鋳鉄(ちゅうてつ)

Composed of 鋳(ちゅう) (casting; molding metal) + 鉄(てつ) (iron). Cast iron is produced by melting iron and pouring it into molds, as opposed to 鍛鉄(たんてつ) (wrought iron), which is hammered into shape. Cast iron is brittle but excels at heat retention, making it ideal for cookware.

Common collocations

• 鋳鉄(ちゅうてつ)製(せい): made of cast iron
• 鋳鉄(ちゅうてつ)の鍋(なべ): cast iron pot
• 鋳鉄(ちゅうてつ)管(かん): cast iron pipe
• 鋳鉄(ちゅうてつ)製(せい)フライパン: cast iron frying pan

Cultural note

Japan has a rich tradition of cast iron craftsmanship. 南部鉄器(なんぶてっき) (Nanbu ironware) from Iwate Prefecture is internationally recognized, particularly the 鉄瓶(てつびん) (iron kettle) used for boiling water, which is said to improve the taste of tea by adding trace iron.

Similar words

• 鍛鉄(たんてつ): wrought iron — iron that is hammered rather than cast
• 鋼(はがね): steel — an iron alloy with lower carbon content, stronger and more flexible than cast iron
• 鉄器(てっき): ironware — a general term for tools and utensils made of iron