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硅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
硅
guī
silicon
nz, 11 strokes, radical 石, rank #18472, Very Hard
硅
guī
silicon (chemistry)
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 石, rank #18472, Very Hard
guī(gui1)gui T1
1silicon
2silicon (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
硅guī(gui1)
硅 (guī) refers to silicon, a chemical element that is essential in various technological applications, particularly in electronics and materials science. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and solar cells due to its conductive properties. In everyday contexts, it may also relate to discussions about technology or materials used in construction.
Strokes11Radical石Frequency#18472DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
Silicon plays a crucial role in China's technology landscape, especially in the development of the semiconductor industry, which is vital for the nation's economic growth and technological advancements.
Memory tip
Think of 硅 (guī) as a 'gray' element (silicon is often associated with the color gray in its raw form). The character has a radical for 'stone' (石) on the left, hinting at its mineral origins, while the right part (圭) can remind you of tools or devices, connecting silicon to technology.
Meanings of 硅
guī(gui1)
1silicon
2silicon (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 硅 means.
About 硅
硅Simplified
11Strokes
石Radical
其它专名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 硅
Podcast: 硅
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AI study notes for 硅
Usage Notes
硅 (guī) is a technical term primarily used in scientific and industrial contexts, so it may not be encountered in casual conversation. Be cautious with pronunciation; ensure the tone is correct as it is level 1 (first tone) to avoid confusion with other words. Common collocations include 硅材料 (silicon materials) and 硅晶体 (silicon crystal).
HSK Study Tips
Though 硅 (guī) is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at more advanced levels, particularly those interested in science and technology vocabulary. Students should focus on related terms like 硅谷 (Silicon Valley) and related concepts in electronics and chemistry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 硅 (guī) with similar-sounding words, such as 鬼 (guǐ, ghost) due to the tonal difference. Remember, 硅 has a high, level tone (guī), while 鬼 has a falling tone (guǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 硅
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 硅 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.
硅 = 石 + 圭. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 硅
IDS Structure⿰石圭
硅Full character
=
石dan4
left
圭gui1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 硅?
How to say silicon in Chinese
“silicon” in Chinese is硅guī
硅 (guī) refers to silicon, a chemical element that is essential in various technological applications, particularly in electronics and materials science. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and solar cells due to its conductive properties. In everyday contexts, it may also relate to discussions about technology or materials used in construction.
When to use 硅
硅 (guī) is a technical term primarily used in scientific and industrial contexts, so it may not be encountered in casual conversation. Be cautious with pronunciation; ensure the tone is correct as it is level 1 (first tone) to avoid confusion with other words. Common collocations include 硅材料 (silicon materials) and 硅晶体 (silicon crystal).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 硅 (guī) with similar-sounding words, such as 鬼 (guǐ, ghost) due to the tonal difference. Remember, 硅 has a high, level tone (guī), while 鬼 has a falling tone (guǐ).
Write 硅
硅
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Practice writing 硅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 硅
硅 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
设计____芯片模仿人的器官听上去是异想天开。
Designing silicon chips to mimic human organs sounds fanciful.
