Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
钍 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钍tǔthoriumng, 8 strokes, radical 钅, rank #33268, Very Hard
钍tǔthorium (chemistry)unknown, 8 strokes, radical 钅, rank #33268, Very Hard
tǔ(tu3) T3
  1. 1thorium
  2. 2thorium (chemistry)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

钍(釷)tǔ(tu3)

The character 钍 (tǔ) refers to thorium, a radioactive element used in nuclear reactors and as a potential energy source. It is primarily discussed in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, where discussions about rare elements and their applications take place.

Strokes8Radical钅Frequency#33268DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, thorium has been explored for use in nuclear energy, reflecting the country's emphasis on developing alternative energy sources. This ties into broader conversations about sustainability and energy policy in modern China.

Memory Tip

Think of 钍 (tǔ) as 'Thor's tool' in chemistry, where 'Thor' (the Norse god) represents strength and energy, similar to how thorium is considered a powerful energy source. The radical 钅 (metal) hints at its metallic nature.

Meanings of 钍

tǔ(tu3)
1thorium
2thorium (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 钍 means.

About 钍

钍Simplified
釷Traditional
8Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 钍

JasonAmy

Podcast: 钍

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 钍

Usage Notes

While 钍 is a specific term used mainly in scientific circles, learners should be cautious with its pronunciation, especially the falling tone 'tǔ'. It is often used in combination with other scientific terms, such as '核能' (nuclear energy) or '元素' (element).

HSK Study Tips

Although 钍 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to the scientific terms you may encounter in advanced studies. Focus on understanding the context in which it is used in discussions about elements and their properties.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 钍 (tǔ) with similar-sounding characters like 土 (tǔ, earth) or 兔 (tù, rabbit). Make sure to remember that 钍 specifically refers to thorium, a chemical element, not something related to earth or animals.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钍

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 钍 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 钍 to You

Let me explain 钍 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 钍 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 钍?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 钍 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.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 钍

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)土
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

钍 = 钅 + 土. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 钍

IDS Structure⿰钅土
钍Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
土Tu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 钍?

How to say thorium in Chinese

“thorium” in Chinese is钍tǔ

The character 钍 (tǔ) refers to thorium, a radioactive element used in nuclear reactors and as a potential energy source. It is primarily discussed in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, where discussions about rare elements and their applications take place.

When to use 钍

While 钍 is a specific term used mainly in scientific circles, learners should be cautious with its pronunciation, especially the falling tone 'tǔ'. It is often used in combination with other scientific terms, such as '核能' (nuclear energy) or '元素' (element).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 钍 (tǔ) with similar-sounding characters like 土 (tǔ, earth) or 兔 (tù, rabbit). Make sure to remember that 钍 specifically refers to thorium, a chemical element, not something related to earth or animals.

Write 钍

钍

Practice writing 钍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 钍?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Word Family of 钍

Words Containing This Character1
钍tǔthorium (chemistry)釷

Frequently Asked Questions about 钍

Thorium is seen as a safer alternative to uranium for nuclear reactors, with potential advantages in sustainability and waste management.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 钍?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab