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钚 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
plutoniumn, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12760, Hard
plutonium (chemistry)unknown, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12760, Hard
(bu4) T4
  1. 1plutonium
  2. 2plutonium (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(鈈)(bu4)

钚 (bù) refers to plutonium, a radioactive chemical element used in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. It is primarily studied in the context of chemistry and nuclear physics. The term is mainly used in scientific discussions and literature about energy and materials.

Strokes9RadicalFrequency#12760DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Plutonium is significant in the context of China's nuclear energy policies and history, particularly during the Cold War. Understanding this term can provide insight into China's scientific advancements and energy strategies.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant 'b' for 'bomb' sitting atop a large 'u' for 'uranium' – both elements that are part of the nuclear family, with plutonium (钚) being a key member. The '钚' character visually resembles a structure with a heavy base, representing the weighty nature of plutonium.

Meanings of 钚

(bu4)
1plutonium
2plutonium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 钚

Simplified
Traditional
9Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 钚

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 钚

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant 'b' for 'bomb' sitting atop a large 'u' for 'uranium' – both elements that are part of the nuclear family, with plutonium (钚) being a key member. The '钚' character visually resembles a structure with a heavy base, representing the weighty nature of plutonium.

Usage Notes

钚 is a technical term and is usually not used in everyday conversation. It is important to use the correct pronunciation, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with similar-sounding terms. In scientific contexts, it’s often found alongside other elements like uranium (铀) and thorium (钍).

HSK Study Tips

Although 钚 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, studying it can be beneficial for students interested in advanced science topics. Connecting it with other elements can help reinforce understanding of the periodic table and chemical nomenclature.

Cultural Note

Plutonium is significant in the context of China's nuclear energy policies and history, particularly during the Cold War. Understanding this term can provide insight into China's scientific advancements and energy strategies.

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse 钚 with other similar-sounding chemical elements like 铀 (uranium) or 钍 (thorium). Always double-check the context to ensure you are using the correct term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钚

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Etymology of 钚

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 不 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鈈.

Memory Hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 钚?

Decomposition of 钚

IDS Structure⿰钅不
Full Character
=
jin1
left
bu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 钚?

Write 钚

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 钚

钚 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

工程师说____可能会开始从遭腐蚀的潜艇往外渗透。

Engineers said that plutonium could begin seeping from the corroded sub.

Example Sentences for 钚 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
工程师说钚可能会开始从遭腐蚀的潜艇往外渗透。

gōng chéng shī shuō bù kě néng huì kāi shǐ cóng zāo fǔ shí de qián tǐng wǎng wài shèn tòu。

Engineers said that plutonium could begin seeping from the corroded sub.

Cultural Notes for 钚

🏮Cultural insight

Plutonium is significant in the context of China's nuclear energy policies and history, particularly during the Cold War. Understanding this term can provide insight into China's scientific advancements and energy strategies.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, plutonium is often associated with nuclear power and warfare, while in China, it is also linked to advancements in energy technology and national pride in scientific achievements.

Word Family of 钚

Words Containing This Character1
plutonium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 钚 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 钚

Plutonium is crucial for nuclear energy and weapons, making it a key topic in discussions about energy policy and international relations.