Translation guide
Scrap iron refers to discarded iron or steel that can be recycled. In Japanese, the most common term is 鉄くず, but other words exist depending on context, such as industrial recycling or waste metal in general.
鉄くず
scrap iron
The most common way to refer to scrap iron, such as old metal parts, junk iron, or iron waste.
The standard term for scrap iron. Used in everyday contexts and recycling.
この工場では鉄くずをリサイクルしています。
This factory recycles scrap iron.
Loanword from English 'scrap', often used for scrap metal in general, including iron. Common in industrial contexts.
スクラップの価格が上がっている。
The price of scrap is rising.
Literally 'waste iron'. More formal or technical, used in waste management or environmental contexts.
廃鉄の処理方法について話し合った。
We discussed methods for disposing of waste iron.
When referring to scrap metal in general, which may include iron but also other metals.
General term for scrap metal. Use when the metal type is mixed or unspecified.
金属くずを分別してください。
Please separate the scrap metal.
Formal term for waste metal, often used in official or industrial documents.
廃金属のリサイクル率は高い。
The recycling rate for waste metal is high.
鉄くず specifically means scrap iron, while スクラップ is a broader term for any scrap material, often metal. In industrial settings, スクラップ is very common, but for clarity, 鉄くず is preferred when iron is meant.