unknown, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #18427, Very Hard
xīn(xin1) T1
1zinc
2zinc (chemistry)
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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#18427DifficultyVery Hard
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
Podcast: 锌
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AI Study Notes for 锌
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.
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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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 辛 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鋅.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half辛 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymetal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 锌? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
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?
How to say zinc in Chinese
“zinc” in Chinese is锌xīn
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.
When to use 锌
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 锌
锌
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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.
