Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'claw' in Japanese, including animal claws, bird talons, crab pincers, and related actions like scratching or clutching.
The sharp, curved nail on the toe of an animal such as a cat, dog, or bear.
The most common word for claw, nail, or talon. Used for both animals and humans.
猫が爪を研いでいる。
The cat is sharpening its claws.
I trimmed the dog's claws.
The claw of a bird, especially a bird of prey like an eagle or hawk.
The large, hinged claw of a crustacean used for grasping.
Literally 'scissors', but the standard word for crab or lobster claws.
A crab's claws are very strong.
The action of an animal using its claws to scratch something or someone.
The action of seizing or holding something using claws.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to grasp with claws'.
The eagle grabbed its prey with its talons.
ハサミ (hasami) is only for crustacean pincers or scissors. Using it for a cat or bird claw would be confusing.
ドラゴンの鉤爪は岩をも砕く。
The dragon's talons can crush even rock.
I ate the lobster claw.