Meaning and Usage
The word "金槌" (かなづち) primarily means an iron hammer, a common tool used in carpentry and construction. It is a concrete noun referring to the physical object used to drive nails or break things.
Figurative Use
Besides the literal meaning, "金槌" is also a colloquial term used to describe someone who cannot swim. This figurative use is quite common in casual conversation and can be heard when people talk about swimming skills.
Common Collocations
- 金槌を使う: to use a hammer, often in construction or DIY contexts.
- 金槌で釘を打つ: to hammer nails, a typical phrase showing the tool's function.
- 金槌（泳げない人）: used metaphorically to describe a poor swimmer.
Register and Nuance
The literal use is neutral and common in everyday speech related to tools and manual work. The figurative use is informal and often used jokingly or teasingly among friends.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "金槌" with other words for hammer that might be more general or different in nuance. Also, when hearing "金槌" referring to a person, understand it as a playful or informal nickname for someone who cannot swim, not a literal hammer.