継目

つぎめ

joint, seam

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"継目" (つぎめ) refers to a joint or seam where two parts are connected or joined together. It is commonly used in contexts involving construction, sewing, manufacturing, and plumbing.

Common Contexts

This word often appears when discussing the physical connection points between materials, such as pipes, fabrics, or building components. It emphasizes the place where two separate pieces meet.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 継目から漏れる (leak from the joint): used when fluids escape through a joint.
  • 継目を縫う (sew the seam): common in sewing or fabric-related contexts.
  • 継目の強度 (strength of the joint): important in engineering or construction.

Register and Nuance

"継目" is a technical term and tends to appear in formal or specialized contexts rather than casual conversation. It is neutral in politeness but specific in usage.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners might confuse "継目" with "継ぎ目" (same reading and meaning but different kanji usage). Both are correct, but "継目" is more common in technical fields. Be careful not to confuse it with "接目" which is less common and has different nuances.

Example Sentences

このパイプのつぎめからみずがもれている。

Water is leaking from the joint of this pipe.

ぬののつぎめをしっかりぬいあわせてください。

Please sew the seam of the fabric firmly.

けんちくげんばではつぎめのきょうどがひじょうにじゅうようだ。

At construction sites, the strength of joints is extremely important.