unknown, 11 strokes, radical 石, rank #18472, Very Hard
guī(gui1) T1
1silicon
2silicon (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
硅guī(gui1)
硅 (guī) refers to silicon, a chemical element that is essential in various technological applications, particularly in electronics and materials science. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and solar cells due to its conductive properties. In everyday contexts, it may also relate to discussions about technology or materials used in construction.
Strokes11Radical石Frequency#18472DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Silicon plays a crucial role in China's technology landscape, especially in the development of the semiconductor industry, which is vital for the nation's economic growth and technological advancements.
Memory Tip
Think of 硅 (guī) as a 'gray' element (silicon is often associated with the color gray in its raw form). The character has a radical for 'stone' (石) on the left, hinting at its mineral origins, while the right part (圭) can remind you of tools or devices, connecting silicon to technology.
Meanings of 硅
guī(gui1)
1silicon
2silicon (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 硅 means.
About 硅
硅Simplified
11Strokes
石Radical
其它专名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 硅
Podcast: 硅
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 硅
Usage Notes
硅 (guī) is a technical term primarily used in scientific and industrial contexts, so it may not be encountered in casual conversation. Be cautious with pronunciation; ensure the tone is correct as it is level 1 (first tone) to avoid confusion with other words. Common collocations include 硅材料 (silicon materials) and 硅晶体 (silicon crystal).
HSK Study Tips
Though 硅 (guī) is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at more advanced levels, particularly those interested in science and technology vocabulary. Students should focus on related terms like 硅谷 (Silicon Valley) and related concepts in electronics and chemistry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 硅 (guī) with similar-sounding words, such as 鬼 (guǐ, ghost) due to the tonal difference. Remember, 硅 has a high, level tone (guī), while 鬼 has a falling tone (guǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 硅
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 硅 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 硅 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 硅
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 圭 represents the sound.
硅 = 石 + 圭. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 硅
IDS Structure⿰石圭
硅Full Character
=
石dan4
left
圭gui1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 硅?
How to say silicon in Chinese
“silicon” in Chinese is硅guī
硅 (guī) refers to silicon, a chemical element that is essential in various technological applications, particularly in electronics and materials science. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and solar cells due to its conductive properties. In everyday contexts, it may also relate to discussions about technology or materials used in construction.
When to use 硅
硅 (guī) is a technical term primarily used in scientific and industrial contexts, so it may not be encountered in casual conversation. Be cautious with pronunciation; ensure the tone is correct as it is level 1 (first tone) to avoid confusion with other words. Common collocations include 硅材料 (silicon materials) and 硅晶体 (silicon crystal).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 硅 (guī) with similar-sounding words, such as 鬼 (guǐ, ghost) due to the tonal difference. Remember, 硅 has a high, level tone (guī), while 鬼 has a falling tone (guǐ).
Write 硅
硅
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 硅 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 硅
硅 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.
设计____芯片模仿人的器官听上去是异想天开。
Designing silicon chips to mimic human organs sounds fanciful.
Example Sentences for 硅 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
设计硅芯片模仿人的器官听上去是异想天开。
shè jì guī xīn piàn mó fǎng rén de qì guān tīng shàng qù shì yì xiǎng tiān kāi。
Designing silicon chips to mimic human organs sounds fanciful.
2
含矿主岩整合地上覆于硅质燧石角砾石带之上.
hán kuàng zhǔ yán zhěng hé dì shàng fù yú guī zhì suì shí jiǎo lì shí dài zhī shàng.
The host rock conformably overlies a band of siliceous chertybrecia.
