Meaning

Primary

Strong Man

Alternatives

Badass, Iron Man, Macho Man, Tough Guy

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A man made of iron is a strong man... aka a huge badass. Have you seen "Iron Chef?" The Japanese translation is 料理の鉄人, which means "Chef Iron Man" aka "Chef Badass," at least in my book.

Reading

てつじん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

Check out the strong man wearing nothing but jeans (じん). He looks like a badass in his jeans, flexing his pecs. Very impressive, but also slightly terrifying.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • ワインの鉄人

    iron man of wine

    フレンチの鉄人

    iron man of French cuisine

Context Sentences

うちの社長はトライアスロンの後に出社するような鉄人です。

Our president is a strong man who comes to work after a triathlon.

この有名女子プロレスラーは鉄人のように強いです。

This famous female professional wrestler is strong like a badass.

あの男の人は、かつては「鉄人シェフ」とよばれたフレンチシェフです。

That man is a French chef, who was once also called the "Iron Chef."

スーパーで赤ちゃんに「いないいないばぁ」をしている鉄人を見てしまった。

I saw a tough guy playing peak-a-boo with a baby in a grocery store.

Kanji Composition