HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
铅
qiān
lead
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
铅
qiān
old variant of 鉛
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
铅
qiān
old variant of 鉛|铅[qian1]
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #8232, Very Hard
qiān(qian1)qian T1
1lead (chemistry)
2lead
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
铅(鈆)qiān(qian1)
铅 (qiān) refers to the chemical element lead, commonly used in batteries, radiation shielding, and previously in paints. It is important in industrial contexts, especially in metallurgy and manufacturing, but is also associated with health risks due to toxicity.
Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#8232DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
铅 has historical significance in Chinese medicine and craftsmanship, where lead was once used in traditional practices, albeit with an understanding of its dangers. This reflects a broader Chinese historical context of using various materials in arts and medicine.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 铅 as a metal that is 'lean' (qiān sounds like 'lean') and heavy. The radical 金 (metal) shows its connection to metals, while the overall structure suggests weight and density, reminiscent of lead's physical properties.
Meanings of 铅
qiān(qian1)
1lead (chemistry)
2lead
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 铅 means.
About 铅
铅Simplified
鈆Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8232Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 铅
Podcast: 铅
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AI Study Notes for 铅
Usage Notes
In formal scientific contexts, use 铅 specifically when referring to lead in chemistry. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure proper pronunciation of qiān with a high tone, distinct from qián (before).
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding 铅 enriches your knowledge of metals and materials in Chinese. Focus on its applications in everyday life and scientific discussions, connecting it with basic chemistry vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铅 with similar characters like 钱 (qián, money) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that 铅 refers specifically to lead, while 钱 refers to currency.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铅
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How Well Do You Know 铅?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 铅 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
铅 = 钅 + 几. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 铅
IDS Structure⿰钅⿱几口
铅Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
几ji1
top
口kou3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3
Parts
Which of these is part of 铅?
How to say lead (chemistry) in Chinese
“lead (chemistry)” in Chinese is铅qiān
铅 (qiān) refers to the chemical element lead, commonly used in batteries, radiation shielding, and previously in paints. It is important in industrial contexts, especially in metallurgy and manufacturing, but is also associated with health risks due to toxicity.
When to use 铅
In formal scientific contexts, use 铅 specifically when referring to lead in chemistry. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure proper pronunciation of qiān with a high tone, distinct from qián (before).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 铅 with similar characters like 钱 (qián, money) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that 铅 refers specifically to lead, while 钱 refers to currency.
Write 铅
铅
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Practice writing 铅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 铅
铅 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 4 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 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
一些最高档的酒杯是用____晶质玻璃制成的。
Some of the finest drinking glasses are made from lead crystal.
