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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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).
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.
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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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 4 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
Complete the Sentence
壁炉台上是一对明代的青____花瓶。
On the mantelpiece are a pair of bronze Ming vases.
With almost evangelical fervour, Marks warns against deliberately seeking a tan.
4
他再次举起指挥棒，让铜管乐部加入进来。
tā zài cì jǔ qǐ zhǐ huī bàng， ， ràng tóng guǎn lè bù jiā rù jìn。
He once again raised his baton and brought in the brass.
5
它们有哑铜的，古铜的和镀银的。
tā mén yǒu yǎ tóng de， ， gǔ tóng de hé dù yín。
They are available in polished brass, antique brass or silver-plate.
6
我不愿意伸手去抓那闪亮的黄铜门环，怕把它弄脏。
wǒ bù yuàn yì shēn shǒu qù zhuā nà shǎn liàng de huáng tóng mén huán， ， pà bǎ tā nòng。
I felt loath to sully the gleaming brass knocker by handling it.
7
在那块刻有哈考特·西布利医生姓名的久经风雨的黄铜牌映衬下，门柱更增添了几分庄重。
zài nà kuài kè yǒu hā kǎo tè· · xī bù lì yī shēng xìng míng de jiǔ jīng fēng yǔ de huáng tóng pái yìng chèn， xià ， mén zhù gēng zēng tiān le jī fēn。
The gatepost was dignified by the weathered brass plate of Dr Harcourt Sibley.
8
他系着一条带大铜扣的腰带。
tā xì zháo yī tiáo dài dà tóng kòu de yāo dài。
He wore a belt with a large brass buckle.
9
30号有一扇红门和一幅铜门环.
30 30 hào yǒu yī shàn hóng mén hé yī fú tóng mén.
Number 30 has a red door and a brass knocker.
10
我数了数我的钱, 一共是两块七毛零几个铜子.
wǒ shù le shù wǒ de qián, , yī gòng shì liǎng kuài qī máo líng jī gè tóng.
I counted my money. Altogether I had two dollars and seventy some odd cents.
Cultural Notes for 铜
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 铜
Words Containing This Character18
铜tóngcopper (chemistry)銅
青铜bronze (alloy of copper 銅|铜 and tin 錫|锡[xī])青銅
铜板copper coin銅板
铜牌tóngpáibronze medal銅牌
黄铜brass (alloy of copper 銅|铜[tóng] and zinc 鋅|锌[xīn])黃銅
古铜色bronze color古銅色
铜矿copper mine銅礦
铜像bronze statue銅像
青铜器bronze implement青銅器
铜管brass instrument (music)銅管
铜器copper ware銅器
铜墙铁壁copper wall, iron bastion (idiom); impenetrable defense銅牆鐵壁
铜锣Tongluo or Tunglo township in Miaoli county 苗栗縣|苗栗县[Miáolìxiàn], northwest Taiwan銅鑼
铜仁Tongren city and prefecture in Guizhou銅仁
铜陵Tongling prefecture level city and county in Anhui銅陵
铜鼓bronze drum銅鼓
铜仁地区Tongren prefecture in Guizhou銅仁地區
铜川Tongchuan prefecture level city in Shaanxi銅川
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 铜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 铜
铜 (tóng) is copper, while 锡 (xī) refers to tin. They are different metals with distinct properties and uses.
You would say '铜线' (tóngxiàn), with '线' meaning 'wire'.
Yes, it can be used in discussions about metals, cooking utensils, and even in historical contexts.
