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March 24, 2026
铁(鐵)tiě(tie3)
The character 铁 (tiě) primarily means 'iron,' referring to the metal known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction, machinery, and weaponry, reflecting its associations with hardness and resilience. Additionally, 铁 can describe traits such as determination and strength of character, making it versatile in both literal and figurative expressions.
Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#2519DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, iron is not only a material but also symbolizes strength and resilience. The phrase '铁的纪律' (tiě de jìlǜ) translates to 'iron discipline,' reflecting the importance of strictness and order in various aspects of Chinese society, including education and military.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant iron gate (铁) that is so heavy and strong that it can withstand anything. The character's left side resembles a small person attempting to lift the gate, while the right side, with its horizontal strokes, represents the solid, unyielding nature of iron. Think of 'tiě' as a reminder of how tough iron is, much like the determination you need to get through challenges.
Meanings of 铁
tiě(tie3)
1iron (metal)
2arms
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 铁
铁Simplified
鐵Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#2519Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 铁
Podcast: 铁
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AI Study Notes for 铁
Quick Contrast
铁 (tiě) vs 钢 (gāng) — choose 铁 when referring to iron specifically, while 钢 denotes steel, an alloy of iron.
Usage Notes
When using 铁, be mindful of its various meanings depending on the context. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as '提' (tí), which means 'to lift or raise.' Note that 铁 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but pay attention to tone, especially when using it in slang.
HSK Study Tips
Although 铁 is not assigned an HSK level, it is important for learners familiarizing themselves with everyday vocabulary related to materials and qualities. Students should practice using 铁 in phrases that describe strength or resilience, connecting it to other HSK vocabulary like '坚强' (jiānqiáng, strong) or '武器' (wǔqì, weapon).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铁 with its homophones like 贴 (tiē), which means 'to stick.' For example, saying '我喜欢贴' when they mean '我喜欢铁' (I like iron) is incorrect. Always remember the context to choose the right character.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铁
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铁 = 钅 + 失. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 铁
IDS Structure⿰钅失
铁Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
失shi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 铁?
How to say iron (metal) in Chinese
“iron (metal)” in Chinese is铁tiě
The character 铁 (tiě) primarily means 'iron,' referring to the metal known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction, machinery, and weaponry, reflecting its associations with hardness and resilience. Additionally, 铁 can describe traits such as determination and strength of character, making it versatile in both literal and figurative expressions.
When to use 铁
When using 铁, be mindful of its various meanings depending on the context. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as '提' (tí), which means 'to lift or raise.' Note that 铁 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but pay attention to tone, especially when using it in slang.
铁 or something close to it
铁 (tiě) vs 钢 (gāng) — choose 铁 when referring to iron specifically, while 钢 denotes steel, an alloy of iron.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 铁 with its homophones like 贴 (tiē), which means 'to stick.' For example, saying '我喜欢贴' when they mean '我喜欢铁' (I like iron) is incorrect. Always remember the context to choose the right character.
Write 铁
铁
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Grammar Patterns of 铁
铁 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 12 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Cultural Notes for 铁
💡Did you know?
In ancient China, iron was a crucial material used not just for weapons but also for tools and farming equipment. The Iron Age significantly improved agricultural productivity.
📜Proverb
The saying '铁打的汉子' (Tiě dǎ de hànzi) means 'a man as strong as iron'. It is often used to describe someone with determination and resilience.
Word Family of 铁
Words Containing This Character20
铁tiěarms鐵
地铁dìtiěsubway地鐵
铁路tiělùrailroad鐵路
钢铁gāngtiěsteel鋼鐵
铁轨rail鐵軌
铁匠blacksmith鐵匠
地铁站dìtiězhànsubway station地鐵站
铁道部Ministry of Railways (MOR), disbanded in 2013 with its regulatory functions taken over by the Ministry of Transport 交通運輸部|交通运输部[JiāotōngYùnshūbù]鐵道部
铁链iron chain鐵鏈
磁铁magnet磁鐵
铁丝网wire netting鐵絲網
铁木真Temujin, birth name of Genghis Khan 成吉思汗[Chéngjísīhán]鐵木真
手无寸铁lit. not an inch of steel (idiom); unarmed and defenseless手無寸鐵
铁矿石iron ore鐵礦石
铁杆iron rod鐵桿
铁塔iron tower鐵塔
铁道railway line鐵道
铁锹spade鐵鍬
铁丝iron wire鐵絲
铁石心肠hard-hearted鐵石心腸
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 铁
What does 地铁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 铁
Yes, 铁 (Tiě) is a recognized surname in China, though it is not among the most common ones. It reflects a historical association with strength or resilience, often linked to the qualities of iron.
There are several phrases that include 铁, such as '铁拳' (tiě quán), which means 'iron fist,' symbolizing strict or strong control. Another example is '铁道' (tiě dào) meaning 'iron road' or 'railway.' These phrases often emphasize strength or durability.
铁 (tiě) means 'iron' in Chinese, and it can also refer to weapons or arms. Additionally, it conveys qualities such as being hard or strong. In a broader context, it can describe something that is violent or forceful.
You can use 铁 (tiě) in sentences to describe something made of iron or to indicate strength. For example, '这把刀是铁做的' means 'This knife is made of iron.' It's also used metaphorically to describe someone as strong or tough.
Some common phrases include '铁杆朋友' (tiěgǎn péngyǒu), meaning 'close friends,' and '铁血' (tiěxuè), which refers to 'iron-blooded' or strong-willed individuals.
Yes, 铁 can be used metaphorically to describe someone's strong character or unshakeable resolve, such as in the expression '铁石心肠' (tiěshí xīncháng), meaning 'a heart of iron'.
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