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钼 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钼mùmolybdenumng, 10 strokes, radical 钅
钼mùmolybdenum (chemistry)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅
mù(mu4)mu T4
  1. 1molybdenum
  2. 2molybdenum (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026

钼(鉬)mù(mu4)

钼 (mù) refers to the chemical element molybdenum, which is a metallic element used primarily in steel production and various alloys. It is known for its high melting point and strength, making it valuable in industrial applications, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Strokes10Radical钅
Cultural note

Molybdenum is significant in modern Chinese manufacturing and technology, reflecting China's advancements in industrial production. The element's importance in steelmaking aligns with China's status as a leading steel producer globally.

Memory tip

Imagine a strong, shiny metal that can withstand extreme heat. The character 钼 looks like a combination of metal (钅) and a 'mountain' (木) representing its strength in high-temperature environments. Picture a 'mountain of metal' to remember both its form and meaning.

Meanings of 钼

mù(mu4)
1molybdenum
2molybdenum (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 钼

钼Simplified
鉬Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 钼

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AI study notes for 钼

Usage Notes

When discussing chemistry or materials science, it's crucial to use 钼 specifically in relation to its properties. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding elements like '铝' (aluminum). Remember that it is not commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more formal.

HSK Study Tips

Although 钼 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to other chemistry-related terms you might encounter at higher levels. Focus on its usage in scientific contexts, which will enhance your understanding of specialized vocabulary in Mandarin.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 钼 as 'mǔ,' confusing it with other characters. The correct pronunciation is 'mù' with a falling tone, which is crucial in differentiating it from similar terms.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钼

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Etymology of 钼

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

metal

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

Origin

钼 = 钅 + 目. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 钼

IDS Structure⿰钅目
钼Full character
=
钅jin1
left
目mu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 钼?

How to say molybdenum in Chinese

“molybdenum” in Chinese is钼mù

钼 (mù) refers to the chemical element molybdenum, which is a metallic element used primarily in steel production and various alloys. It is known for its high melting point and strength, making it valuable in industrial applications, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries.

When to use 钼

When discussing chemistry or materials science, it's crucial to use 钼 specifically in relation to its properties. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding elements like '铝' (aluminum). Remember that it is not commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more formal.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 钼 as 'mǔ,' confusing it with other characters. The correct pronunciation is 'mù' with a falling tone, which is crucial in differentiating it from similar terms.

Write 钼

钼

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

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Word Family of 钼

Words containing this character1
钼mùmolybdenum (chemistry)鉬

Frequently asked questions about 钼

It is pronounced as 'mù', with a falling tone.

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