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铂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
铂bóplatinum; thin sheet metaln, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #21476, Very Hard
铂bóplatinum (chemistry)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #21476, Very Hard
bó(bo2)bo T2
  1. 1platinum; thin sheet metal
  2. 2platinum (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026

铂(鉑)bó(bo2)

铂 (bó) refers to platinum, a precious metal known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It is commonly used in jewelry, catalytic converters, and various industrial applications due to its valuable properties. The term can also refer to thin sheets of metal, highlighting its versatility in different contexts.

Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#21476DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, platinum is associated with luxury and high status, often given as gifts during significant life events such as weddings and anniversaries. Its use in jewelry highlights its cultural significance as a symbol of wealth and durability.

Memory tip

Think of the character 铂 as a shiny piece of platinum. The left radical, 金 (jīn), means 'metal' and hints at the material. Imagine a 'bowl' (sounds like 'bó') made of this precious metal, glistening in the light, to help you remember both the sound and meaning.

Meanings of 铂

bó(bo2)
1platinum; thin sheet metal
2platinum (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 铂

铂Simplified
鉑Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 铂

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Podcast: 铂

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AI study notes for 铂

Usage Notes

铂 is typically used in contexts involving chemistry or high-value materials, so it is more formal and technical. Common mistakes include confusing it with related metals like 银 (yín, silver) and gold (金, jīn). Be careful with pronunciation; ensure you articulate the tone correctly.

HSK Study Tips

Although 铂 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other metal-related terms like 铜 (tóng, copper) and 铁 (tiě, iron) which are at HSK Level 1 and 2. Students should focus on understanding the context of metals in both everyday and technical language.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly pronounce 铂 with a flat tone, saying 'bo' instead of the correct rising tone 'bó'. Another mistake is using it interchangeably with 银, which refers to silver, not platinum.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 铂

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Etymology of 铂

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 白 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鉑.

Memory hint

metal

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

Origin

铂 = 钅 + 白. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 铂

IDS Structure⿰钅白
铂Full character
=
钅jin1
left
白Bai2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 铂?

How to say platinum; thin sheet metal in Chinese

“platinum; thin sheet metal” in Chinese is铂bó

铂 (bó) refers to platinum, a precious metal known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It is commonly used in jewelry, catalytic converters, and various industrial applications due to its valuable properties. The term can also refer to thin sheets of metal, highlighting its versatility in different contexts.

When to use 铂

铂 is typically used in contexts involving chemistry or high-value materials, so it is more formal and technical. Common mistakes include confusing it with related metals like 银 (yín, silver) and gold (金, jīn). Be careful with pronunciation; ensure you articulate the tone correctly.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly pronounce 铂 with a flat tone, saying 'bo' instead of the correct rising tone 'bó'. Another mistake is using it interchangeably with 银, which refers to silver, not platinum.

Write 铂

铂

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

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Grammar patterns of 铂

铂 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 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

通常与金混合的金属有镍 、 ____和铜.

Metals commonly mixed with gold are nickel, platinum, and copper.

Example sentences for 铂 (2)

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1
通常与金混合的金属有镍 、 铂和铜.

tōngcháng yǔ jīn hùnhé de jīnshǔ yǒu niè、 bó hé tóng.

Metals commonly mixed with gold are nickel, platinum, and copper.
2
而受逢低买盘支撑, 铂金价格也扩大涨幅.

ér shòu féng dī mǎi pán zhīchēng, bó jīn jiàgé yě kuòdà zhǎngfú.

The support bargain hunting, platinum prices rose to expand.

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Word Family of 铂

Words containing this character1
铂bóplatinum (chemistry)鉑

Frequently asked questions about 铂

铂 is specifically platinum, which is more durable and resistant to tarnish compared to 银 (silver) and 金 (gold).

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