108
鉱
Mineral, Ore
JLPT N2
Interesting Fact
Although Japan has limited natural mineral resources, it historically operated famous mines such as the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kanji 鉱 appears in words related to mining and minerals.
Memory Trick
Imagine miners digging deep underground until they discover shiny metal ore hidden inside the rock. That valuable ore reminds you that 鉱 means 'mineral' or 'ore.'
Readings
Onyomi: コウ (kou)
Kunyomi:
Example Words
鉱山
こうざん (kouzan)
Mine
鉱石
こうせき (kouseki)
Ore
鉱物
こうぶつ (koubutsu)
Mineral
鉄鉱石
てっこうせき (tekkouseki)
Iron ore
Example Sentence
この 地域 は 鉱物 が 豊富です。
この ちいき は こうぶつ が ほうふです。
kono chiiki wa koubutsu ga houfu desu
This region is rich in minerals.