金槌
kanazuchi[ka̠na̠zɨt͡ɕi]
The English word hammer is translated into Japanese as 金槌 (kanazuchi). Wiktionary also lists 槌 (tsuchi) and ハンマー (hanmā).
Meaning: tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 金槌 | kanazuchi | [ka̠na̠zɨt͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| 槌 | tsuchi | [t͡sɨt͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| ハンマー | hanmā | [hã̠mːa̠ː] (narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The word 金槌 (kanazuchi) is composed of 金 (metal) and 槌 (hammer/mallet).
Which one should you use?
金槌 (kanazuchi) specifically refers to a traditional metal hammer. In contrast, ハンマー (hanmā) is a loanword used more broadly for many different types of hammers in modern settings. The term 槌 (tsuchi) is a more general word for a hammer or mallet and is frequently found in technical or specialized contexts, such as woodworking or music (for example, piano hammers).
How do you pronounce it?
kanazuchi
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, the mythical 'hammer' of the god Daikokuten is not for building, but is used to bring wealth and prosperity.
- The word 槌 (tsuchi) is used in the name of the 槌舞 (tsuchimai), a traditional dance where the performer rhythmically strikes a mallet.
- The word 金槌 (kanazuchi) undergoes a phonetic change where 槌 (tsuchi) becomes zuchi because of a linguistic process called rendaku.
Examples in context
- このハンマーを使うな。Don't use this hammer.This sentence shows how to use the loanword ハンマー in a negative command.Tatoeba #7897663 by Ninja, translation #7894499 by CK
- 彼女は彼を金槌で殴った。She hit him with a hammer.This sentence demonstrates the use of the traditional 金槌 to describe an action.Tatoeba #1465315 by bunbuku, translation #887214 by CK
- なんでハンマーが必要なの？Why do you need a hammer?This sentence uses the loanword ハンマー in a question.Tatoeba #7465219 by Ninja, translation #7464503 by CK
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are fixing a shelf together.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、金槌を持ってきてくれる？Himari, kanazuchi o motte kite kureru?Himari, could you bring me the hammer?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。どこにあるかな。Ii yo. Doko ni aru kana.Sure. I wonder where it is.
- 陽葵 Himariあ、ここに金槌があったよ！A, koko ni kanazuchi ga atta yo!Oh, here is the hammer!
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。助かるよ。Arigatou. Tasukaru yo.Thanks. That helps a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hammer” translations and entries 金槌, 槌, ハンマー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ハンマー, 槌, 金槌, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
