Translation and Meaning of: 金属 - kinzoku

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 金属[きんぞく]. It appears in various contexts, from chemistry classes to song lyrics and dialogues in animes. But what exactly does this word mean? How is it used in everyday Japanese? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 金属, in addition to interesting facts that may help with memorization.

Meaning and translation of 金属[きんぞく]

The word 金属 is formed by the kanjis 金 (kin, "gold" or "metal") and 属 (zoku, "belonging" or "category"). Together, they literally mean "metal" or "metals," referring to chemical elements like iron, copper, aluminum, and others. It is a term widely used in scientific, industrial, and even everyday contexts.

In Portuguese, the most direct translation is "metal," but depending on the context, it can be adapted to "metais" or "material metálico." For example, in a sentence like この建物は金属でできている (Kono tatemono wa kinzoku de dekite iru), the translation would be "This building is made of metal." The word also appears in compound terms, such as 金属加工 (kinzoku kakou, "metal processing") and 重金属 (juu kinzoku, "heavy metal").

Origin and cultural use of 金属

The word 金属 has its origins in classical Chinese, where the same characters were used to refer to metals. In Japan, its usage was established during the Edo period (1603-1868), when the country experienced advancements in metallurgy. Since then, the term has become essential in both technical and everyday language.

In modern Japan, 金属 is present in various aspects of culture. For example, Japanese heavy metal bands, such as X Japan, often use the term in lyrics and titles. Furthermore, the automotive and electronics industries, two of the country's largest, heavily rely on metallic materials, reinforcing the importance of the word in Japanese vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing 金属[きんぞく]

An effective way to memorize 金属 is to associate the kanjis that make it up. The first, 金, means "gold" or "money," while the second, 属, can be remembered through words like 所属 (shozoku, "affiliation"). Together, they form the idea of "category of metals." This breakdown helps reinforce not only the meaning but also the writing.

Another tip is to listen to the pronunciation in real contexts. The word often appears in animes like "Fullmetal Alchemist" (鋼の錬金術師), where metals play a central role in the plot. Repeating phrases like 金属は錆びる (Kinzoku wa sabiru, "Metals rust") can also help internalize the term.

Finally, it's worth practicing with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting 金属 into everyday sentences. Over time, the term will become as familiar as basic words like 水 (mizu, "water") or 火 (hi, "fire").

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

鋼材 (Kōzai) - Steel material used in the construction and manufacturing of products.
鉄 (Tetsu) - Iron metal, used in various applications including construction and manufacturing.
金属製品 (Kinzoku seihin) - Metal products, covering a wide range of manufactured items.
金属素材 (Kinzoku sozai) - Metal raw materials, used in the production of various items.
金属材料 (Kinzoku zairyou) - Metal materials, referring to any type of material made of metal.