鉄

• Reading: てつ
• Romaji: tetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 鉄 (tetsu) — iron
• Pronunciation: /te.tsɯ/

Meaning

Iron; the metallic element. Also used figuratively to mean something strong or unwavering.

A noun for the metal iron (Fe). Appears in many compounds: 鉄道 (tetsudou, railway), 鉄板 (teppan, iron plate/griddle), 鉄橋 (tekkyou, iron bridge). Figuratively used for strength and resolve: 鉄の意志 (tetsu no ishi, iron will). The word 鉄 is also slang among train enthusiasts (鉄オタ/tetsu-ota, train otaku).

Examples

1. 鉄は熱いうちに打てということわざがある。 There's a proverb that says 'strike while the iron is hot.
2. この橋は鉄で作られているから丈夫だ。 This bridge is made of iron, so it's sturdy.
3. 彼は鉄の意志で毎日トレーニングを続けている。 He continues training every day with an iron will.

Usage Guide

Context: materials, industry, figurative speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 鉄 combines 金 (metal) and 失 (lose), though the phonetic component originally indicated the dark colour of iron. An essential kanji reflecting the importance of iron in civilisation.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal