Meaning and Usage
The verb 剥ぐ (はぐ) means "to peel off," "to tear off," or "to strip away." It is often used when something is forcibly removed from a surface, such as paint, wallpaper, or bandages. It can also imply a somewhat rough or forceful action.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 剥ぐ used in contexts involving physical removal of coverings or layers. For example, removing old paint from a wall, peeling off bandages to check a wound, or even metaphorically stripping away something hidden.
Collocations and Patterns
- 剥ぐ + もの (剥ぐ作業, 剥ぐ壁紙): Refers to the act of peeling or stripping something specific.
- 包帯を剥ぐ: To remove a bandage, often to check an injury.
- 壁紙を剥ぐ: To peel wallpaper, usually during renovation.
Register and Nuance
剥ぐ is a neutral verb but tends to be used in more descriptive or narrative contexts rather than casual conversation. It often conveys a sense of force or effort in the removal process.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 剥ぐ with 剥ける (むける), which means "to come off" or "to peel off" by itself (intransitive). 剥ぐ is transitive and requires a direct object that is being peeled or torn off.