Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
钨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钨wūtungsten, wolframn, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #51567, Very Hard
钨wūtungsten (chemistry)unknown, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #51567, Very Hard
wū(wu1) T1
  1. 1tungsten, wolfram
  2. 2tungsten (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

钨(鎢)wū(wu1)

钨 (wū) refers to the chemical element tungsten, which is a rare metal known for its high melting point and strength. It is commonly used in industrial applications such as light bulb filaments and cutting tools. The word is primarily used in scientific and technical contexts.

Strokes9Radical钅Frequency#51567DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese industry, tungsten is valued for its properties in manufacturing and technology, reflecting the country's advancements in engineering and materials science. The element is also important in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is occasionally associated with strength and resilience.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'wooly' creature (wū) that is tough and can withstand extreme heat, just like tungsten in industrial applications. The character 钨 has the radical 钅, which relates to metals, reinforcing its meaning as a metal element.

Meanings of 钨

wū(wu1)
1tungsten, wolfram
2tungsten (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 钨

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

Podcast: 钨

JasonAmy

Podcast: 钨

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 钨

Usage Notes

钨 is primarily used in formal contexts related to chemistry and industry. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding elements; ensure to remember its specific applications. It often collocates with terms like '合金' (alloy) and '金属' (metal).

HSK Study Tips

Although钨 is not included in the HSK curriculum, understanding it enriches vocabulary related to materials and elements, especially for advanced learners. Focus on the context of chemistry and industrial uses to help connect with other science-related vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 钨 as 'wǔ' instead of the correct 'wū.' Additionally, some may mistakenly use it in casual contexts; remember it is primarily for scientific discussions.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钨

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 钨 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 钨

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

metal

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 钨

  1. 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half乌 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 钨? 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 钨?

Decomposition of 钨

IDS Structure⿰钅乌
钨Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
乌Wu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 钨?

How to say tungsten, wolfram in Chinese

“tungsten, wolfram” in Chinese is钨wū

钨 (wū) refers to the chemical element tungsten, which is a rare metal known for its high melting point and strength. It is commonly used in industrial applications such as light bulb filaments and cutting tools. The word is primarily used in scientific and technical contexts.

When to use 钨

钨 is primarily used in formal contexts related to chemistry and industry. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding elements; ensure to remember its specific applications. It often collocates with terms like '合金' (alloy) and '金属' (metal).

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 钨 as 'wǔ' instead of the correct 'wū.' Additionally, some may mistakenly use it in casual contexts; remember it is primarily for scientific discussions.

Write 钨

钨

Practice writing 钨 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 钨

Words Containing This Character2
钨wūtungsten (chemistry)鎢
白钨矿scheelite白鎢礦
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 钨 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 钨

钨 is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it primarily appears in scientific and industrial discussions.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 钨?

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.