also: こう
noun
The metal steel; used in industrial, engineering, and everyday contexts.
この橋は鋼でできている。
This bridge is made of steel.
鋼の生産量が今年は増えた。
Steel production increased this year.
noun
Refers to steel used for swords, or poetically to a sword itself. Often in literary or historical contexts.
彼は鋼を手に戦場へ向かった。
He headed to the battlefield with a sword in hand.
その刀は良質の鋼から鍛えられた。
The sword was forged from high-quality steel.
Rarely used kanji form.
Originally a compound of 刃 (ha, 'blade') and 金 (kane, 'metal'), referring to metal used for blades. The reading shifted from hagane to the modern はがね.