Meaning and Usage
"銅" (どう) primarily means "copper," a reddish-brown metal commonly used in coins, electrical wiring, and various alloys. It is a common noun in scientific, industrial, and everyday contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "銅" in discussions about metals, materials, and medals. For example, "銅メダル" means "bronze medal," which is the third-place prize in competitions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 銅メダル: bronze medal, used in sports and competitions.
- 銅線 (どうせん): copper wire, common in electrical contexts.
- 銅像 (どうぞう): bronze statue, a sculpture made of copper alloy.
Register and Nuance
"銅" is a neutral, formal term used in both written and spoken Japanese. It is not casual slang and appears frequently in technical or official contexts.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "銅" with "同" (どう), which means "same." Pay attention to the kanji and context to avoid misunderstanding.