鉄鋼

• Reading: てっこう
• Romaji: tekkou
• Kanji breakdown: 鉄 (tetsu) — iron; 鋼 (kou) — steel
• Pronunciation: /tek.koː/

Meaning

Iron and steel; the metals collectively, especially as an industrial material.

A noun referring to iron and steel products as an industrial category. Central to Japan's post-war economic growth, the 鉄鋼業 (steel industry) was one of the pillars of heavy industry. Common compounds include 鉄鋼メーカー (steelmaker), 鉄鋼業 (steel industry), and 鉄鋼製品 (steel products). Often encountered in economics, news, and history contexts.

Examples

1. 日本の鉄鋼業は戦後の経済成長を支えた。 Japan's steel industry supported the country's postwar economic growth.
2. 鉄鋼の価格が世界的に上昇している。 Steel prices are rising worldwide.
3. 新しい鉄鋼メーカーが環境に優しい製造法を開発した。 A new steelmaker has developed an environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

Usage Guide

Context: industry, economics, history, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 鉄 (tetsu, iron) + 鋼 (kou, steel). A straightforward compound joining the two primary ferrous metals used in construction and manufacturing.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional