unknown, 14 strokes, radical 钅, rank #24367, Very Hard
dù(du4) T4
1to plate, to gild, to coat
2-plated
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March 24, 2026
镀(鍍)dù(du4)
The character 镀 (dù) refers to the process of coating a surface with a layer of metal, often for decorative or protective purposes. Commonly used in contexts like jewelry, electronics, and manufacturing, it signifies the application of a metallic finish to enhance appearance or durability.
Strokes14Radical钅Frequency#24367DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of gold plating is often associated with wealth and luxury, especially in traditional jewelry. This practice reflects the value placed on aesthetics and craftsmanship in Chinese art.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny plate of gold (镀) being applied to an object. The character itself has the radical for metal (金) on the left, suggesting its connection to metallic coatings, while the right side gives a sense of the action of applying or plating.
Meanings of 镀
dù(du4)
1to plate, to gild, to coat
2-plated
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 镀
镀Simplified
鍍Traditional
14Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 镀
Podcast: 镀
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AI Study Notes for 镀
Quick Contrast
镀 (dù) vs 涂 (tú) — use 镀 when referring specifically to metal coating, whereas 涂 is for applying paint or other substances.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shiny plate of gold (镀) being applied to an object. The character itself has the radical for metal (金) on the left, suggesting its connection to metallic coatings, while the right side gives a sense of the action of applying or plating.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 镀 is a technical term more frequently used in formal contexts, especially in manufacturing or engineering. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 涂 (tú), which means to paint or apply a coating that is not metallic.
HSK Study Tips
Since 镀 is not commonly found in HSK vocabulary, focus on related terms that include metal-related characters, like 金 (jīn, gold) and 铁 (tiě, iron). This will help reinforce understanding of the context in which 镀 is used.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of gold plating is often associated with wealth and luxury, especially in traditional jewelry. This practice reflects the value placed on aesthetics and craftsmanship in Chinese art.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 镀 to describe painting or applying non-metallic coatings. For example, saying '我会镀这幅画' (wǒ huì dù zhè fú huà) is incorrect; it should be '我会涂这幅画' (wǒ huì tú zhè fú huà).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 镀
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Grammar Patterns of 镀
镀 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
它们有哑铜的，古铜的和____银的。
They are available in polished brass, antique brass or silver-plate.
Example Sentences for 镀 (10)
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1
它们有哑铜的，古铜的和镀银的。
tā mén yǒu yǎ tóng de， ， gǔ tóng de hé dù yín。
They are available in polished brass, antique brass or silver-plate.
Zinc base die castings are always copper plated in cyanide baths.
Cultural Notes for 镀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the use of gold plating is often associated with wealth and luxury, especially in traditional jewelry. This practice reflects the value placed on aesthetics and craftsmanship in Chinese art.
Word Family of 镀
Words Containing This Character5
镀dù-plated鍍
电镀electroplating電鍍
镀金to gild鍍金
镀锌galvanized鍍鋅
镀银silver-plated鍍銀
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 镀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 镀
镀 refers specifically to the process of plating or coating with metal, often seen in industries rather than everyday conversation.
镀 is primarily a technical term and is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions.
No, 镀 specifically refers to metal coatings; for non-metal coatings, terms like 涂 (tú) are more appropriate.
