'Bù xiù gāng' literally means 'not-rust steel' — a compound noun formed by combining three characters: 不 (bù, 'not'), 锈 (xiù, 'rust' or 'corrosion'), and 钢 (gāng, 'steel'). It refers to a family of corrosion-resistant alloy steels, typically containing chromium (at least 10.5%) that forms a protective oxide layer on the surface. Unlike ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel does not readily rust or stain when exposed to moisture or air.

This material is widely used in kitchenware (e.g., pots, cutlery), medical instruments, construction (e.g., railings, facades), and industrial equipment due to its durability, hygiene, and aesthetic appeal. While 'stainless steel' is the standard English translation, it's important to note that it’s not completely immune to corrosion — under harsh chemical or saline conditions, pitting or staining can still occur. In Chinese, it functions strictly as a noun and rarely appears in verb or adjective roles without additional modifiers.