Meaning and Usage
針金 (はりがね) refers to thin metal wire, commonly made of iron or steel. It is often used in crafts, repairs, and various household or industrial applications.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter 針金 in contexts involving fixing broken items temporarily, crafting shapes or models, and in construction or gardening for tying or supporting plants.
Collocations and Patterns
- 針金で直す (はりがねでなおす): to fix something using wire, often temporarily.
- 針金を巻く (はりがねをまく): to wrap wire around something, common in crafting or securing objects.
- 針金が錆びる (はりがねがさびる): wire rusts, a common issue with iron wire.
Register and Nuance
針金 is a neutral term used in everyday conversation and technical contexts. It is not formal or informal but very practical and concrete.
Common Learner Mistake
Do not confuse 針金 with 電線 (でんせん, electric wire) or ワイヤー (wire in loanword contexts). 針金 usually refers to simple metal wire, often uninsulated and used for physical tasks rather than electrical purposes.