation with the first tone (yī).

HSK Study Tips

While 铱 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to HSK Level 5 words related to chemistry and elements. Focus on understanding its application within scientific texts, and practice using it in context with other chemical terms to enhance your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce '铱' as 'yi' without the correct tone, which alters its meaning. Always remember to use the first tone (yī) to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 铱

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Etymology of 铱

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)衣
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 铱

  1. 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half衣 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymetal
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 铱? 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 铱?

Decomposition of 铱

IDS Structure⿰钅衣
铱Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
衣yi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 铱?

How to say iridium in Chinese

“iridium” in Chinese is铱yī

铱 (yī) refers to the chemical element iridium, which is a dense, silvery-white metal known for its corrosion resistance and high melting point. It is primarily used in various industrial applications, including electronics and jewelry. In chemistry, it is significant for its unique properties and is often studied in the context of noble metals.

When to use 铱

Since 铱 is a technical term primarily used in scientific contexts, it may not be commonly encountered in everyday conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding terms in Mandarin. In formal settings like academic discussions, ensure accurate pronunciation with the first tone (yī).

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce '铱' as 'yi' without the correct tone, which alters its meaning. Always remember to use the first tone (yī) to avoid confusion.

Write 铱

铱

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 铱

Words Containing This Character1
铱yīiridium (chemistry)銥
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 铱 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 铱

It is pronounced as 'yī' with a high and level tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 铱?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.