How to Say "Copper" in Chinese

铜

tóng

The English word "copper" is translated into Chinese as 铜 (tóng).

铜 refers to the reddish-brown metallic chemical element with the atomic number 29, or the metal composed of this element.

Meaning: reddish-brown metallic chemical element with the atomic number 29, the metal made up of this element (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

tóng

In Chinese, the word 铜 is used broadly to refer to both copper and alloys like brass or bronze, which are specifically called 黄铜 'yellow copper' and 青铜 'green copper'.
If you are talking about the color of copper, Chinese speakers might use 古铜色 (gǔtóngsè), which translates to 'ancient copper color', to describe a tanned or bronze skin tone.
In many Chinese contexts, the term 铜 is part of the phrase 铜墙铁壁 (tóngqiángtiěbì), meaning 'walls of copper and iron' to describe something impenetrable.

现在我开始发铜牌。
Now I am starting to issue copper medals.
This sentence demonstrates the use of 铜 in the context of issuing medals.
Tatoeba #4835906 by sadhen, translation #13545896 by LeviHighway
这个不锈钢是由铁、铬和铜合成的。
This stainless steel is made from iron, chromium, and copper.
这个艺术品用了大量的铜雕。
This artwork features extensive copper carvings.
这种管子是铜做的。
Zhè zhǒng guǎnzǐ shì tóng zuò de.
This kind of pipe is made of copper.
那块铜看起来很旧。
Nà kuài tóng kàn qǐlái hěn jiù.
That piece of copper looks very old.

A jewelry store where a customer is asking about a necklace.

佳怡 Jiayi

这条项链是什么材质的？
Zhè tiáo xiàngliàn shì shénme cáizhì de?
What material is this necklace made of?
伟 Wei

它是纯铜做的。
Tā shì chún tóng zuò de.
It is made of pure copper.
佳怡 Jiayi

这么说它会变色吗？
Zhème shuō tā huì biànsè ma?
Does that mean it will change color?
伟 Wei

是的，不过可以抛光。
Shì de, bùguò kěyǐ pāoguāng.
Yes, but it can be polished.

Sources

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