unknown, 14 strokes, radical 钅, rank #24367, Very Hard
dù(du4) T4
1to plate, to gild, to coat
2-plated
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March 24, 2026
镀(鍍)dù(du4)
The character 镀 (dù) refers to the process of coating a surface with a layer of metal, often for decorative or protective purposes. Commonly used in contexts like jewelry, electronics, and manufacturing, it signifies the application of a metallic finish to enhance appearance or durability.
Strokes14Radical钅Frequency#24367DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of gold plating is often associated with wealth and luxury, especially in traditional jewelry. This practice reflects the value placed on aesthetics and craftsmanship in Chinese art.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny plate of gold (镀) being applied to an object. The character itself has the radical for metal (金) on the left, suggesting its connection to metallic coatings, while the right side gives a sense of the action of applying or plating.
Meanings of 镀
dù(du4)
1to plate, to gild, to coat
2-plated
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 镀
镀Simplified
鍍Traditional
14Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 镀
Podcast: 镀
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AI Study Notes for 镀
Quick Contrast
镀 (dù) vs 涂 (tú) — use 镀 when referring specifically to metal coating, whereas 涂 is for applying paint or other substances.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 镀 is a technical term more frequently used in formal contexts, especially in manufacturing or engineering. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 涂 (tú), which means to paint or apply a coating that is not metallic.
HSK Study Tips
Since 镀 is not commonly found in HSK vocabulary, focus on related terms that include metal-related characters, like 金 (jīn, gold) and 铁 (tiě, iron). This will help reinforce understanding of the context in which 镀 is used.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 镀 to describe painting or applying non-metallic coatings. For example, saying '我会镀这幅画' (wǒ huì dù zhè fú huà) is incorrect; it should be '我会涂这幅画' (wǒ huì tú zhè fú huà).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 镀
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 度 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鍍.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half度 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaygold
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 镀? 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 镀?
Decomposition of 镀
IDS Structure⿰钅度
镀Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
度du4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 镀?
How to say to plate, to gild, to coat in Chinese
“to plate, to gild, to coat” in Chinese is镀dù
The character 镀 (dù) refers to the process of coating a surface with a layer of metal, often for decorative or protective purposes. Commonly used in contexts like jewelry, electronics, and manufacturing, it signifies the application of a metallic finish to enhance appearance or durability.
When to use 镀
Be mindful that 镀 is a technical term more frequently used in formal contexts, especially in manufacturing or engineering. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 涂 (tú), which means to paint or apply a coating that is not metallic.
镀 or something close to it
镀 (dù) vs 涂 (tú) — use 镀 when referring specifically to metal coating, whereas 涂 is for applying paint or other substances.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 镀 to describe painting or applying non-metallic coatings. For example, saying '我会镀这幅画' (wǒ huì dù zhè fú huà) is incorrect; it should be '我会涂这幅画' (wǒ huì tú zhè fú huà).
Write 镀
镀
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Practice writing 镀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 镀
镀 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 5
Complete the Sentence
它们有哑铜的，古铜的和____银的。
They are available in polished brass, antique brass or silver-plate.
Example Sentences for 镀 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
它们有哑铜的，古铜的和镀银的。
tā mén yǒu yǎ tóng de， ， gǔ tóng de hé dù yín。
They are available in polished brass, antique brass or silver-plate.
