How to Write 镁 (měi) — Meaning “Magnesium (Mg)”

Think of a "beautiful metal" — magnesium metal is lightweight and burns with a dazzling white flame. Visualize a sparkler made of 钅 (metal) that is 美 (beautiful), and say "měi" to match the sound of both parts.

Write the left radical 钅 first (5 strokes: short left-falling stroke, then three horizontal strokes, then a vertical-hook). Then write 美 (8 strokes) — note that the middle horizontal line in 美 is longer than the top one, and the bottom is a large left-falling and right-falling stroke. Keep the left side narrow and the right side wider for balance.

镁 (měi, magnesium) uses 美 (beautiful) on the right. 铓 (máng, blade tip) has 芒 (awn of grass) on the right, and 铸 (zhù, to cast metal) has 寿 (longevity). Visually, 镁's right side has a "羊"-like head and "大" below, while 铓 has a grass radical on top and 亡, and 铸 shows a thick "寿" character.

镁 appears in chemistry and photography contexts. Common words include 镁粉 (magnesium powder, used in fireworks and flares), 镁光灯 (flashlight, originally using burning magnesium powder for bright light), and 补镁 (magnesium supplement, for health). It is not a high-frequency character but is essential for science discussions.

Common words containing 镁 include: 镁粉 (měi fěn) — Magnesium powder; 镁光灯 (měi guāng dēng) — Flashlight; flash lamp; 补镁 (bǔ měi) — Magnesium supplement.