How to Write 镀 (dù) — Meaning “To plate; to coat (with metal)”

Think of "du" as in "do plating" — you "do" something to add a metal coating. Picture a gold layer being added to a statue while saying "I do the plating." This links the sound dù to the action of covering with metal.

Pay attention to the right side 度: it starts with a dot, then a dot, then a horizontal stroke, not a 广 radical. The bottom part is 又, not 文. Keep the left radical 钏 narrow and the right side balanced — the overall shape is left-thin, right-wide.

镀 means "to plate" and uses 度 on the right, while 铓 (máng) means "sharp point" and uses 芒 (máng). 铸 (zhù) means "to cast" (like pouring molten metal) and has 寿 (shòu) on the right. Visually, 镀 has a simpler right half compared to 铓's grass radical and 铸's longer right component.

镀 is used in manufacturing contexts like 镀金 (gold-plating) and 镀银 (silver-plating). Culturally, 镀金 also means gaining superficial prestige, such as studying abroad to enhance one's status — a common metaphor for adding a shiny but thin layer of accomplishment.

Common words containing 镀 include: 镀金 (dù jīn) — Gold-plated; to gild; 镀银 (dù yín) — Silver-plated; 镀层 (dù céng) — Plating; coating layer.