鐵 (tiě) - Iron — a strong, hard magnetic metal & used metaphorically for strength, hardness, or something unyielding

鐵Tone 3

tiě ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

鐵 · tiě

Iron — a strong, hard magnetic metal;

used metaphorically for strength, hardness, or something unyielding;

also refers to weapons or railways.

Iron — a strong, hard magnetic metalused metaphorically for strength, hardness, or something unyieldingalso refers to weapons or railways.

Usage highlights

Iron and steelRailwayIron oreIron manIron rice bowlIron fist

Synonyms

  • 钢— steel (a stronger form of iron)
  • 金属— metal (broader category)

Antonyms

  • 柔— soft, gentle (opposite of iron's hardness)
  • 弱— weak (opposite of iron's strength)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bridge is made of iron (铁桥).
  • He has an iron will (钢铁意志).
  • We traveled by railway (铁路).
  • Iron deficiency can cause anemia (缺铁性贫血).
  • This is a cast iron pot (铸铁锅).

Collocations

  • Iron and steel(钢铁)
  • Railway(铁路)
  • Iron ore(铁矿)
  • Iron man(铁人)
  • Iron rice bowl(铁饭碗)
  • Iron fist(铁拳)

Idioms

  • As close as iron brothers(铁哥们儿)
  • Iron proof如山(铁证如山)
  • Iron tree in bloom(铁树开花)
  • Iron face and无私(铁面无私)
  • Iron army(铁军)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Iron has been crucial in Chinese history for tools, weapons, and construction since the Bronze Age.
  • In modern context, 'iron' symbolizes industrialization and strength (e.g., 钢铁 industry, 铁路 network).
  • Metaphorically used to describe unwavering determination or rigid principles (e.g., 铁面无私).
  • The term 'iron rice bowl' (铁饭碗) refers to lifelong job security in state-owned enterprises.

FAQ