Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
磺 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
huángsulphur; brimstonenz, 16 strokes, radical 石, rank #36861, Very Hard
huángsulfurunknown, 16 strokes, radical 石, rank #36861, Very Hard
huáng(huang2) T2
  1. 1sulphur; brimstone
  2. 2sulfur
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
huáng(huang2)

The character 磺 (huáng) refers to sulphur, also known as brimstone. It's commonly used in scientific contexts, such as chemistry, as well as in discussions about volcanic activity, where sulphur is often released. This character underscores the element's significance in various natural and industrial processes.

Strokes16RadicalFrequency#36861DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, sulphur has been used for its purported healing properties, particularly in treating skin conditions. Its importance in various chemical processes also ties it to historical practices in alchemy.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bright, yellow rock that looks like the sun (huáng means yellow). This yellow rock is sulphur, which often appears in volcanic areas. Picture it glowing brightly, indicating its presence in the earth's crust.

Meanings of 磺

huáng(huang2)
1sulphur; brimstone
2sulfur
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 磺

Simplified
16Strokes
Radical
其它专名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 磺

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 磺

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a bright, yellow rock that looks like the sun (huáng means yellow). This yellow rock is sulphur, which often appears in volcanic areas. Picture it glowing brightly, indicating its presence in the earth's crust.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 磺 (huáng) with 黄 (huáng), which means yellow in general. This character is typically used in more formal or scientific discussions rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include 磺矿 (sulphur mine) and 硫磺 (sulphur).

HSK Study Tips

Although 磺 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to other scientific terms within the context of chemistry, especially those involving elements. Students should focus on recognizing the radicals and components that suggest mineral or elemental meanings.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, sulphur has been used for its purported healing properties, particularly in treating skin conditions. Its importance in various chemical processes also ties it to historical practices in alchemy.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 磺 (huáng) with 黄 (huáng) due to similar pronunciation; remember that 磺 specifically refers to sulphur. Avoid saying 磺 for general 'yellow' contexts, which should be 黄.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 磺

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 磺

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A yellow 黄 mineral 石; 黄 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 磺?

Decomposition of 磺

IDS Structure⿰石黄
Full Character
=
dan4
left
Huang2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 磺?

Write 磺

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 磺

磺 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 1

Complete the Sentence

其中原料药苯丙氨酯和氯____丙脲为国内独家产品.

Among of them, Phenprobamate and Chlorpropamide are exclusive domestic products.

Example Sentences for 磺 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
其中原料药苯丙氨酯和氯磺丙脲为国内独家产品.

qí zhōng yuán liào yào běn bǐng ān zhǐ hé lǜ huáng bǐng niào wéi guó nèi dú jiā chǎn pǐn.

Among of them, Phenprobamate and Chlorpropamide are exclusive domestic products.

Cultural Notes for 磺

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, sulphur has been used for its purported healing properties, particularly in treating skin conditions. Its importance in various chemical processes also ties it to historical practices in alchemy.

Word Family of 磺

Words Containing This Character3
硫磺sulfur
huángsulfur
磺胺sulfa drugs
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 硫磺 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 磺

No, 磺 is mainly used in scientific contexts and is not commonly encountered in daily conversation.