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鈆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鈆yánlead (element)x, 12 strokes, radical 釒
鈆yánold variant of 沿[yan2]unknown, 12 strokes, radical 釒
鈆qiānlead (element)x, 12 strokes, radical 釒
鈆qiānold variant of 沿[yan2]unknown, 12 strokes, radical 釒
qiān(qian1)
primary
T1
  1. 1lead (element)
  2. 2old variant of 沿[yan2]
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鈆qiān(qian1)

The character 鈆 (qiān) refers to the element lead, a heavy metal known for its malleability and resistance to corrosion. It is less commonly used in contemporary Chinese and may appear in historical texts or discussions about chemistry and materials.

Strokes12Radical釒
Cultural Note

In ancient Chinese alchemy, metals like lead were often associated with transformation and immortality, reflecting the historical significance of metallurgy in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Visualize a heavy lead weight (representing 鈆) being pulled down by gravity. The character has components that suggest weightiness: the 'metal' radical (金) on the left indicates it is a metal, while the '千' (qiān) on the right suggests the idea of heaviness or quantity, like 'thousands' of milligrams.

Meanings of 鈆

qiān(qian1)
primary
1lead (element)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 鈆

鈆Simplified
12Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鈆

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Podcast: 鈆

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 鈆

Usage Notes

While 鈆 is technically correct for lead, it's rarely used in everyday conversation, where 铅 (qiān) is preferred. Ensure proper tonal pronunciation, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other characters.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鈆 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, students studying metals and chemical elements should focus on related terms like 铅 (lead), 铁 (iron), and 铜 (copper). Understanding the radicals in metal-related characters will enhance vocabulary retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鈆 with 铅 (qiān), using 鈆 in contexts where they should use the more common term. Always clarify if discussing lead in a chemical context, as 铅 is the standard term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鈆

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Etymology of 鈆

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

Phonosemantic compound. 釒 represents the meaning and 公 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)釒
+
Phonetic (sound)公
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 鈆

Phonosemantic compound. 釒 represents the meaning and 公 represents the sound.

  1. 1The meaning half釒 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half公 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymetal
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 鈆? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 鈆?

Decomposition of 鈆

IDS Structure⿰釒公
鈆Full Character
=
釒jin1
left
公gong1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 鈆?

How to say lead (element) in Chinese

“lead (element)” in Chinese is鈆yán

The character 鈆 (qiān) refers to the element lead, a heavy metal known for its malleability and resistance to corrosion. It is less commonly used in contemporary Chinese and may appear in historical texts or discussions about chemistry and materials.

When to use 鈆

While 鈆 is technically correct for lead, it's rarely used in everyday conversation, where 铅 (qiān) is preferred. Ensure proper tonal pronunciation, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other characters.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鈆 with 铅 (qiān), using 鈆 in contexts where they should use the more common term. Always clarify if discussing lead in a chemical context, as 铅 is the standard term.

Write 鈆

鈆

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 鈆

No, 鈆 is not commonly used today. The more frequently used character for lead is 铅 (qiān).

Jason Recommends

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Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.