What is ねじまわし?
ねじまわし means "screwdriver," a common hand tool used to turn screws. It is a compound word combining ねじ (screw) and まわし (turning). This word is used in everyday contexts involving assembling or repairing objects.
Usage and Context
You will often hear ねじまわし when talking about fixing furniture, electronics, or mechanical devices. It is a neutral, common noun and can be used in both casual and formal situations.
Common Collocations
- ねじまわしで締める (tighten with a screwdriver): used when fixing screws.
- ねじまわしがない (no screwdriver): often said when lacking the tool needed.
- プラスねじまわし (Phillips screwdriver): specifying the type of screwdriver.
Tips for Learners
Don’t confuse ねじまわし with other tools like ドライバー (driver), which can also mean screwdriver but is more casual and borrowed from English. Using ねじまわし sounds more precise and native in Japanese. When describing the action, use ねじを締める (tighten a screw) or ねじを緩める (loosen a screw) with ねじまわし.
This word is practical and useful for everyday conversations about DIY, repairs, and tools.