unknown, 18 strokes, radical 钅, rank #20510, Very Hard
léi(lei2) T2
1radium
2radium (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
镭(鐳)léi(lei2)
镭 (léi) refers to radium, a radioactive element used in various scientific and medical applications. It is primarily noted in the context of chemistry and physics, particularly when discussing radioactive materials or elements on the periodic table.
Strokes18Radical钅Frequency#20510DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Radium has historical significance in China, particularly in the context of medicine and the development of early radiotherapy practices. Its discovery and use have influenced both scientific advancement and health treatments.
Memory Tip
Think of 镭 (léi) as '雷' (thunder) with a twist—imagine the powerful energy of thunder connecting to the radioactive energy of radium. The character's metal radical '金' hints at its chemical nature, while the sound 'léi' can remind you of 'lightning'—both are associated with energy.
Meanings of 镭
léi(lei2)
1radium
2radium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 镭
镭Simplified
鐳Traditional
18Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 镭
Podcast: 镭
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AI Study Notes for 镭
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 镭 (léi) as '雷' (thunder) with a twist—imagine the powerful energy of thunder connecting to the radioactive energy of radium. The character's metal radical '金' hints at its chemical nature, while the sound 'léi' can remind you of 'lightning'—both are associated with energy.
Usage Notes
When discussing radium, it’s important to use the term in scientific contexts rather than everyday conversation, as it is a technical term. Be cautious with the pronunciation; the 'léi' tone can be confused with other tones, leading to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 镭 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be a useful addition for learners interested in chemistry. Connecting it with other elements like 氢 (qīng, hydrogen) or 氧 (yǎng, oxygen) may help reinforce vocabulary related to the periodic table.
Cultural Note
Radium has historical significance in China, particularly in the context of medicine and the development of early radiotherapy practices. Its discovery and use have influenced both scientific advancement and health treatments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 镭 (radium) with similar sounding words like 雷 (thunder) due to their phonetic similarities. Remember that 镭 specifically refers to the chemical element, while 雷 is about weather phenomena.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 镭
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Cultural Notes for 镭
🏮Cultural insight
Radium has historical significance in China, particularly in the context of medicine and the development of early radiotherapy practices. Its discovery and use have influenced both scientific advancement and health treatments.
Word Family of 镭
Words Containing This Character2
镭léiradium (chemistry)鐳
镭射laser (loanword)鐳射
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 镭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 镭
Radium is significant due to its radioactive properties, which have been utilized in cancer treatments and scientific research.
It is pronounced 'léi' with a rising tone, similar to the sound of 'lay' in English.
No, 镭 is primarily used in scientific contexts and is not common in everyday conversation.
