Japanese word

金槌

Pronunciation

Romajikanazuchi

Meaning

  • nounhammer

Example

父は金槌でくぎを打ちます。chichi wa kana zuchi de ku gi o u chi ma su

My father hits a nail with a hammer.

Illustration for 金槌 (hammer)

More examples

家具を直すときは金槌を使います。ka gu o nao su to ki wa kana zuchi o tsuka i ma su

I use a hammer when repairing furniture.

Core concept

Describes a heavy metal tool and, by association with something that sinks, a person unable to swim.

Common phrases

  • 金槌を使うkana zuchi o tsuka u

    use a hammer

Similar words

とんかちtonkachi: An informal everyday word for a hammer used in household work and repairs.
ハンマーhanmā: A general term for a tool with a weighted head used to strike, drive, or break things.

Definition in Japanese

金属の頭と柄からなる、くぎを打つ道具。また、泳ぐことができない人。kin zoku no atama to gara ka ra na ru ku gi o u tsu dō gu ma ta oyo gu ko to ga de ki na i hito

Word origin

The word 金槌 (kanazuchi) combines 金 (kana, "metal") and 槌 (tsuchi, "mallet"); rendaku changes tsuchi to zuchi, and the swimming sense is a figurative extension.

Usage tips

  • A repair manual may mention 金槌 (kanazuchi) alongside measurements and safety steps, so the word occurs naturally in practical instructions rather than only in conversation.

Other meanings

  • non-swimmernoun

Word lists with this word