unknown, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #49072, Very Hard
zhě(zhe3) T3
1germanium
2germanium (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
锗(鍺)zhě(zhe3)
锗 (zhě) refers to the chemical element germanium, which is a metalloid used in semiconductors and optics. It is important in the electronics industry and is often discussed in contexts related to chemistry and technology.
Strokes13Radical钅Frequency#49072DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Germanium is significant in modern Chinese technological development, particularly in the semiconductor industry, which is vital for advancements in electronics and telecommunications in China.
Memory Tip
Think of锗 (zhě) as a 'gear' (sounds like 'zhě') in a high-tech machine. The 'metal' radical (金) on the left hints at its metallic properties, while the right side can remind you of a 'circuit' where germanium plays a vital role.
Meanings of 锗
zhě(zhe3)
1germanium
2germanium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锗
锗Simplified
鍺Traditional
13Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 锗
Podcast: 锗
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AI Study Notes for 锗
Memory Mnemonic
Think of锗 (zhě) as a 'gear' (sounds like 'zhě') in a high-tech machine. The 'metal' radical (金) on the left hints at its metallic properties, while the right side can remind you of a 'circuit' where germanium plays a vital role.
Usage Notes
This term is used primarily in scientific contexts, especially in chemistry and physics. Be careful with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include phrases like '锗材料' (germanium materials) or '锗晶体' (germanium crystal).
HSK Study Tips
Although 锗 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to other scientific terms you may learn at higher levels. Focus on its use in chemistry-related discussions and familiarize yourself with its applications in technology.
Cultural Note
Germanium is significant in modern Chinese technological development, particularly in the semiconductor industry, which is vital for advancements in electronics and telecommunications in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 锗 (zhě) with other similar-sounding words like 这 (zhè) meaning 'this'. It's important to remember that 锗 specifically relates to the chemical element, while 这 is a demonstrative pronoun.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锗
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Cultural Notes for 锗
🏮Cultural insight
Germanium is significant in modern Chinese technological development, particularly in the semiconductor industry, which is vital for advancements in electronics and telecommunications in China.
Word Family of 锗
Words Containing This Character1
锗zhěgermanium (chemistry)鍺
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 锗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锗
锗 is crucial in the production of semiconductors and various electronic devices, hence its relevance in modern technology.
No, 锗 specifically refers to the element germanium in scientific contexts.
It is pronounced with a falling tone as 'zhě', similar to the English word 'jerk' but with a softer ending.
