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Kotomora

鋼

steel

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · grade 6FrequencyTop 2,000Strokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • コウ

Kun'yomi

  • はがね

Meaning

鋼 centers on the hard, strong metal that is steel.

Most common words using 鋼

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Etymology

鋼 combines 金 (metal) with 岡, which likely contributes the sound コウ and may also suggest hardness or a ridge-like quality.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side is metal 金, and the right side 岡 looks like a sturdy ridge. Picture a ridge of solid steel: 鋼 is steel.

Reading mnemonic

For コウ, imagine a blacksmith forging steel with a strong, resonant 'koh' sound as the hammer strikes: koh -> コウ.