HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #14168, Very Hard
锈
xiù
to rust
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #14168, Very Hard
xiù(xiu4) T4
1to corrode
2to rust
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March 24, 2026
锈(銹)xiù(xiu4)
The character 锈 (xiù) refers to rust or corrosion, typically associated with metals such as iron. It is commonly used in contexts related to deterioration or decay due to oxidation. In a metaphorical sense, it can also describe something that has become outdated or less effective over time.
Strokes12Radical钅Frequency#14168DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Rust is a common issue in China due to its humid climate, leading to frequent discussions about maintenance in construction and machinery. Understanding the concept of rust can help learners better appreciate the importance of infrastructure in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rusty old car (锈) sitting in your yard, with its metal parts covered in a reddish-brown layer. The left part of the character resembles a tool (金), which is associated with metal, while the right part (秀) sounds like 'xiù,' reminding you of how rust can make something once beautiful (秀) look neglected.
Meanings of 锈
xiù(xiu4)
1to corrode
2to rust
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锈
锈Simplified
銹Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14168Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 锈
Podcast: 锈
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AI Study Notes for 锈
Quick Contrast
锈 (rust) vs 腐蚀 (corrosion) — use 锈 specifically for rusting of metals, while 腐蚀 refers to broader chemical erosion.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 锈 with similar-sounding words. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often seen in discussions about maintenance or decay. Be cautious not to confuse it with other terms related to aging, such as 老 (lǎo), which refers to age rather than corrosion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 锈 is not in the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other words related to metals and deterioration found in HSK levels 3 and 4. Students should focus on the concept of corrosion in both literal and figurative contexts to deepen their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 锈 in contexts unrelated to rust, such as using it to describe aging in a person. Instead, they should use 老 (lǎo) for age and reserve 锈 specifically for materials.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锈
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 秀 represents the sound. Simplified form of 銹.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half秀 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymetal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 锈? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 锈?
Decomposition of 锈
IDS Structure⿰钅秀
锈Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
秀xiu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 锈?
How to say to corrode in Chinese
“to corrode” in Chinese is锈xiù
The character 锈 (xiù) refers to rust or corrosion, typically associated with metals such as iron. It is commonly used in contexts related to deterioration or decay due to oxidation. In a metaphorical sense, it can also describe something that has become outdated or less effective over time.
When to use 锈
Learners often confuse 锈 with similar-sounding words. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often seen in discussions about maintenance or decay. Be cautious not to confuse it with other terms related to aging, such as 老 (lǎo), which refers to age rather than corrosion.
锈 or something close to it
锈 (rust) vs 腐蚀 (corrosion) — use 锈 specifically for rusting of metals, while 腐蚀 refers to broader chemical erosion.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 锈 in contexts unrelated to rust, such as using it to describe aging in a person. Instead, they should use 老 (lǎo) for age and reserve 锈 specifically for materials.
Write 锈
锈
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Practice writing 锈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 锈
锈 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
Complete the Sentence
不大的教堂墓地周边围着一圈生____的熟铁栅栏。
The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
Example Sentences for 锈 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
不大的教堂墓地周边围着一圈生锈的熟铁栅栏。
bù dà de jiào táng mù dì zhōu biān wéi zháo yī quān shēng xiù de shú tiě zhà lán。
The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
2
戒指内侧有一层厚厚的锈斑。
jiè zhǐ nèi cè yǒu yī céng hòu hòu de xiù bān。
The tarnish lay thick on the inside of the ring.
3
我们多年来都开着一辆生锈的旧货车四处旅行。
wǒ mén duō nián lái dū kāi zháo yī liàng shēng xiù de jiù huò chē sì chǔ lǚ háng。
We spent years travelling around in a rusty old van.
