HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #14168, Hard
锈
xiù
to rust
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #14168, Hard
xiù(xiu4) T4
1to corrode
2to rust
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March 24, 2026
锈(銹)xiù(xiu4)
The character 锈 (xiù) refers to rust or corrosion, typically associated with metals such as iron. It is commonly used in contexts related to deterioration or decay due to oxidation. In a metaphorical sense, it can also describe something that has become outdated or less effective over time.
Strokes12Radical钅Frequency#14168DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Rust is a common issue in China due to its humid climate, leading to frequent discussions about maintenance in construction and machinery. Understanding the concept of rust can help learners better appreciate the importance of infrastructure in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rusty old car (锈) sitting in your yard, with its metal parts covered in a reddish-brown layer. The left part of the character resembles a tool (金), which is associated with metal, while the right part (秀) sounds like 'xiù,' reminding you of how rust can make something once beautiful (秀) look neglected.
Meanings of 锈
xiù(xiu4)
1to corrode
2to rust
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锈
锈Simplified
銹Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14168Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 锈
Podcast: 锈
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AI Study Notes for 锈
Quick Contrast
锈 (rust) vs 腐蚀 (corrosion) — use 锈 specifically for rusting of metals, while 腐蚀 refers to broader chemical erosion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a rusty old car (锈) sitting in your yard, with its metal parts covered in a reddish-brown layer. The left part of the character resembles a tool (金), which is associated with metal, while the right part (秀) sounds like 'xiù,' reminding you of how rust can make something once beautiful (秀) look neglected.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 锈 with similar-sounding words. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often seen in discussions about maintenance or decay. Be cautious not to confuse it with other terms related to aging, such as 老 (lǎo), which refers to age rather than corrosion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 锈 is not in the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other words related to metals and deterioration found in HSK levels 3 and 4. Students should focus on the concept of corrosion in both literal and figurative contexts to deepen their understanding.
Cultural Note
Rust is a common issue in China due to its humid climate, leading to frequent discussions about maintenance in construction and machinery. Understanding the concept of rust can help learners better appreciate the importance of infrastructure in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 锈 in contexts unrelated to rust, such as using it to describe aging in a person. Instead, they should use 老 (lǎo) for age and reserve 锈 specifically for materials.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锈
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Grammar Patterns of 锈
锈 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 4
Complete the Sentence
不大的教堂墓地周边围着一圈生____的熟铁栅栏。
The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
Example Sentences for 锈 (10)
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1
不大的教堂墓地周边围着一圈生锈的熟铁栅栏。
bù dà de jiào táng mù dì zhōu biān wéi zháo yī quān shēng xiù de shú tiě zhà lán。
The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
2
戒指内侧有一层厚厚的锈斑。
jiè zhǐ nèi cè yǒu yī céng hòu hòu de xiù bān。
The tarnish lay thick on the inside of the ring.
3
我们多年来都开着一辆生锈的旧货车四处旅行。
wǒ mén duō nián lái dū kāi zháo yī liàng shēng xiù de jiù huò chē sì chǔ lǚ háng。
We spent years travelling around in a rusty old van.
He makes decorative vessels in copper, stainless steel and silver.
Cultural Notes for 锈
🏮Cultural insight
Rust is a common issue in China due to its humid climate, leading to frequent discussions about maintenance in construction and machinery. Understanding the concept of rust can help learners better appreciate the importance of infrastructure in Chinese society.
Word Family of 锈
Words Containing This Character8
不锈钢stainless steel不銹鋼
锈xiùto rust銹
生锈shēngxiùto rust生銹
铁锈rust鐵鏽
防锈rust prevention防銹
锈蚀rust銹蝕
锈斑rust spot鏽斑
茶锈tea stain (on the inside of a tea pot, tea cup etc)茶鏽
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 不锈钢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锈
You can say '铁锈很难清除' (Tiě xiù hěn nán qīngchú), meaning 'Rust on iron is hard to remove.'
Yes, 锈 can be used in both contexts, but it's more common in discussions about maintenance or machinery.
Yes, you can use 腐蚀 (fǔshí) to describe corrosion more generally, but 锈 specifically refers to rust.
