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.
その道具はかぎ形の先端を持っている。
The tool has a hook-shaped tip.
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.
曲がった道を進んでください。
Follow the curved road.
Specifically resembling a fishhook, often with a sharp bend and a barb.
Literally 'shaped like a fishhook'. Used when the shape is very similar to a fishing hook.
その植物のとげは釣り針のような形をしている。
The plant's thorn is shaped like a fishhook.
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.
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.
この部分はかぎ形になっている。
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'.
鉤状突起は骨の一部です。
The hook-shaped process is part of the bone.
Means 'curved' or 'bending', often used for gentle curves. More formal than 曲がった.
湾曲した海岸線が美しい。
The curved coastline is beautiful.
A compound noun meaning 'fishhook shape'. Less common but more concise.
この部品は釣り針形です。
This part is fishhook-shaped.