铜 (tóng) - Copper — a reddish-brown metallic element & also refers to bronze and copper-colored objects

铜Tone 2

tóng ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

婷婉

铜 · tóng

Copper — a reddish-brown metallic element;

also refers to bronze and copper-colored objects;

used metaphorically for something strong, durable, or valuable.

Copper — a reddish-brown metallic elementalso refers to bronze and copper-colored objectsused metaphorically for something strong, durable, or valuable.

Usage highlights

CopperBronzeCopper coinCopper wireCopper mineBronze vessel

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 木— wood (opposite of metal in five elements)
  • 纸— paper (fragile vs. copper's durability)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The statue is made of bronze (铜像).
  • Copper wire conducts electricity well (铜线).
  • Ancient Chinese bronze vessels are highly valued (青铜器).
  • He won a bronze medal (铜牌).

Collocations

  • Copper(铜)
  • Bronze(青铜)
  • Copper coin(铜钱)
  • Copper wire(铜线)
  • Copper mine(铜矿)
  • Bronze vessel(铜器)

Idioms

  • Iron walls and bronze barriers(铜墙铁壁)
  • Bronze beak and iron tongue(铜嘴铁舌)
  • Bronze head and iron forehead(铜头铁额)
  • Bronze mountain and southern gold(铜山南金)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Copper and bronze were crucial in ancient China for tools, weapons, and ritual vessels.
  • The Bronze Age in China (c. 2000–771 BCE) saw the development of sophisticated bronze casting techniques.
  • Copper coins were the standard currency in imperial China for centuries.
  • In Chinese symbolism, copper represents durability, strength, and wealth.

FAQ