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锌 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
锌xīnzincn, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #18427, Hard
锌xīnzinc (chemistry)unknown, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #18427, Hard
xīn(xin1) T1
  1. 1zinc
  2. 2zinc (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
锌(鋅)xīn(xin1)

锌 (xīn) refers to the chemical element zinc, which is a bluish-white metal known for its resistance to corrosion. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, including galvanizing iron and in alloys, making it a significant element in both industrial and everyday contexts.

Strokes12Radical钅Frequency#18427DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, zinc is recognized for its health benefits, particularly related to immunity and skin health. Its significance in both modern science and traditional remedies highlights the integration of ancient wisdom with contemporary practices in China.

Memory Tip

Think of 锌 (xīn) as a shiny metal that 'shines' in your mind. The character has the radical 钅 (metal) which signifies that it is a metal. Imagine zinc as a superhero that protects other metals from rusting, hence 'shining' bright in the metal world.

Meanings of 锌

xīn(xin1)
1zinc
2zinc (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 锌

锌Simplified
鋅Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 锌

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Podcast: 锌

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AI Study Notes for 锌

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 锌 (xīn) as a shiny metal that 'shines' in your mind. The character has the radical 钅 (metal) which signifies that it is a metal. Imagine zinc as a superhero that protects other metals from rusting, hence 'shining' bright in the metal world.

Usage Notes

When discussing zinc in a scientific context, ensure to use the correct pronunciation xīn with the first tone. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding terms like 心 (xīn), which means 'heart.' Always practice the tone to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

锌 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it is relevant for learners interested in chemistry or industrial terminology. Students should focus on mastering the pronunciation and recognizing the radical 钅, which is common in other metal-related characters.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, zinc is recognized for its health benefits, particularly related to immunity and skin health. Its significance in both modern science and traditional remedies highlights the integration of ancient wisdom with contemporary practices in China.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 锌 (xīn) with 心 (xīn), which means 'heart.' Make sure to remember that 锌 is related to metals and chemistry. Another common mistake is mispronouncing it as 'xín' with the second tone.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 锌

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Etymology of 锌

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 辛 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鋅.

Memory Hint

metal

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 锌?

Decomposition of 锌

IDS Structure⿰钅辛
锌Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
辛Xin1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 锌?

Write 锌

锌

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

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Grammar Patterns of 锌

锌 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 5

Complete the Sentence

甜樱桃缺____比苹果缺锌更难纠正.

Zinc deficiency is more difficult to correct on sweet cherry than apple.

Example Sentences for 锌 (7)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
甜樱桃缺锌比苹果缺锌更难纠正.

tián yīng táo quē xīn bǐ píng guǒ quē xīn gēng nán jiū zhèng.

Zinc deficiency is more difficult to correct on sweet cherry than apple.
2
镀锌层是用来防止钢铁生锈的.

dù xīn céng shì yòng lái fáng zhǐ gāng tiě shēng xiù de.

A zinc coating is applied to the steel for rust protection.
3
锌素过量还经常出现铁的褪绿症.

xīn sù guò liáng huán jīng cháng chū xiàn tiě de tuì lǜ zhèng.

Excess zinc often produces iron chorosis.
4
锌置换了稀酸中的氢.

xīn zhì huàn le xī suān zhōng de qīng.

Zinc displaces the hydrogen of dilute acids.
5
黄铜是铜和锌的合金.

huáng tóng shì tóng hé xīn de hé jīn.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
6
铜和锌的熔化制成黄铜.

tóng hé xīn de róng huà zhì chéng huáng tóng.

The fusion of copper and zinc makes the metal brass.
7
锌基合金的压铸件总是在氰化镀液中镀铜.

xīn jī hé jīn de yā zhù jiàn zǒng shì zài qíng huà dù yè zhōng dù tóng.

Zinc base die castings are always copper plated in cyanide baths.

Cultural Notes for 锌

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, zinc is recognized for its health benefits, particularly related to immunity and skin health. Its significance in both modern science and traditional remedies highlights the integration of ancient wisdom with contemporary practices in China.

Word Family of 锌

Words Containing This Character3
锌xīnzinc (chemistry)鋅
镀锌galvanized鍍鋅
氯化锌zinc chloride氯化鋅
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 锌 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 锌

锌 is pronounced as xīn, with a high-level tone.