金属

• Pinyin: jīn shǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 金 = pictograph of two nuggets buried in the earth; 属 = 尸 + 禺 + 蜀 — to belong to, category

Meaning

Metal. A solid material that is typically hard, shiny, and conducts electricity and heat.

Used broadly for all metallic materials including precious metals, industrial metals, and alloys. Common in scientific, industrial, and everyday contexts. Also used metaphorically in terms like 金属乐 (heavy metal music) or 金属质感 (metallic texture).

Examples

1. 这种新型金属材料既轻便又坚固，非常适合航空领域。 This new type of metal material is both lightweight and strong, making it very suitable for aviation.
2. 回收废旧金属是保护环境的重要举措之一。 Recycling scrap metal is one of the important measures for environmental protection.
3. 她的声音带有一种金属般的清冷质感，辨识度很高。 Her voice has a metallic, cool quality that makes it very distinctive.

Usage Guide

Context: science, industry, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这是什么金属做的？(What metal is this made of?)
• 金属探测器在机场很常见。(Metal detectors are common at airports.)

Don't Say

• 把木头或塑料叫'金属' (Don't call wood or plastic 金属 — 金属 specifically refers to metallic elements and alloys)

Origin & History

Composed of 金 (gold; metal) + 属 (category; type). In ancient Chinese, 金 represented metal as one of the five elements.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal