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March 24, 2026
铸(鑄)zhù(zhu4)
The character 铸 (zhù) primarily means to cast or found metals, such as in the process of creating coins or metal objects. It is commonly used in contexts involving metallurgy and manufacturing, often referring to the process of melting metals and shaping them into desired forms. This character can also imply the idea of creating something with a lasting value or significance.
Strokes12Radical钅Frequency#17847DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the process of casting bronze was crucial for creating weapons and tools, significantly impacting the development of Chinese civilization. The art of metal casting is closely tied to cultural practices, such as the production of ritual vessels during the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
Memory Tip
Imagine a blacksmith named Zhu who is famous for casting beautiful metal works. Visualize him pouring molten metal into molds, and as the metal cools, it takes the shape of intricate designs. The sound of metal clanging in his forge will help you remember the character 铸 (zhù) as it relates to the act of casting.
Meanings of 铸
zhù(zhu4)
1to cast or found metals
2to melt, to cast; to mint, to coin
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 铸
铸Simplified
鑄Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#17847Frequency Rank
Podcast: 铸
Podcast: 铸
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AI Study Notes for 铸
Quick Contrast
铸 (cast) vs 锻 (forge) — use 铸 when referring specifically to casting metals, while 锻 implies shaping metals through heating and hammering.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the pronunciation, as it is pronounced 'zhù' with a falling tone. This character is more common in formal contexts related to industry and manufacturing. It often collocates with terms like '铸造' (zhùzào - to cast), so pay attention to these combinations in usage.
HSK Study Tips
Although 铸 (zhù) is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners interested in technical or industrial language. Students should focus on related terms and phrases that involve casting or metallurgy to build a broader vocabulary around this concept.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铸 (zhù) with 注 (zhù), which means 'to pour' or 'to inject.' For example, saying '我注金属' (Wǒ zhù jīnshǔ) instead of '我铸金属' (Wǒ zhù jīnshǔ) is incorrect; you should use '铸' when referring to casting.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铸
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 寿 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鑄.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half寿 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 铸? 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 铸?
Decomposition of 铸
IDS Structure⿰钅寿
铸Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
寿Shou4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 铸?
How to say to cast or found metals in Chinese
“to cast or found metals” in Chinese is铸zhù
The character 铸 (zhù) primarily means to cast or found metals, such as in the process of creating coins or metal objects. It is commonly used in contexts involving metallurgy and manufacturing, often referring to the process of melting metals and shaping them into desired forms. This character can also imply the idea of creating something with a lasting value or significance.
When to use 铸
Be careful with the pronunciation, as it is pronounced 'zhù' with a falling tone. This character is more common in formal contexts related to industry and manufacturing. It often collocates with terms like '铸造' (zhùzào - to cast), so pay attention to these combinations in usage.
铸 or something close to it
铸 (cast) vs 锻 (forge) — use 铸 when referring specifically to casting metals, while 锻 implies shaping metals through heating and hammering.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 铸 (zhù) with 注 (zhù), which means 'to pour' or 'to inject.' For example, saying '我注金属' (Wǒ zhù jīnshǔ) instead of '我铸金属' (Wǒ zhù jīnshǔ) is incorrect; you should use '铸' when referring to casting.
Write 铸
铸
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Grammar Patterns of 铸
铸 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.
