1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “鉄” (pronounced “tetsu” in Japanese) means “iron.” It represents the metal that is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various tools due to its strength and durability.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “鉄” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a phonetic component and a semantic component. The left part, “金” (meaning “metal”), indicates that it is related to a metal, while the right part provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “鉄” is “金” (pronounced “kin” or “gō”), which is commonly associated with metals and precious materials.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 鉄道 (てつどう, tetsudō) – railway
- 鉄器 (てっき, tekki) – ironware
- 鉄分 (てつぶん, tetsubun) – iron content
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この橋は鉄でできています。 (このはしはてつでできています。) – This bridge is made of iron.
- 鉄道は便利です。 (てつどうはべんりです。) – The railway is convenient.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 鋼 (はがね, hagane) – steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon, making it stronger than pure iron.
- 銅 (どう, dō) – copper, another metal but with different properties and uses.
Antonyms:
- 木 (き, ki) – wood, which is an organic material and contrasts with iron in terms of strength and usage.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Iron has played a significant role in Japanese history, especially in the production of samurai swords and tools. The craftsmanship of ironworking is highly regarded in traditional Japanese culture.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 鉄は熱いうちに打て (てつはあついうちにうて) – “Strike while the iron is hot,” meaning to take action at the right moment.