unknown, 7 strokes, radical 冫, rank #47069, Very Hard
yě(ye3) T3
1to smelt, to fuse metals, to cast
2seductive in appearance
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
冶yě(ye3)
The character 冶 (yě) primarily means 'to smelt' or 'to fuse metals,' commonly used in contexts related to metallurgy and metalworking. Additionally, it can describe something that is 'seductive in appearance,' indicating a charm or allure that draws attention. This dual meaning reflects the transformation of raw materials into something valuable and appealing.
Strokes7Radical冫Frequency#47069DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, metallurgy was a cornerstone of civilization, with smelting techniques evolving significantly over time. The importance of metalworking is highlighted in historical texts, showcasing the character's relevance to both cultural heritage and technological advancement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a blacksmith (冶) smelting metals in a fiery furnace. The character looks like a roof (亠) above a furnace (冶), representing the process of crafting something beautiful from raw elements, similar to how a person might transform into a more attractive version of themselves.
Meanings of 冶
yě(ye3)
1to smelt, to fuse metals, to cast
2seductive in appearance
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 冶 means.
About 冶
冶Simplified
7Strokes
冫Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 冶
Podcast: 冶
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 冶
Usage Notes
One common mistake is confusing 冶 with similar-sounding characters; ensure you recognize its unique pronunciation (yě). It is more formal and technical in usage, often appearing in academic or industrial contexts rather than casual conversation. Watch out for tone errors, as mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in HSK levels, understanding 冶 can enhance vocabulary related to industrial processes and metallurgy. Students should focus on its pronunciation and usage in specific contexts where metalworking terminology is relevant, linking it to related words like 'metal' (金属 jīnshǔ).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 冶 with the character 也 (yě), which means 'also.' For example, saying '我冶去' instead of '我也去' (I'm also going) is incorrect. Always ensure you're using the correct character for your intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 冶
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 冶 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 冶 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How to say to smelt, to fuse metals, to cast in Chinese
“to smelt, to fuse metals, to cast” in Chinese is冶yě
The character 冶 (yě) primarily means 'to smelt' or 'to fuse metals,' commonly used in contexts related to metallurgy and metalworking. Additionally, it can describe something that is 'seductive in appearance,' indicating a charm or allure that draws attention. This dual meaning reflects the transformation of raw materials into something valuable and appealing.
When to use 冶
One common mistake is confusing 冶 with similar-sounding characters; ensure you recognize its unique pronunciation (yě). It is more formal and technical in usage, often appearing in academic or industrial contexts rather than casual conversation. Watch out for tone errors, as mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 冶 with the character 也 (yě), which means 'also.' For example, saying '我冶去' instead of '我也去' (I'm also going) is incorrect. Always ensure you're using the correct character for your intended meaning.
Write 冶
冶
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 冶 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 冶
冶 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 3
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
乡级公路东接新____公路, 距县城114公里.
Township road east Xinye Highway, 114 kilometers from the county.
