Definition
As an adjective, 铁 (tiě) describes a person's character as 'hard, strong, unyielding' or, in slang, a relationship as 'close, tight' (e.g., 关系特别铁). This figurative use differs from 坚决 (jiān jué) and 决心 (jué xīn), which mean 'resolute' and 'determination'—they focus on willpower, not the metal-like toughness or closeness that 铁 conveys.
noun
iron (metal)(literary) armsweapons
adjective
hardstrongunyielding(slang) closetight (of relationships)
Easily confused
- 跌diēlook-aliketo fall, to tumble (of a person or object)
- 贴tiēsound-aliketo stick, to paste, to post (e.g. online)
- 扶fúlook-aliketo support with the hand; to help (someone) up; to hold onto (something) for support
Examples
- 。Zhè piàn shānqū yǒu fēngfù de tiě kuàng zīyuán.This mountain area has abundant iron ore resources.
- ，铁。Tā xìnggé gāngqiáng, rú tiě yìbān.His character is tough, like iron.
- ，铁。Wǒmen liǎ rènshi shí nián le, guānxì tèbié tiě.We've known each other for ten years; our relationship is very close.
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