Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
化学 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
化学
huàxué
chemistry
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #3477, Hard
化学
huàxué
chemical
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #3477, Hard
huàxué(hua4xue2)hua xue T4
1chemistry
2chemical
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
化学(化學)huàxué(hua4xue2)
化学 (huàxué) refers to the scientific study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. It is commonly used in academic contexts, especially in high school and university settings, where chemistry is a crucial subject. The term can also refer to anything related to chemical processes or substances in daily life.
Strokes12Frequency#3477DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In China, chemistry plays a significant role in education, with a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. The importance of chemistry is reflected in the country's advancements in industries such as pharmaceuticals and materials science.
Memory tip
Think of 化 (huà) as a 'transformation' and 学 (xué) as 'learning'—together, they depict the process of learning about transformations in matter. Visualize a scientist in a lab watching colorful reactions that change substances, solidifying the connection to chemistry.
Meanings of 化学
huàxué(hua4xue2)
1chemistry
2chemical
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 化学 means.
About 化学
化学Simplified
化學Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3477Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 化学
Podcast: 化学
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 化学
Quick Contrast
化学 (chemistry) vs 物理 (physics) — choose 化学 when discussing the study of matter and its changes, while 物理 pertains to the study of forces and energy.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 化学 with related fields like 物理学 (wùlǐxué, physics) or 生物学 (shēngwùxué, biology). Use 化学 in formal educational contexts, and be mindful of the tone: the fourth tone on 化 and the second tone on 学 are crucial for clarity.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 term, 化学 connects with other scientific vocabulary. Students should focus on the components of the word and its practical applications in discussions about science. It may also appear in texts about education and career paths in the sciences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the tones and mispronounce 化学 as 'huaxue' without tonal emphasis. It is important to practice the correct tones: 化 (huà) is fourth tone, and 学 (xué) is second tone.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 化学
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 化学, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 化学 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 化学?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 化学 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
化学 (huàxué) refers to the scientific study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. It is commonly used in academic contexts, especially in high school and university settings, where chemistry is a crucial subject. The term can also refer to anything related to chemical processes or substances in daily life.
When to use 化学
A common mistake is confusing 化学 with related fields like 物理学 (wùlǐxué, physics) or 生物学 (shēngwùxué, biology). Use 化学 in formal educational contexts, and be mindful of the tone: the fourth tone on 化 and the second tone on 学 are crucial for clarity.
化学 or something close to it
化学 (chemistry) vs 物理 (physics) — choose 化学 when discussing the study of matter and its changes, while 物理 pertains to the study of forces and energy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often forget the tones and mispronounce 化学 as 'huaxue' without tonal emphasis. It is important to practice the correct tones: 化 (huà) is fourth tone, and 学 (xué) is second tone.
Write 化学
化
学
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 化学 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 化学
化学 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.
