鉤爪
kagizume
The English word 'talon' is translated into Japanese as 鉤爪 (kagizume).
鉤爪 refers to a hooked claw. You can use the simpler word 爪 to mean claw, nail or talon depending on the context. If you want to refer specifically to an eagle's talons, you would use the phrase 鷲の爪.
Meaning: hooked claw (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
鉤爪 is a compound word made of 鉤, meaning hook and 爪, meaning claw.
How do you pronounce it?
kagizume
Did you know?
- In certain traditional Japanese martial arts, 'kagizume' can refer to a specific gripping technique designed to hook into an opponent's clothing or skin, mirroring the physical function of a bird's talon.
- In Japanese, the word 爪 can be used in the expression 爪を研ぐ, meaning 'to sharpen one's claws'. While it can be literal, it is often used metaphorically to mean preparing for a challenge.
- In traditional Japanese theater, specifically Kabuki, the term 鉤爪 can refer to specialized metal claws worn by demons or supernatural beings to emphasize their monstrous nature.
Examples in context
- 鷲の爪は鋭くて強力です。The talons of an eagle are sharp and powerful.
- 猛禽類の鉤爪は鋭い。moukinrui no kaguzume wa surudoi.The talons of birds of prey are sharp.
- その怪物は大きな鉤爪を持っている。sono kaibutsu wa ookina kaguzume o motte iru.The monster has large talons.
- 鷲の鉤爪が岩に食い込んだ。washi no kaguzume ga iwa ni kuikonda.The eagle's talons dug into the rock.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a picture book about mythical creatures in a library.
- 健太 Kentaこのドラゴンの鉤爪はとても強そうだよ。kono doragon no kaguzume wa totemo tsuyosou da yo.This dragon's talons look very strong.
- 結衣 Yui本当だね、鋭い鉤爪をしているね。hontou da ne, surudoi kaguzume o shite iru ne.You're right, it has sharp talons.
- 健太 Kenta結衣なら、この描き方を気に入ると思う。Yui nara, kono kakikata o kiniiru to omou.I think you would like the way this is drawn, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui健太、これはすごくかっこいい絵だね！Kenta, kore wa sugoku kakkoii e da ne!Kenta, this is a really cool picture!
