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钻石 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钻石zuànshídiamondHSK 7, n, 15 strokes, rank #2154, Very Hard
zuànshí(zuan4shi2)zuan shi T4
  1. 1diamond
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March 24, 2026

钻石(鑽石)zuànshí(zuan4shi2)

钻石 (zuànshí) refers to a diamond, which is a precious gemstone known for its brilliance and hardness. Commonly used in jewelry, diamonds symbolize wealth, status, and love, particularly in engagement rings. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something very valuable or exceptional.

Strokes15Frequency#2154DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, diamonds are often associated with love and commitment, particularly in the context of marriage proposals. The phrase '一生一世' (one life, one world) is commonly used to express the sentiment behind giving a diamond ring.

Memory tip

Imagine a '钻' (drill) that '石' (rocks) through tough surfaces, just like a diamond cuts through everything. The sound 'zuan' is like a buzzing drill, emphasizing the strength and value of diamonds.

Meanings of 钻石

zuànshí(zuan4shi2)
1diamond
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 钻石

钻石Simplified
鑽石Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2154Frequency Rank
颗Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 钻石

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Podcast: 钻石

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AI study notes for 钻石

Quick Contrast

宝石 (bǎoshí) - use 钻石 (zuànshí) specifically for diamonds, while 宝石 (bǎoshí) is a general term for gemstones.

Usage Notes

Be careful when using 钻石 in informal contexts, as it may be too formal when discussing jewelry casually. It's often used in phrases like '钻石戒指' (diamond ring) or '投资钻石' (invest in diamonds). Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing the characters to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 钻石 is useful for discussing topics related to luxury, wealth, and relationships. Students should also familiarize themselves with related vocabulary like '宝石' (gemstone) and expressions involving value and beauty.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 钻石 with other gemstones, such as 宝石 (gemstone) or 水晶 (crystal). For example, saying '我喜欢水晶' (I like diamonds) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢钻石'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钻石

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Component characters

钻zuānan auger
HSK 610 strokes钅
View full entry
石dàndry measure for grain equal to ten dou 斗
5 strokes石
View full entry

How to say diamond in Chinese

“diamond” in Chinese is钻石zuànshí

钻石 (zuànshí) refers to a diamond, which is a precious gemstone known for its brilliance and hardness. Commonly used in jewelry, diamonds symbolize wealth, status, and love, particularly in engagement rings. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something very valuable or exceptional.

When to use 钻石

Be careful when using 钻石 in informal contexts, as it may be too formal when discussing jewelry casually. It's often used in phrases like '钻石戒指' (diamond ring) or '投资钻石' (invest in diamonds). Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing the characters to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

钻石 or something close to it

宝石 (bǎoshí) - use 钻石 (zuànshí) specifically for diamonds, while 宝石 (bǎoshí) is a general term for gemstones.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 钻石 with other gemstones, such as 宝石 (gemstone) or 水晶 (crystal). For example, saying '我喜欢水晶' (I like diamonds) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢钻石'.

Write 钻石

钻
石

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

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Grammar patterns of 钻石

钻石 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.

____切割靠的是工匠的技艺。

The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.

Example sentences for 钻石 (10)

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1
钻石切割靠的是工匠的技艺。

zuànshí qiēgē kào de shì gōngjiàng de jìyì。

The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.
2
有人偷了某个影星的钻石了吗?

yǒurén tōu le mǒu gè yǐngxīng de zuànshí le ma?

Has somebody helped himself to some film star's diamonds?
3
有些人喜欢穿貂皮大衣,戴钻石首饰。

yǒuxiē rén xǐhuan chuān diāo pí dàyī, dài zuànshí shǒushì。

Some people like to dress up in minks and diamonds.
4
德斯蒙德不相信那钻石是真的。

dé Sī mēng dé bù xiāngxìn nà zuànshí shì zhēnde。

Desmond did not believe the diamond was real.
5
他们被满橱窗陈列的钻石和皮草弄得眼花缭乱。

tāmen bèi mǎn chúchuāng chénliè de zuànshí hé pí cǎo nòng de yǎn huā liáo luàn。

They were dazed by window displays dripping with diamonds and furs.
6
妮科尔很喜欢戴她的钻石首饰,即使穿的是牛仔裤和白色T恤衫。

nī kē ěr hěn xǐhuan dài tā de zuànshí shǒushì, jíshǐ chuān de shì niúzǎikù hé báisèT xù shān。

Nicole loves wearing her diamonds, even with jeans and a white T-shirt.
7
黑钻石滑道

hēi zuànshí huá dào

a black diamond run
8
他们正在期待一包来自南非的贵重钻石.

tāmen zhèngzài qīdài yī bāo láizì nán fēi de guìzhòng zuànshí.

They were expecting a valuable parcel of diamonds from South Africa.
9
镶满钻石的王冠

xiāng mǎn zuànshí de wáng guān

a crown encrusted with diamonds
10
经过充分切刻的光彩夺目的钻石有68个小平面.

jīngguò chōngfèn qiē kè de guāngcǎi duó mùdì zuànshí yǒu68 gè xiǎo píngmiàn.

A fully cut brilliant diamond has 68 facets.

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Frequently asked questions about 钻石

钻石 specifically refers to diamonds, while 宝石 is a general term for gemstones, which can include other types like rubies and sapphires.

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