ngũ kim

Công nhân đang xếp các thỏi ngũ kim trong nhà kho.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Non-ferrous metals: A general term for metals and alloys that are not primarily based on iron (ferrous). This category typically includes metals like copper, aluminum, zinc, lead, tin, and their alloys (e.g., brass, bronze).
   • Hardware / Metal goods: By extension, it refers to finished products, tools, or components made from these metals, commonly sold in hardware stores.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cửa hàng ngũ kim bán đủ loại ốc vít và dây điện. (The hardware store sells all kinds of screws and electrical wires.)
  • Đồng và nhôm là những kim loại ngũ kim quan trọng. (Copper and aluminum are important non-ferrous metals.)
  • Công ty anh ấy kinh doanh trong lĩnh vực ngũ kim. (His company operates in the non-ferrous metals sector.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ngũ kim" (literally "five metals") originates from the five classical metals known in ancient times: gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. In modern usage, its meaning has broadened beyond just five specific metals.

Variants and Related Words

• Hàng ngũ kim (n): Hardware goods, metalware.
  • Khu chợ này có nhiều sạp bán hàng ngũ kim. (This market has many stalls selling hardware goods.)

Synonyms

• Non-ferrous metals: Metals not containing iron in significant amounts.
• Hardware: Tools, equipment, and parts made of metal.
• Metal goods: General term for products manufactured from metal.

Related Terms

• Kim loại màu: A more modern technical term for non-ferrous metals, directly contrasting with "kim loại đen" (ferrous metals/black metals like steel and iron).
• Sắt thép: Refers specifically to ferrous metals (iron and steel), which are distinct from "ngũ kim".