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钍 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钍tǔthoriumng, 8 strokes, radical 钅, rank #33268, Very Hard
钍tǔthorium (chemistry)unknown, 8 strokes, radical 钅, rank #33268, Very Hard
tǔ(tu3) T3
  1. 1thorium
  2. 2thorium (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

钍(釷)tǔ(tu3)

The character 钍 (tǔ) refers to thorium, a radioactive element used in nuclear reactors and as a potential energy source. It is primarily discussed in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, where discussions about rare elements and their applications take place.

Strokes8Radical钅Frequency#33268DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, thorium has been explored for use in nuclear energy, reflecting the country's emphasis on developing alternative energy sources. This ties into broader conversations about sustainability and energy policy in modern China.

Memory Tip

Think of 钍 (tǔ) as 'Thor's tool' in chemistry, where 'Thor' (the Norse god) represents strength and energy, similar to how thorium is considered a powerful energy source. The radical 钅 (metal) hints at its metallic nature.

Meanings of 钍

tǔ(tu3)
1thorium
2thorium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 钍

钍Simplified
釷Traditional
8Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 钍

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Podcast: 钍

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AI Study Notes for 钍

Usage Notes

While 钍 is a specific term used mainly in scientific circles, learners should be cautious with its pronunciation, especially the falling tone 'tǔ'. It is often used in combination with other scientific terms, such as '核能' (nuclear energy) or '元素' (element).

HSK Study Tips

Although 钍 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to the scientific terms you may encounter in advanced studies. Focus on understanding the context in which it is used in discussions about elements and their properties.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 钍 (tǔ) with similar-sounding characters like 土 (tǔ, earth) or 兔 (tù, rabbit). Make sure to remember that 钍 specifically refers to thorium, a chemical element, not something related to earth or animals.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钍

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Etymology of 钍

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

metal

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 钍

  1. 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half土 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 钍? 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 钍?

Decomposition of 钍

IDS Structure⿰钅土
钍Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
土Tu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 钍?

How to say thorium in Chinese

“thorium” in Chinese is钍tǔ

The character 钍 (tǔ) refers to thorium, a radioactive element used in nuclear reactors and as a potential energy source. It is primarily discussed in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, where discussions about rare elements and their applications take place.

When to use 钍

While 钍 is a specific term used mainly in scientific circles, learners should be cautious with its pronunciation, especially the falling tone 'tǔ'. It is often used in combination with other scientific terms, such as '核能' (nuclear energy) or '元素' (element).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 钍 (tǔ) with similar-sounding characters like 土 (tǔ, earth) or 兔 (tù, rabbit). Make sure to remember that 钍 specifically refers to thorium, a chemical element, not something related to earth or animals.

Write 钍

钍

Practice writing 钍 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 钍

Words Containing This Character1
钍tǔthorium (chemistry)釷
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 钍 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 钍

Thorium is seen as a safer alternative to uranium for nuclear reactors, with potential advantages in sustainability and waste management.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 钍?

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.