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March 24, 2026
铜(銅)tóng(tong2)
铜 (tóng) refers to the chemical element copper, which is a reddish-brown metal known for its conductivity and malleability. It is commonly used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and coins. In broader contexts, it can also refer to bronze, an alloy of copper.
Strokes11Radical钅Frequency#7797DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Copper holds historical significance in China, where it was extensively used in ancient coinage and tools. The phrase '铜器时代' (tóngqì shídài, the bronze age) reflects its importance in Chinese civilization.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny, reddish-brown coin that glistens in the sunlight, representing copper. The character 铜 is composed of the metal radical (金) on the left, indicating it is a metal, and the phonetic component (同) on the right, linking it to the sound 'tóng'. Picture a group of identical coins (同) made of copper.
Meanings of 铜
tóng(tong2)
1copper (chemistry)
2copper, bronze
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 铜 means.
About 铜
铜Simplified
銅Traditional
11Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7797Frequency Rank
块Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 铜
Podcast: 铜
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AI Study Notes for 铜
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 铜 with similar-sounding characters, like 同 (tóng), which means 'same'. 铜 is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in discussions about materials or chemistry. Students should pay attention to the tone, ensuring they pronounce it as tóng (second tone).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 铜 connects to themes of chemistry and materials, making it relevant for students exploring technical vocabulary. Focus on its usage in scientific contexts and collocations such as 铜器 (tóngqì, copper utensils) or 铜矿 (tóngkuàng, copper mine).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铜 with the character for 'same' (同). For example, saying '我喜欢同' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) instead of '我喜欢铜' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) when referring to copper. Always ensure you are using the correct character for the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铜
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How Well Do You Know 铜?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 铜 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.
铜 = 钅 + 同. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 铜
IDS Structure⿰钅同
铜Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
同tong2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 铜?
How to say copper (chemistry) in Chinese
“copper (chemistry)” in Chinese is铜tóng
铜 (tóng) refers to the chemical element copper, which is a reddish-brown metal known for its conductivity and malleability. It is commonly used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and coins. In broader contexts, it can also refer to bronze, an alloy of copper.
When to use 铜
A common mistake is confusing 铜 with similar-sounding characters, like 同 (tóng), which means 'same'. 铜 is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in discussions about materials or chemistry. Students should pay attention to the tone, ensuring they pronounce it as tóng (second tone).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 铜 with the character for 'same' (同). For example, saying '我喜欢同' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) instead of '我喜欢铜' (wǒ xǐhuān tóng) when referring to copper. Always ensure you are using the correct character for the intended meaning.
Write 铜
铜
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Practice writing 铜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 铜
铜 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
壁炉台上是一对明代的青____花瓶。
On the mantelpiece are a pair of bronze Ming vases.
