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March 24, 2026
酮tóng(tong2)
酮 (tóng) refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms. Commonly encountered in chemistry, ketones play a significant role in various biological processes and are often involved in metabolic pathways. They are frequently discussed in the context of organic chemistry and biochemistry.
Strokes13Radical酉Frequency#9197DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of balance in bodily fluids often relates to ketones, as they can signify metabolic states like ketosis. This reflects a broader understanding of health and energy within Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ton' of sugar on a table, where the 'ton' represents the weight of the carbon atoms. The character 酮 looks like a person (the '亻' radical) enjoying a 'ton' of sweetness, reminding you of the compound related to sugars and energy.
Meanings of 酮
tóng(tong2)
1ketone
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 酮
酮Simplified
13Strokes
酉Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 酮
Podcast: 酮
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AI Study Notes for 酮
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'ton' of sugar on a table, where the 'ton' represents the weight of the carbon atoms. The character 酮 looks like a person (the '亻' radical) enjoying a 'ton' of sweetness, reminding you of the compound related to sugars and energy.
Usage Notes
While酮 is primarily used in scientific contexts, learners should be cautious with its pronunciation, as it can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is generally used in formal settings, such as academic discussions or professional chemistry. Be mindful of using the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
酮 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, but understanding it can help learners grasp more complex scientific terms. Focus on memorizing related vocabulary such as '醛' (aldehyde) and '酸' (acid), which are also organic compounds.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of balance in bodily fluids often relates to ketones, as they can signify metabolic states like ketosis. This reflects a broader understanding of health and energy within Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 酮 as 'kǒng' due to confusion with similar-sounding characters. Additionally, mixing it up with '酚' (phenol) is common, so be sure to practice distinguishing these terms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 酮
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Grammar Patterns of 酮
酮 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
解决了最初的一些问题之后，终于成功地制造出了大量丙____。
After some initial problems, acetone was successfully produced in quantity.
Example Sentences for 酮 (7)
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1
解决了最初的一些问题之后，终于成功地制造出了大量丙酮。
jiě jué le zuì chū de yī xiē wèn tí zhī hòu， ， zhōng yú chéng gōng dì zhì zào chū le dà liáng bǐng。
After some initial problems, acetone was successfully produced in quantity.
2
牛的酮病会有一种甜而令人讨厌的气味.
niú de tóng bìng huì yǒu yī zhǒng tián ér líng rén tǎo yàn de qì wèi.
There may be a sweet sickly smell of ketosis in cattle.
3
这两个氨基酸从丙酮酸获得它们的碳架.
zhè liǎng gè ān jī suān cóng bǐng tóng suān huò dé tā mén de tàn jià.
These two amino acids derive their carbon skeletons from pyruvate.
In plant cells the principal precursor of alanine , as well as leucine and valine, is pyruvate.
Cultural Notes for 酮
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of balance in bodily fluids often relates to ketones, as they can signify metabolic states like ketosis. This reflects a broader understanding of health and energy within Chinese culture.
Word Family of 酮
Words Containing This Character10
酮tóngketone
丙酮acetone CH3COCH
孕酮progesterone
醛固酮aldosterone
黄体酮progesterone黃體酮
硅酮silicone
睾丸酮testosterone
丙酮酸pyruvic acid CH3COCOOH
酮糖ketose, monosaccharide containing ketone group
核酮糖ribulose (type of sugar)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 酮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 酮
Ketones are important as an alternative energy source for the body, especially during fasting or low carbohydrate intake.
酮 is pronounced 'tóng' with a rising tone, similar to the word for 'same' (同), which can help in remembering its sound.
In moderate amounts, ketones are not harmful; however, excessive levels can lead to ketoacidosis, particularly in diabetic patients.
