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氦 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
hàiheliumn, 10 strokes, radical 气, rank #18570, Hard
hàihelium (chemistry)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 气, rank #18570, Hard
hài(hai4) T4
  1. 1helium
  2. 2helium (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
hài(hai4)

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.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#18570DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, helium is significant for celebrations, such as weddings and festivals, where helium balloons are commonly used to enhance the festive atmosphere. Additionally, helium's role in scientific research is emphasized in educational settings.

Memory Tip

Think of a balloon floating high in the sky, filled with the light gas helium. The character 氦 includes the radical 气 (qì), which means 'air' or 'gas,' hinting at its gaseous nature, while the pronunciation 'hài' sounds like 'high,' reminding you of how helium-filled balloons float.

Meanings of 氦

hài(hai4)
1helium
2helium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 氦

Simplified
10Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 氦

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AI Study Notes for 氦

Memory Mnemonic

Think of a balloon floating high in the sky, filled with the light gas helium. The character 氦 includes the radical 气 (qì), which means 'air' or 'gas,' hinting at its gaseous nature, while the pronunciation 'hài' sounds like 'high,' reminding you of how helium-filled balloons float.

Usage Notes

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.

HSK Study Tips

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.

Cultural Note

In China, helium is significant for celebrations, such as weddings and festivals, where helium balloons are commonly used to enhance the festive atmosphere. Additionally, helium's role in scientific research is emphasized in educational settings.

Common Mistakes

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.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 氦

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Etymology of 氦

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

Phonosemantic compound. 气 represents the meaning and 亥 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

gas

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 氦?

Decomposition of 氦

IDS Structure⿹气亥
Full Character
=
qi4
enclosing
hai4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 氦?

Write 氦

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 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.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

____是一种非常轻的气体。

Helium is a very light gas.

Example Sentences for 氦 (1)

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1
氦是一种非常轻的气体。

hài shì yī zhǒng fēi cháng qīng de qì tǐ。

Helium is a very light gas.

Cultural Notes for 氦

🏮Cultural insight

In China, helium is significant for celebrations, such as weddings and festivals, where helium balloons are commonly used to enhance the festive atmosphere. Additionally, helium's role in scientific research is emphasized in educational settings.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

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

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

Compound Meaning

What does 氦 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 氦

It is pronounced as 'hài' with a falling tone.