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March 24, 2026
鉄zhí(zhi2)
The character 鉄 (zhí) primarily means 'iron', a strong and solid metal often used in construction and manufacturing. It can also imply qualities of strength and firmness, making it applicable in various contexts where resilience is emphasized.
Strokes13Radical釒Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, iron symbolizes strength and reliability, often associated with traditional craftsmanship in metalwork. The use of iron in ancient weaponry and tools reflects its significance in Chinese history and development.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy iron bridge (铁) that stands firm against the test of time. The character's components can be visualized as a metal structure, with the radical indicating metal (金) showing its strength and durability.
Meanings of 鉄
zhí(zhi2)
primary
1iron; strong, solid, firm
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 鉄
鉄Simplified
13Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鉄
Podcast: 鉄
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AI Study Notes for 鉄
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy iron bridge (铁) that stands firm against the test of time. The character's components can be visualized as a metal structure, with the radical indicating metal (金) showing its strength and durability.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 鉄 with its modern equivalent 铁 (tiě), which is the more commonly used term for 'iron'. This character is more formal and may not be used in everyday conversation. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing it to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 鉄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words related to metals and materials. Focus on recognizing it in historical texts or specific contexts where strong materials are discussed, as it may appear alongside other HSK vocabulary related to construction or strength.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, iron symbolizes strength and reliability, often associated with traditional craftsmanship in metalwork. The use of iron in ancient weaponry and tools reflects its significance in Chinese history and development.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 鉄 by using the wrong tone, such as saying 'tie' instead of 'zhí'. Additionally, they might confuse it with the modern character 铁, leading to incorrect usage in writing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鉄
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Cultural Notes for 鉄
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, iron symbolizes strength and reliability, often associated with traditional craftsmanship in metalwork. The use of iron in ancient weaponry and tools reflects its significance in Chinese history and development.
Word Family of 鉄
Words Containing This Character1
鉄zhíarms
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 鉄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鉄
鉄 is an older variant that is less commonly used today; 铁 is the simplified and modern character for 'iron'.
It is pronounced 'zhí', with the second tone, but be aware that it is less commonly used in conversation.
