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镉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
cadmiumn, 15 strokes, radical 钅, rank #39238, Very Hard
cadmium (chemistry)unknown, 15 strokes, radical 钅, rank #39238, Very Hard
(ge2) T2
  1. 1cadmium
  2. 2cadmium (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(鎘)(ge2)

镉 (gé) refers to cadmium, a chemical element often found in batteries and pigments. It is primarily used in industrial contexts, especially in metallurgy and chemistry, and is known for its toxicity. Understanding this term is important for discussions related to environmental science and health safety.

Strokes15RadicalFrequency#39238DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, the awareness of heavy metal pollution, including cadmium, has grown due to industrial development, making this term relevant in discussions about health and safety regulations.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'geese' (sounds like 'gé') swimming in a lake filled with toxic substances, representing cadmium's association with environmental hazards. The character 镉 has the metal radical (钅), linking it visually to metals like cadmium.

Meanings of 镉

(ge2)
1cadmium
2cadmium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 镉

Simplified
Traditional
15Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 镉

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 镉

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'geese' (sounds like 'gé') swimming in a lake filled with toxic substances, representing cadmium's association with environmental hazards. The character 镉 has the metal radical (钅), linking it visually to metals like cadmium.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 镉 with similar-sounding characters; ensure correct pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings. This term is used in formal contexts, especially in scientific discussions, and is often paired with terms like '元素' (element) or '污染' (pollution).

HSK Study Tips

Though 镉 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners at higher levels should connect it with other chemical terms like '铅' (lead) and '汞' (mercury). Focus on understanding its usage in environmental contexts to enhance vocabulary depth.

Cultural Note

In China, the awareness of heavy metal pollution, including cadmium, has grown due to industrial development, making this term relevant in discussions about health and safety regulations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 镉 with other similar characters, leading to miscommunication. For example, confusing it with '锶' (sī, strontium) can result in incorrect discussions about materials. Always double-check the character's context in scientific texts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 镉

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Etymology of 镉

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

metal

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 镉?

Decomposition of 镉

IDS Structure⿰钅鬲
Full Character
=
jin1
left
Ge2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 镉?

Write 镉

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 镉

镉 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 1

Complete the Sentence

支架周围有一层0.5毫米厚的____箔.

The block is surrounded by cadmium foil 5 mm thick.

Example Sentences for 镉 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
支架周围有一层0.5毫米厚的镉箔.

zhī jià zhōu wéi yǒu yī céng0.5 0.5 háo mǐ hòu de gé.

The block is surrounded by cadmium foil 5 mm thick.

Cultural Notes for 镉

🏮Cultural insight

In China, the awareness of heavy metal pollution, including cadmium, has grown due to industrial development, making this term relevant in discussions about health and safety regulations.

Word Family of 镉

Words Containing This Character1
cadmium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 镉 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 镉

Cadmium is a heavy metal that poses health risks, making it a critical topic in environmental protection and safety regulations.