鉄骨（てっこつ、teっkotsu）
- steel frame

The Japanese word 鉄骨, read てっこつ (tekkotsu), refers to "steel frame" or "steel skeleton." It specifically describes the framework of a building or structure that is made of steel. It is the structural support system, providing strength and stability to the entire construction. 鉄骨 is a crucial component in modern construction, particularly for larger buildings, as it offers durability and allows for taller and wider designs. It is often used interchangeably with the English terms "steel frame" or "steel skeleton" in a construction context.

⚫︎そのビルは、鉄骨造りです。 Translation: That building is made of steel frame. ⚫︎鉄骨の組み立てが完了しました。 Translation: The steel frame assembly has been completed. ⚫︎新しい橋は鉄骨で作られています。 Translation: The new bridge is made of steel frame.

You use 鉄骨 when discussing or describing the steel framework of a building, bridge, or other structures. It is commonly used in construction, architecture, and engineering contexts. It is suitable to use when talking about the materials used in a building’s framework, the process of its construction, or the structural integrity of the design.

鉄骨 is primarily written in kanji as 鉄骨. The reading てっこつ is indicated with hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word. There are no variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎鉄骨造り (tekkotsu-zukuri) - steel frame construction ⚫︎鉄骨構造 (tekkotsu-kouzou) - steel frame structure ⚫︎鋼材 (kouzai) - steel materials (this is a more general term)

There aren't direct antonyms, but words referring to the construction material might be relevant in certain contexts: ⚫︎木造 (mokuzou) - wooden construction ⚫︎木材 (mokuzai) - wood materials

この建物は、地震に強い鉄骨構造を採用しています。 ・Translation: This building adopts a steel frame structure that is resistant to earthquakes. ・Explanation: This sentence highlights the earthquake resistance benefits associated with steel frame construction.

建設現場では、鉄骨の運搬と設置が重要な工程です。 ・Translation: At the construction site, the transportation and installation of the steel frame are important processes. ・Explanation: This shows how 鉄骨 is used in the context of construction operations.

The word 鉄骨 is a compound word. 鉄 (tetsu) means "iron" or "steel", and 骨 (kotsu) means "bone" or "skeleton." The combination represents the "steel skeleton" or "steel frame" of a structure.