Meanings of 氦
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About 氦
Podcast: 氦
Podcast: 氦
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AI study notes for 氦
氦 is primarily used in scientific or technical contexts, so it may be less common in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other gases like 氧 (yǎng, oxygen) or 二氧化碳 (èr yǎng huà tàn, carbon dioxide). Tone is crucial; mispronouncing hài could lead to misunderstandings.
While 氦 is not included in the standard HSK levels, it connects with HSK 3 vocabulary about elements and science, such as 水 (shuǐ, water) and 气 (qì, gas). Students should focus on recognizing it in scientific texts and conversations related to chemistry.
Learners often confuse 氦 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying 氧 (yǎng, oxygen) instead of 氦 (hài) is a common error. Always remember that 氦 is specifically for helium.
Pronunciation of 氦
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Jason Explains 氦 to you
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Learning Lab
Knowing 氦 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 氦
Phonosemantic compound. 气 represents the meaning and 亥 represents the sound.
gas
Origin
氦 = 气 + 亥. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 氦
Parts
Which of these is part of 氦?
How to say helium in Chinese
“helium” in Chinese is氦
氦 (hài) refers to helium, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is lighter than air and is used in balloons and as a cooling medium in cryogenics. In scientific contexts, it is known for its non-reactive properties and is often found in discussions about the periodic table of elements.
When to use 氦
氦 is primarily used in scientific or technical contexts, so it may be less common in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other gases like 氧 (yǎng, oxygen) or 二氧化碳 (èr yǎng huà tàn, carbon dioxide). Tone is crucial; mispronouncing hài could lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 氦 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying 氧 (yǎng, oxygen) instead of 氦 (hài) is a common error. Always remember that 氦 is specifically for helium.
Write 氦
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Practice writing 氦 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 氦
氦 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____是一种非常轻的气体。
Helium is a very light gas.
Example sentences for 氦 (1)
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Cultural Notes for 氦
In Western cultures, helium is often associated with party balloons, while in China, it also symbolizes joy and celebration, but there is a stronger emphasis on its scientific applications in education.
Word Family of 氦
Frequently asked questions about 氦
It is pronounced as 'hài' with a falling tone.
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