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碘 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
diǎniodinen, 13 strokes, radical 石, rank #21981, Hard
diǎniodine (chemistry)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 石, rank #21981, Hard
diǎn(dian3) T3
  1. 1iodine
  2. 2iodine (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
diǎn(dian3)

碘 (diǎn) refers to iodine, a chemical element that is essential for human health, particularly in the production of thyroid hormones. It is commonly used in various applications, including medicine and photography, and is often found in iodized salt to prevent deficiencies.

Strokes13RadicalFrequency#21981DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Iodine plays a significant role in Chinese health practices, particularly in preventing goiter, which was historically common in areas with iodine-deficient soil. The promotion of iodized salt in China reflects a commitment to public health.

Memory Tip

Think of the character 碘 as a 'diamond' (the radical 碧) shining under the light, representing the important role iodine plays in health. The sound 'diǎn' can be remembered as 'dear', highlighting how dear iodine is to our health.

Meanings of 碘

diǎn(dian3)
1iodine
2iodine (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 碘

Simplified
13Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 碘

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AI Study Notes for 碘

Memory Mnemonic

Think of the character 碘 as a 'diamond' (the radical 碧) shining under the light, representing the important role iodine plays in health. The sound 'diǎn' can be remembered as 'dear', highlighting how dear iodine is to our health.

Usage Notes

碘 is primarily used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and nutrition. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words; remember that it specifically refers to iodine. It is generally used in formal contexts when discussing health or scientific topics.

HSK Study Tips

碘 is not directly included in the HSK vocabulary lists but is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above, especially those studying science. Focus on its pronunciation and usage in health-related discussions to enhance comprehension.

Cultural Note

Iodine plays a significant role in Chinese health practices, particularly in preventing goiter, which was historically common in areas with iodine-deficient soil. The promotion of iodized salt in China reflects a commitment to public health.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 碘 (diǎn) with 典 (diǎn), which means 'classic' or 'standard'. Remember that 碘 specifically refers to iodine, while 典 relates to traditional concepts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 碘

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Etymology of 碘

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

Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 典 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

mineral

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 碘?

Decomposition of 碘

IDS Structure⿰石典
Full Character
=
dan4
left
dian3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 碘?

Write 碘

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

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Grammar Patterns of 碘

碘 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

她把____酒轻搽在前额的伤口上。

She dabbed iodine on the cuts on her forehead.

Example Sentences for 碘 (2)

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1
她把碘酒轻搽在前额的伤口上。

tā bǎ diǎn jiǔ qīng chá zài qián é de shāng kǒu shàng。

She dabbed iodine on the cuts on her forehead.
2
人们有时在云里播撒碘化银,以诱使降雨.

rén mén yǒu shí zài yún lǐ bō sā diǎn huà yín, , yǐ yòu shǐ jiàng.

Clouds are sometimes seeded with silver iodide to induce precipitation.

Cultural Notes for 碘

🏮Cultural insight

Iodine plays a significant role in Chinese health practices, particularly in preventing goiter, which was historically common in areas with iodine-deficient soil. The promotion of iodized salt in China reflects a commitment to public health.

Word Family of 碘

Words Containing This Character4
diǎniodine (chemistry)
碘化钾potassium iodide碘化鉀
碘酸iodic acid
碘化银silver iodide碘化銀
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 碘 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 碘

Iodine is crucial for synthesizing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and overall health.