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铁路 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
铁路tiělùrailroadHSK 5, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #6641, Hard
铁路tiělùrailwayHSK 5, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #6641, Hard
tiělù(tie3lu4)tie lu T3
  1. 1railroad
  2. 2railway
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March 24, 2026

铁路(鐵路)tiělù(tie3lu4)

铁路 (tiělù) refers to a system of tracks on which trains run, commonly associated with transportation of goods and passengers. In China, railways play a crucial role in connecting cities and regions, facilitating economic growth and mobility.

Strokes23Frequency#6641DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The development of 铁路 has significantly influenced China's modernization, with high-speed trains becoming a symbol of progress. The extensive railway network is a key part of Chinese culture, highlighting the value placed on efficiency and connectivity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a strong iron (铁) track stretching across the landscape, forming a road (路) for trains. The visual of a robust railway made of iron can help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 铁路 (tiělù).

Meanings of 铁路

tiělù(tie3lu4)
1railroad
2railway
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 铁路

铁路Simplified
鐵路Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
条Measure Word
HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 铁路

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Podcast: 铁路

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AI Study Notes for 铁路

Quick Contrast

轨道 (guǐdào) vs 铁路 (tiělù): choose 铁路 when specifically referring to the railway system as a whole, while 轨道 refers more generally to the tracks themselves.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 铁 (tie3) and 路 (lu4), as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words. In formal contexts, you might encounter 铁路 in transportation discussions, while in informal settings, it can be used when talking about travel plans.

HSK Study Tips

While 铁路 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at the HSK Level 3 and above, especially those interested in travel and transportation. Students should focus on recognizing the components 铁 and 路 to expand their vocabulary related to infrastructure.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 铁路 (tiělù) with other similar-sounding words, such as 铁 (tie3, iron) or 路 (lu4, road) on their own. Ensure you practice the full term to avoid using it incorrectly, such as saying 铁 instead of 铁路 when referring to the railway.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 铁路

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Component Characters

铁tiěiron (metal)
HSK 710 strokes钅
View full entry
路lùroad
HSK 213 strokes足
View full entry

How to say railroad in Chinese

“railroad” in Chinese is铁路tiělù

铁路 (tiělù) refers to a system of tracks on which trains run, commonly associated with transportation of goods and passengers. In China, railways play a crucial role in connecting cities and regions, facilitating economic growth and mobility.

When to use 铁路

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 铁 (tie3) and 路 (lu4), as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words. In formal contexts, you might encounter 铁路 in transportation discussions, while in informal settings, it can be used when talking about travel plans.

铁路 or something close to it

轨道 (guǐdào) vs 铁路 (tiělù): choose 铁路 when specifically referring to the railway system as a whole, while 轨道 refers more generally to the tracks themselves.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 铁路 (tiělù) with other similar-sounding words, such as 铁 (tie3, iron) or 路 (lu4, road) on their own. Ensure you practice the full term to avoid using it incorrectly, such as saying 铁 instead of 铁路 when referring to the railway.

Write 铁路

铁
路

Practice writing 铁路 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 铁路

You can say '我想坐火车去铁路站' (I want to take the train to the railway station).

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