金属 — meaning in English: metal

kinzoku · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for metal

運命

unmei

自治

jichi

チケット

chiketto

金属

kinzoku

ベンダー

bendā

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technical common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 金属 (kinzoku) in technical discussions about materials, such as in engineering or manufacturing contexts. For example, during a conversation about the properties of various metals in a science class or while discussing the metal components of machinery in a workshop.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 鉄 (tetsu), which specifically refers to 'iron.' While 金属 (kinzoku) encompasses all types of metals, including gold, silver, and aluminum, you would use 鉄 when discussing iron specifically, making it a more precise choice in contexts related to ironworks or metallurgy.

Culture

The kanji for 金属 consists of two parts: 金, meaning 'gold' or 'metal,' and 属, meaning 'belonging to' or 'classification.' This reflects the historical importance of metals in Japanese culture, especially in traditional crafts like sword-making. In ancient Japan, metalwork was highly revered, and the mastery of this craft was often seen as an art form.

FAQ

Q.What does 金属 mean in English?

金属 (kinzoku) translates to 'metal' in English, referring to any of the metallic elements or materials.

Q.How is 金属 used in everyday conversation?

You might hear 金属 in discussions about construction, art, or science, especially when talking about materials used in various applications or products.

Q.Are there common mistakes with using 金属?

One common mistake is confusing 金属 with other material-related terms like 材料 (zairyou), which means 'material' in a broader sense. Remember that 金属 specifically refers to metals.

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