How to Write 铀 (yóu) — Meaning “uranium”

Imagine a metal (钅) object shaped like a "U" (the first letter of uranium) that is made of a special material (由). This visual combines the radical with the right component to remind you it's the metal uranium, pronounced "yóu" like the English word "you" but with a rising tone.

The radical 钅 has 5 strokes: first three strokes form the hook and slants, then two horizontal strokes. The right side 由 has 5 strokes: vertical, horizontal, horizontal, vertical, horizontal. The overall character should be balanced, with the left side slightly narrower and the right side wider. A common mistake is writing the horizontal strokes of 由 too long, making it outweigh the metal radical.

All three share the metal radical 钅, but the right side differs: 铀 has 由 (yóu), 钍 has 土 (tǔ, earth), and 钎 has 千 (qiān, thousand). Meaning-wise, 铀 is uranium, 钍 is thorium (another radioactive element), and 钎 refers to a drill rod or brazing material. Visually, 铀's right part is taller and more rounded than the compact 土 and the cross-shaped 千.

Uranium is primarily used in scientific and industrial contexts, such as 铀矿 (uranium ore) and 浓缩铀 (enriched uranium). It appears in news about nuclear energy, weapons, and mining. Culturally, 铀 is not a common character in daily life but is essential for discussing nuclear technology, and it is recognized as a key element in China's energy development.

Common words containing 铀 include: 铀矿 (yóu kuàng) — uranium ore; 浓缩铀 (nóng suō yóu) — enriched uranium; 铀元素 (yóu yuán sù) — the element uranium.