銅(どう)

銅(どう) refers to both the metal copper and, in compounds, bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). Most commonly encountered in the context of 銅(どう)メダル (bronze medal).

Compounds

• 銅(どう)メダル: bronze medal
• 銅像(どうぞう): bronze statue
• 銅貨(どうか): copper coin
• 銅板(どうばん): copper plate
• 銅色(どういろ): copper color
• 青銅(せいどう): bronze (copper-tin alloy)

Related words

The other Olympic medals:

• 金(きん)メダル: gold medal
• 銀(ぎん)メダル: silver medal

Cultural note

Copper has been important in Japanese craftsmanship for centuries. Many famous Buddhist statues, including the 奈良(なら)の大仏(だいぶつ) (Great Buddha of Nara), are made of 銅(どう).