铁

• Pinyin: tiě
• Hanzi breakdown: 铁 = 钅 (metal) + 失 (lose, phonetic component in simplified form)

Meaning

Iron. The metallic element, one of the most commonly used metals. Also used figuratively to mean firm, strong, or unyielding.

Besides referring to the metal itself, 铁 is widely used in figurative expressions. 铁哥们 means a very close buddy, 铁证 means irrefutable evidence, and 地铁 means subway (literally 'underground iron'). It conveys hardness, strength, and reliability.

Examples

1. 这把刀是铁做的，很结实。 This knife is made of iron; it's very sturdy.
2. 他和我是铁哥们，关系特别好。 He and I are best buddies; our relationship is especially close.
3. 铁是一种非常重要的金属。 Iron is a very important metal.

Usage Guide

Context: materials, everyday, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个门是铁的，很重。(This door is made of iron; it's very heavy.)
• 我们坐地铁去吧。(Let's take the subway.)

Don't Say

• 这个铁杯子很轻。(This sounds contradictory — iron cups are heavy. If you mean a light metal cup, specify the material, e.g. 铝杯 for aluminium.)

Origin & History

Simplified from 鐵. The traditional form contains 金 (metal) and a phonetic component. Iron has been central to Chinese civilisation since the Iron Age.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal