unknown, 12 strokes, radical 石, rank #16795, Very Hard
liú(liu2) T2
1sulfur
2sulfur (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
硫liú(liu2)
硫 (liú) refers to sulfur, a chemical element that is essential in various chemical processes and is commonly found in nature. It is often discussed in contexts related to chemistry, environmental science, and industrial applications, particularly in relation to sulfur compounds and their uses.
Strokes12Radical石Frequency#16795DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, sulfur is sometimes used in treatments, emphasizing its historical significance in Chinese health practices. Additionally, sulfur's role in environmental discussions, especially regarding pollution, is increasingly relevant in modern China.
Memory Tip
Think of 硫 (liú) as a 'loud' sulfuric smell that can be linked to volcanic eruptions. The character has the radical 石 (stone), which can remind you of sulfur often being found in rocky areas, combined with the phonetic part 'liú' which sounds like 'loud'—making it easy to remember.
Meanings of 硫
liú(liu2)
1sulfur
2sulfur (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 硫
硫Simplified
12Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 硫
Podcast: 硫
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 硫
Usage Notes
The term 硫 is typically used in scientific or industrial contexts and is not commonly found in everyday conversation. Be aware that in chemical contexts, it may be part of compound words, such as 硫酸 (liúsuān) for sulfuric acid. The pronunciation is important; be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters.
HSK Study Tips
硫 is not included in the HSK levels but is relevant for learners interested in science and chemistry vocabulary. Focus on its usage in scientific terms and practice its pronunciation to distinguish it from other similar characters.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 硫 with similar characters like 溜 (liū), which means to slip or slide. Ensure you remember that 硫 refers specifically to sulfur, especially in scientific discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 硫
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Drill the tone of 硫 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
2The sound half㐬 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymineral
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 硫? 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 硫?
Decomposition of 硫
IDS Structure⿰石㐬
硫Full Character
=
石dan4
left
㐬liu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 硫?
How to say sulfur in Chinese
“sulfur” in Chinese is硫liú
硫 (liú) refers to sulfur, a chemical element that is essential in various chemical processes and is commonly found in nature. It is often discussed in contexts related to chemistry, environmental science, and industrial applications, particularly in relation to sulfur compounds and their uses.
When to use 硫
The term 硫 is typically used in scientific or industrial contexts and is not commonly found in everyday conversation. Be aware that in chemical contexts, it may be part of compound words, such as 硫酸 (liúsuān) for sulfuric acid. The pronunciation is important; be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 硫 with similar characters like 溜 (liū), which means to slip or slide. Ensure you remember that 硫 refers specifically to sulfur, especially in scientific discussions.
Write 硫
硫
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Practice writing 硫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 硫
硫 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
Complete the Sentence
我们想跟孩子们一起制作____酸铜晶体。
We tried to grow some copper sulphate crystals with our children.
