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锰 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
měngmanganesen, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #40591, Very Hard
měngmanganese (chemistry)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #40591, Very Hard
měng(meng3) T3
  1. 1manganese
  2. 2manganese (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(錳)měng(meng3)

锰 (měng) refers to the chemical element manganese, which is a transition metal commonly used in steel production and other industrial applications. In chemistry, it is known for its important role as an alloying agent and for its various oxidation states. This character is often encountered in scientific and technical contexts.

Strokes13RadicalFrequency#40591DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, manganese is important for the steel industry, which is a key part of the country's economic growth. The mining and production of manganese ores have historical significance in certain regions, influencing local economies.

Memory Tip

Imagine a strong man (sounds like 'mêng') lifting a heavy metal, representing manganese (锰). The character 锰 has the component 钅, which signifies metal, and the phonetic element 亘, hinting at its strength and industrial significance.

Meanings of 锰

měng(meng3)
1manganese
2manganese (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 锰

Simplified
Traditional
13Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 锰

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 锰

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a strong man (sounds like 'mêng') lifting a heavy metal, representing manganese (锰). The character 锰 has the component 钅, which signifies metal, and the phonetic element 亘, hinting at its strength and industrial significance.

Usage Notes

锰 is primarily used in technical or scientific discussions, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include '锰矿' (manganese ore) and '锰合金' (manganese alloy). Be careful with the tone; the correct pronunciation is with the third tone, 'měng', which can be confused with other similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 锰 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for learners interested in science-related fields. Students should focus on understanding its usage in chemical contexts and how it relates to other metals and elements they may encounter.

Cultural Note

In China, manganese is important for the steel industry, which is a key part of the country's economic growth. The mining and production of manganese ores have historical significance in certain regions, influencing local economies.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 锰 with similar-sounding characters like 孟 (mèng, a surname). Additionally, some may mispronounce it as 'máng' instead of the correct 'měng'. Always remember the third tone for accurate pronunciation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 锰

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Etymology of 锰

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

metal

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 锰?

Decomposition of 锰

IDS Structure⿰钅孟
Full Character
=
jin1
left
Meng4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 锰?

Write 锰

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

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Grammar Patterns of 锰

锰 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 1

Complete the Sentence

这种材料是一种叫做镓____砷化物的东东.

The material is a semiconductor called gallium manganese arsenide.

Example Sentences for 锰 (1)

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1
这种材料是一种叫做镓锰砷化物的东东.

zhè zhǒng cái liào shì yī zhǒng jiào zuò jiā měng shēn huà wù de dōng dōng.

The material is a semiconductor called gallium manganese arsenide.

Cultural Notes for 锰

🏮Cultural insight

In China, manganese is important for the steel industry, which is a key part of the country's economic growth. The mining and production of manganese ores have historical significance in certain regions, influencing local economies.

Word Family of 锰

Words Containing This Character4
měngmanganese (chemistry)
高锰酸钾potassium permanganate高錳酸鉀
二氧化锰manganese(iv) oxide二氧化錳
锰结核manganese nodule錳結核
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 锰 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 锰

锰 means manganese, a chemical element used in various industrial applications.