Level 2 · Unit 1 Colors & Stationery

How to Write 铅 (qiān)

Meaning: "Lead / Pencil"
Step-by-Step Stroke Order Diagram
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Detailed Mastery Guide for 铅

The character 铅 (Traditional: 鉛) is a fundamental part of the Chinese language, representing "Lead / Pencil". In our Level 2 curriculum, we focus on the 13-step stroke sequence to ensure your handwriting is both fast and accurate.

Writing & Recognition

Proper stroke order is essential for character recognition and legibility. By following the animation above, you can see how the character is built from top to bottom and left to right. This character is often categorized under Colors & Stationery, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary

铅笔 / 鉛筆 qiān bǐ syun4 bat1
pencil
铅中毒 / 鉛中毒 qiān zhòng dú syun4 zung3 duk6
lead poisoning

Radical Breakdown

Breaking it down: The character 铅 is built on the radical Metal (167). Understanding radicals like this is a proven technique for accelerating vocabulary acquisition.

Etymology & Origins

Phono-semantic compound: Metal radical (钅) + phonetic (沿), indicating a soft, dense metal.

Example Sentence

Simplified: 我需要一支铅笔来写作业。

Wǒ xūyào yī zhī qiānbǐ lái xiě zuòyè.

Traditional: 我需要一支鉛筆來寫作業。

ngo5 seoi1 jiu3 jat1 zi1 syun4 bat1 loi4 se2 zok3 jip6.

"I need a pencil to do my homework."

Dialect Pronunciation

In Mandarin, this character is pronounced as qiān. If you are learning Cantonese, the pronunciation is jyun1. Use the audio buttons to hear the subtle tonal differences between the two major Chinese dialects.

Practice & Retention

To move this character from short-term to long-term memory, we recommend using our free practice sheet generator. Writing the character 10-15 times while following the correct sequence is a proven method for mastery.

Quick Self-Check

What is the meaning of '铅'?

A) Lead
B) Copper
C) Iron
D) Silver

Other Characters in Level 2 Unit 1

Hope this tool helps your Chinese learning journey!

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