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March 24, 2026
金属(金屬)jīnshǔ(jin1shu3)
金属 (jīnshǔ) refers to metals, which are solid materials that are typically hard, shiny, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and various industries, this term encompasses a wide range of materials such as iron, copper, and aluminum.
Strokes20Frequency#2643DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, metals are often associated with strength and durability, playing a significant role in traditional practices like Feng Shui, where specific metals are believed to influence energy. The importance of metal in construction and technology reflects China's rapid industrialization.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny coin (representing '金', or gold) transforming into various shapes (representing '属', or category) of metals. Visualize how metals glisten under the sun, reminding you that '金属' means 'metal'.
Meanings of 金属
jīnshǔ(jin1shu3)
1metal
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 金属
金属Simplified
金屬Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2643Frequency Rank
种Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 金属
Podcast: 金属
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AI Study Notes for 金属
Quick Contrast
铁 (tiě, iron) - use 金属 (jīnshǔ) when referring to metals in general, while 铁 (tiě) specifies a particular type of metal.
Usage Notes
When using '金属', it is important to note that it is a formal term and may not be used in casual conversation about everyday objects. Avoid confusing it with '金', which specifically means 'gold'. It is commonly collocated with terms like '合金' (alloy) and '金属制品' (metal products).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '金属' connects well with other vocabulary related to materials and substances. Students should focus on understanding its use in technical contexts, such as engineering or chemistry, to enhance their comprehension of related terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '金属' with '金', mistakenly using '金属' when referring specifically to gold. For example, saying '我喜欢金属' (I like metal) when they mean '我喜欢金' (I like gold) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 金属
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How Well Do You Know 金属?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 金属 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.
金属 (jīnshǔ) refers to metals, which are solid materials that are typically hard, shiny, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and various industries, this term encompasses a wide range of materials such as iron, copper, and aluminum.
When to use 金属
When using '金属', it is important to note that it is a formal term and may not be used in casual conversation about everyday objects. Avoid confusing it with '金', which specifically means 'gold'. It is commonly collocated with terms like '合金' (alloy) and '金属制品' (metal products).
金属 or something close to it
铁 (tiě, iron) - use 金属 (jīnshǔ) when referring to metals in general, while 铁 (tiě) specifies a particular type of metal.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '金属' with '金', mistakenly using '金属' when referring specifically to gold. For example, saying '我喜欢金属' (I like metal) when they mean '我喜欢金' (I like gold) is incorrect.
Write 金属
金
属
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Grammar Patterns of 金属
金属 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
铅是早在古代就已知的____之一。
Lead was one of the metals known to the ancient world.
Due to the high density of metals, they are widely used in physics experiments.
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Cultural Notes for 金属
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, metals are usually viewed in terms of their industrial applications, whereas in Chinese culture, they can also carry symbolic meanings in terms of strength and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 金属
'金属' can be used in a sentence like '这种金属很坚硬' (This metal is very hard).
Yes, Mandarin has specific terms for various types of metals, such as '铁' (tiě) for iron and '铜' (tóng) for copper.
'金属' is more likely to be used in formal or technical discussions rather than everyday conversation.
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