Japanese word

釘

Pronunciation

Romajikugi

Meaning

  • nounnail

Example

壁に釘を打ちます。kabe ni kugi o u chi ma su

I hammer a nail into the wall.

Illustration for 釘 (nail)

More examples

古い箱から釘を抜きます。furu i bako ka ra kugi o nu ki ma su

I pull a nail out of an old box.

Core concept

A slender pointed fastener is driven into material to hold something firmly in place.

Common phrases

  • 釘を刺すkugi o sa su

    warn someone in advance

  • 釘を抜くkugi o nu ku

    pull out a nail

  • 釘を打つkugi o u tsu

    hammer in a nail

Similar words

ピンpin: A thin fastener holds parts together or secures something in position.
鋲byō: A short fastener with a broad head is pressed or driven into a surface.

Definition in Japanese

木材や板などに打ち込んで物を固定する、先端のとがった細長い部品。moku zai ya ita na do ni u chi ko n de mono o ko tei su ru sen tan no to ga tta hoso naga i bu hin

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 釘 (kugi) has an uncertain older formation; its kanji means "nail" or "spike," which directly reflects the object it names.

Usage tips

  • English nail also means a fingernail, but Japanese distinguishes the fastening object as 釘 (kugi) from a fingernail or toenail as 爪 (tsume).

Other meanings

  • tacknoun
  • spikenoun

Word lists with this word