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磁 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
磁
cí
magnetic
n, 14 strokes, radical 石, rank #9722, Very Hard
磁
cí
magnetism
n, 14 strokes, radical 石, rank #9722, Very Hard
磁
cí
porcelain
n, 14 strokes, radical 石, rank #9722, Very Hard
cí(ci2)ci T2
1magnetic
2magnetism
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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#9722DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 磁 means.
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.
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.
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 磁
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 磁 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.
磁 = 石 + 兹. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 磁
IDS Structure⿰石兹
磁Full character
=
石dan4
left
兹zi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 磁?
How to say magnetic in Chinese
“magnetic” in Chinese is磁cí
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.
When to use 磁
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.
磁 or something close to it
磁 (cí) vs 磨 (mó) — use 磁 for magnetic properties, while 磨 refers to grinding or polishing.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 磁
磁
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Practice writing 磁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
