Translation guide
The English word 'iron' has several distinct meanings: the metal, a tool for pressing clothes, a golf club, and various idiomatic uses. This guide covers the most common meanings for learners.
The chemical element or the metal in general.
The standard word for the metal iron. Used in compounds and technical contexts.
鉄は重い金属です。
Iron is a heavy metal.
This bridge is made of iron.
This is a loanword from English 'iron', but it almost always means the clothes iron, not the metal. Avoid using it for the metal.
Do not use アイロン for the metal iron; it refers to the pressing tool.
An iron is not a metal.
The tool used to press clothes.
The standard word for a clothes iron. Used as a noun and with the verb かける (to iron).
Please iron the shirt.
Ironing is a hassle.
A type of golf club with a metal head.
The standard term for an iron golf club. Often used with numbers (e.g., 5番アイアン).
He hit with a 5-iron.
Used metaphorically to mean strong, unyielding, or strict.
The prefix 鉄の (literally 'of iron') is used metaphorically for strength or rigidity, similar to English 'iron will', 'iron fist', etc.
He has an iron will.
That country was behind the Iron Curtain.
The mineral nutrient.
A tool made of iron used for branding or soldering.
アイロン means 'clothes iron' only. For the metal, use 鉄 (てつ). Using アイロン for the metal will cause confusion.
This pot is made of iron.
鉄 (てつ) is the general word for iron metal. 鉄分 (てつぶん) specifically refers to iron content, especially in nutrition or chemistry. Use 鉄分 when talking about dietary iron.
Iron is important for industry.
This food is high in iron.
Spinach is rich in iron.
I take iron supplements.
はんだごてを使って配線を直す。
Fix the wiring using a soldering iron.