Translation guide
Describes something curved or bent like a hook. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the adjective かぎ形の or the noun かぎ形, but other words exist for specific contexts.
Describing something that has the shape of a hook, like a curved or bent form.
The most common and neutral way to say 'hook-shaped'. かぎ means 'hook', 形 means 'shape', and の turns it into an adjective.
The tool has a hook-shaped tip.
A hook-shaped pattern was drawn on the wall.
The noun form meaning 'hook shape'. Used when talking about the shape itself rather than modifying another noun.
This part is shaped like a hook.
A more technical or formal term, often used in scientific or medical contexts. 鉤 means 'hook' and 状 means 'shape' or 'form'.
The hook-shaped process is part of the bone.
Focusing on the curved or bent nature, often for roads, rivers, or objects.
Means 'bent' or 'curved'. While not specifically 'hook-shaped', it's often used when the exact shape is less important than the fact that it's not straight.
Follow the curved road.
Means 'curved' or 'bending', often used for gentle curves. More formal than 曲がった.
The curved coastline is beautiful.
Specifically resembling a fishhook, often with a sharp bend and a barb.
かぎ形 specifically means 'hook-shaped', implying a sharp bend or a shape resembling a hook. 曲がった simply means 'bent' or 'curved' and is more general. Use かぎ形 when the hook resemblance is important.