What is the Kanji for 'Iron'? | 鉄

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Iron', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Iron' is 鉄.

kanji

鉄

Meaning

Iron

Reading

kunyomiくろがね

kurogane

onyomiてつ

tetsu

Parts

金Gold 失Lose, Fault

Example Word

鉄砲: gun. The Japanese noun '鉄砲 (てっぽう)' refers to a 'gun' or 'firearm'. Historically, it specifically refers to matchlock guns introduced to Japan in the 16th century. In modern usage, it broadly refers to firearms. Example sentences: He bought a gun「彼は鉄砲を買った」(かれはてっぽうをかった). The samurai used guns「侍は鉄砲を使った」(さむらいはてっぽうをつかった). Note that this word is often associated with historical or traditional contexts, though it can also be used in modern settings.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

683

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 鉄

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

kanji

金

Meaning

Gold

kanji

失

Meaning

Lose, Fault

Words Using 鉄

This kanji is used in 6 words:

word

地下鉄

Meaning

Subway

word

鉄

Meaning

Iron

word

鉄道

Meaning

Railway

word

国鉄

Meaning

National railway

word

私鉄

Meaning

Private railway

word

鉄砲

Meaning

Gun

Kanji Related to 鉄 Through the Part 金

These 7 kanji contain the part 金 as well.

kanji

録

Meaning

Record

kanji

鈍

Meaning

Blunt, Dull

kanji

鈴

Meaning

Small bell, Buzzer

kanji

鎮

Meaning

Suppress, Tranquilize

kanji

錬

Meaning

Refine, Tempering

kanji

銘

Meaning

Inscription

kanji

鍋

Meaning

Pot

Kanji Related to 鉄 Through the Part 失

These 2 kanji contain the part 失 as well.

kanji

秩

Meaning

Order, Regularity

kanji

迭

Meaning

Alternate

Learn the Kanji 鉄

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 鉄 mean?

鉄 means 'Iron'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N2 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.