Meaning and Usage
The word "釘" (くぎ) primarily means "nail" as in the small metal object used in carpentry and construction to fasten materials together. It is a common noun used in everyday contexts involving building, repairing, or hanging things.
Common Collocations
- 釘を打つ (くぎをうつ): to hammer a nail. This is the most frequent collocation and describes the action of driving a nail into a surface.
- 釘を踏む (くぎをふむ): to step on a nail, often used literally but can also be used metaphorically to describe an unexpected painful experience.
- 長い釘 (ながいくぎ): long nail, used when specifying the size or type of nail.
Register and Nuance
"釘" is a neutral term and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is a concrete noun and does not carry figurative meanings by itself, but it can appear in idiomatic expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "釘" with "杭" (くい), which means "stake" or "post" used for larger structural purposes. Remember that "釘" refers to small nails, while "杭" refers to larger stakes driven into the ground.