鉄鋼

てっこう

iron and steel

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"鉄鋼" (てっこう) specifically refers to iron and steel, often used in industrial and economic contexts. It is a compound noun combining "鉄" (iron) and "鋼" (steel).

Common Contexts

You will frequently encounter "鉄鋼" in discussions about manufacturing, industry, and economic sectors, especially when talking about production or trade.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 鉄鋼業 (てっこうぎょう): iron and steel industry; used when referring to the sector or business.
  • 鉄鋼製品 (てっこうせいひん): iron and steel products; common in manufacturing contexts.
  • 鉄鋼生産 (てっこうせいさん): iron and steel production; used in economic or industrial reports.

Register and Usage Notes

"鉄鋼" is a formal term mostly used in written language, business, and technical contexts. It is not commonly used in casual conversation unless discussing industry-related topics.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "鉄" alone (iron) with "鉄鋼" (iron and steel). Remember that "鉄鋼" always refers to both iron and steel collectively, often in industrial contexts.

Example Sentences

にほんはせかいゆうすうのてっこうせいさんこくです。

Japan is one of the world's leading iron and steel producing countries.

てっこうぎょうはにほんのけいざいにとってじゅうようなさんぎょうです。

The iron and steel industry is an important sector for Japan's economy.

このこうじょうではこうひんしつのてっこうせいひんをせいぞうしています。

This factory manufactures high-quality iron and steel products.