銅
dō[do̞ː]
In Japanese, the word for copper is 銅 (dō). If unsure, use 銅. Wiktionary also lists カッパー (kappā).
Meaning: reddish-brown metallic chemical element with the atomic number 29, the metal made up of this element (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 銅 | dō | [do̞ː] (narrow) [a̠ka̠ɡa̠ne̞] (narrow) |
| カッパー | kappā |
The word 銅 refers to the reddish-brown metallic chemical element with atomic number 29, or the metal itself. To describe an object as being made of copper, you use the related form 銅製.
What does it mean word for word?
In the form 銅製, the suffix 製 is added to the noun to indicate that an object is manufactured from that specific material.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, カッパー is a phonetic transliteration of the English word 'copper' and is typically used in specific contexts like brand names or technical jargon rather than general scientific discussion.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 銅 as a modifier for another noun, such as 'copper wire', you add the particle の to the noun, resulting in 銅の (for example, 銅の線).
How do you pronounce it?
dō
Did you know?
- While 銅 is used for the element, Japanese people might use 銅色 to describe a deeply tanned skin tone.
- The kanji for copper, 銅, is a compound that literally means 'red metal'.
- The word for copper first appears in the Nihon Shoki, a historical record completed around 720 CE.
Examples in context
- 銅の原子番号は29です。The atomic number of copper is 29.This sentence is useful for stating the atomic number of 銅.Tatoeba #11252739 by small_snow, translation #10670866 by AlanF_US
- 真鍮は銅と亜鉛の合金である。Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.This sentence is useful for describing an alloy containing 銅.Tatoeba #145008 by small_snow, translation #269555 by orcrist
- 昔の硬貨は銅でできていたんだよ。The old coins were made of copper.
- この像は銅でできている。Kono zou wa dou de dekite iru.This statue is made of copper.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A museum visitor is looking at an ancient artifact.
- 結衣 Yuiこれは何で作られていますか？Kore wa nan de tsukurarete imasu ka?What is this made of?
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは銅で作られた器です。Sore wa dou de tsukurareta utsuwa desu.That is a vessel made of copper.
- 結衣 Yuiとても綺麗な色ですね。Totemo kirei na iro desu ne.It is a very beautiful color.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、歴史を感じますね。Hai, rekishi o kanjimasu ne.Yes, you can really feel the history.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “copper” translations and entries 銅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 銅, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
