Translation and Meaning of: 釘 - kugi

The Japanese word 釘 (くぎ) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it in daily life, this article will clarify these questions. Additionally, we will explore how this word is perceived in Japanese culture, from its everyday use to trivia that can help with memorization. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered accurate information so you can understand everything about くぎ clearly and practically.

Meaning and usage of 釘 (くぎ)

釘 (くぎ) significa "prego", um objeto metálico usado para fixar ou unir materiais. No Japão, essa palavra é comum em contextos de construção, marcenaria e até mesmo em expressões do cotidiano. Seu uso é direto, sem muitas variações, mas aparece com frequência em manuais, instruções e diálogos informais.

An interesting fact is that くぎ is not limited to just conventional nails. In some contexts, it can refer to similar objects, such as pegs or pins, depending on the material and purpose. For example, in traditional Japanese crafts, the term can be applied to smaller and more delicate pieces.

Origin and writing of the kanji 釘

The kanji 釘 is composed of the radical 金 (gold/metal) and the component 丁 (nail/block). This combination is not random: the radical 金 indicates that it is a metallic object, while 丁 reinforces the idea of something pointed or a fastener. This structure helps to understand why the character represents precisely a nail.

Regarding pronunciation, くぎ is the kun'yomi (Japanese) reading of the kanji. The on'yomi (Chinese) reading, which is less common in everyday use, is テイ (tei). It's worth noting that although the kanji is specific, the word itself does not have significant dialectal variations in Japan, being understood in all regions.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing くぎ

An effective way to remember くぎ is to associate it with the sound a nail makes when being hammered. In Japanese, the onomatopoeia for that noise is "トントン" (ton-ton), which has no direct connection to the word but can serve as a mental trigger. Another tip is to think of the radical 金 (metal) present in the kanji, since nails are made of this material.

In Japanese culture, くぎ appears in proverbs and expressions, such as "釘を刺す" (くぎをさす), which means "to make something very clear" or "to confirm an agreement." This expression originates from the act of hammering in a nail to firmly secure something, conveying the idea of certainty and solidity. It is an example of how everyday objects inspire figurative language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• くぎ (kugi) - A simple nail used to secure objects.
• 鋲 (byou) - Small staple, usually with a flat head, used for paper and lightweight materials.
• ピン (pin) - A pin or clip, used to attach or hold objects.
• ドクギ (dokugi) - Poisonous nail, referring to a nail that can cause harm.
• ハリ (hari) - Needle or thorn, used to refer to sharp objects.
• トゲ (toge) - Spike, referring to a sharp part of a plant or object.
• ヤリ (yari) - Spear, a long and sharp object, but not a nail.