鋼鉄

• Reading: こうてつ
• Romaji: koutetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 鋼 (kō) — steel; 鉄 (tetsu) — iron
• Pronunciation: /koː.te.tsɯ/

Meaning

Steel; a strong alloy of iron and carbon used in construction and manufacturing.

A noun referring to steel as a material. Used both literally for the metal and figuratively to describe something extremely strong or unyielding — 鋼鉄の意志 (iron will, lit. steel will). Distinguished from 鉄 (iron) by the 鋼 component which specifies the refined, hardened alloy.

Examples

1. この橋は鋼鉄で作られていて非常に丈夫だ。 This bridge is made of steel and is incredibly sturdy.
2. 彼女は鋼鉄の意志で困難を乗り越えてきた。 She has overcome every hardship with a will of steel.
3. 鋼鉄の価格が世界的に上昇している。 Steel prices are rising worldwide.

Usage Guide

Context: industry, construction, figurative expression

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 鋼 (steel) + 鉄 (iron). The character 鋼 adds the meaning of hardened or refined metal to 鉄, distinguishing processed steel from raw iron.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal