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鈾 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鈾yóuuraniumx, 13 strokes, radical 釒
yóu(you2) T2
  1. 1uranium
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鈾yóu(you2)

鈾 (yóu) refers to uranium, a radioactive element that has significant applications in nuclear energy and weaponry. It is primarily used in power generation and is a subject of international regulations due to its potential for both energy production and nuclear proliferation.

Strokes13Radical釒
Cultural Note

Uranium is significant in China’s energy policy, especially as the country invests in nuclear power to address its growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. This reflects China's approach to balancing economic growth with environmental concerns.

Memory Tip

Think of 鈾 as a 'yow' (sounds like 'yóu') moment when you realize that uranium is a heavy metal, represented by the metal radical 鈿 (which resembles a shiny, heavy object) combined with the character for 'to swim' '游'. Imagine a heavy swimmer diving into an energy pool, representing uranium’s role in nuclear energy.

Meanings of 鈾

yóu(you2)
1uranium
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 鈾

鈾Simplified
13Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鈾

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Podcast: 鈾

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AI Study Notes for 鈾

Usage Notes

While discussing uranium, ensure you use the correct context, as it can refer to both the element and its various applications. In formal discussions, especially regarding nuclear energy, it's essential to use the term with precise technical language to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鈾 is not included in the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects to advanced scientific terms and discussions. Students at higher levels should focus on related vocabulary in nuclear science and environmental discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 鈾 with other similar characters, leading to incorrect meanings or contexts. For instance, saying '鈾' when referring to gold (金) would be incorrect; always ensure you're discussing the right element.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鈾

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Etymology of 鈾

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 由 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鈾.

Memory Hint

metal

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 鈾

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 由 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鈾.

  1. 1The meaning half釒 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half由 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 鈾? 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 鈾?

Decomposition of 鈾

IDS Structure⿰釒由
鈾Full Character
=
釒jin1
left
由you2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 鈾?

How to say uranium in Chinese

“uranium” in Chinese is鈾yóu

鈾 (yóu) refers to uranium, a radioactive element that has significant applications in nuclear energy and weaponry. It is primarily used in power generation and is a subject of international regulations due to its potential for both energy production and nuclear proliferation.

When to use 鈾

While discussing uranium, ensure you use the correct context, as it can refer to both the element and its various applications. In formal discussions, especially regarding nuclear energy, it's essential to use the term with precise technical language to avoid misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 鈾 with other similar characters, leading to incorrect meanings or contexts. For instance, saying '鈾' when referring to gold (金) would be incorrect; always ensure you're discussing the right element.

Write 鈾

鈾

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 鈾

Words Containing This Character3
铀yóuTaiwan pr. [yòu]鈾
浓缩铀enriched uranium濃縮鈾
沥青铀矿pitchblende (uranium ore)瀝青鈾礦
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 铀 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 鈾

Uranium is crucial for China’s nuclear energy program, aimed at providing a cleaner energy source and reducing reliance on coal.

Jason Recommends

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