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March 24, 2026
磁cí(ci2)
The character 磁 (cí) primarily refers to anything related to magnetism, including magnets themselves and magnetic properties. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as physics, to describe magnetic fields or materials. Additionally, it can refer to porcelain, highlighting its use in certain ceramic contexts.
Strokes14Radical石Frequency#9722DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, porcelain has a rich history and is often associated with crafts and trade. The term 磁 reflects both an appreciation for materials like porcelain and the scientific advancements in understanding magnetism in modern China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'magnet' that is shaped like a piece of porcelain. The character 磁 has the radical 石 (stone) which suggests something solid like a magnet or porcelain. Picture a porcelain magnet holding metal items together with its strong magnetic force, reinforcing the sound 'cí'.
Meanings of 磁
cí(ci2)
1magnetic
2magnetism
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 磁
磁Simplified
14Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9722Frequency Rank
Podcast: 磁
Podcast: 磁
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AI Study Notes for 磁
Quick Contrast
磁 (cí) vs 磨 (mó) — use 磁 for magnetic properties, while 磨 refers to grinding or polishing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'magnet' that is shaped like a piece of porcelain. The character 磁 has the radical 石 (stone) which suggests something solid like a magnet or porcelain. Picture a porcelain magnet holding metal items together with its strong magnetic force, reinforcing the sound 'cí'.
Usage Notes
When using 磁, it's important to distinguish between its meanings depending on context, such as magnetism in science versus porcelain in ceramics. Common collocations include 磁场 (magnetic field) and 磁铁 (magnet). Be mindful of the fourth tone when pronouncing the word to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding terms.
HSK Study Tips
Although 磁 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it is beneficial for learners to connect it with other HSK words related to science, such as 力 (lì, force) and 物理 (wùlǐ, physics). Students should focus on recognizing its use in technical language as they progress.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, porcelain has a rich history and is often associated with crafts and trade. The term 磁 reflects both an appreciation for materials like porcelain and the scientific advancements in understanding magnetism in modern China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 磁 with other similar-sounding characters like 词 (cí, word) due to the tonal differences. A common mistake would be saying 磁 with a second tone instead of the correct fourth tone, which changes the meaning entirely.
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Pronunciation of 磁
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Grammar Patterns of 磁
磁 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 3 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 5
Complete the Sentence
她塞给我十几盒____带。
She loaded me down with around a dozen cassettes.
Example Sentences for 磁 (10)
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1
她塞给我十几盒磁带。
tā sāi gěi wǒ shí jī hé cí dài。
She loaded me down with around a dozen cassettes.
2
我认为你并没想过要把磁带换一面，是吗？
wǒ rèn wéi nǐ bìng méi xiǎng guò yào bǎ cí dài huàn yī miàn， ， shì？
I don't suppose you thought to turn over the tape, did you?
3
寄一盘新磁带过去不合算。
jì yī pán xīn cí dài guò qù bù hé suàn。
It would be uneconomical to send a brand new tape.
Each pack contains a book and accompa - nying cassette.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
She loaded me down with around a dozen cassettes.
Tap tokens to build the sentence
Cultural Notes for 磁
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, porcelain has a rich history and is often associated with crafts and trade. The term 磁 reflects both an appreciation for materials like porcelain and the scientific advancements in understanding magnetism in modern China.
Word Family of 磁
Words Containing This Character20
磁címagnetic
磁带cídàimagnetic tape磁帶
电磁electromagnetic電磁
核磁共振nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
磁场magnetic field磁場
磁性magnetic
磁铁magnet磁鐵
磁盘cípán(computer) disk磁盤
电磁波electromagnetic wave電磁波
磁悬浮maglev磁懸浮
磁力magnetic
电磁场electromagnetic fields電磁場
磁石magnet
磁共振magnetic resonance
磁卡cíkǎmagnetic card
磁碟(magnetic) computer disk (hard disk or floppy)
磁浮maglev (type of train)
磁化to magnetize
永磁permanent magnetism
磁头magnetic head (of a tape recorder etc)磁頭
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 磁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 磁
In everyday conversation, 磁 usually refers to magnetic properties or items like magnets, but it can also refer to porcelain in specific contexts.
The correct pronunciation is 'cí', with a rising tone. Make sure to emphasize the fourth tone to differentiate it from other similar characters.
Yes, while it primarily describes magnetic properties, 磁 can also refer to porcelain in artistic or culinary discussions.
