Translation guide
A small tool used for cutting or gripping, such as wire cutters, nail clippers, or pliers. The Japanese equivalent depends on the specific type and use.
A tool for cutting wire or small metal parts, often used in electronics or crafts.
The most common and direct loanword for wire cutters or diagonal cutters. Widely understood in DIY and electronics contexts.
Please cut the wire with the nippers.
A general term for pliers, but often used for cutting pliers or combination pliers. Can be ambiguous, so specify if cutting is the main function.
I cut the cord with pliers.
Literally 'cutting pliers', a more precise term for pliers designed for cutting. Used in technical or tool catalogs.
These cutting pliers are ideal for thin wires.
A small tool for trimming fingernails or toenails.
The standard word for nail clippers. Used for both fingernails and toenails.
Can I borrow your nail clippers?
A loanword specifically for cuticle nippers or professional nail nippers used in manicures. Not for regular nail clipping.
I treat the cuticles with nail nippers.
A gripping or cutting tool with two handles and jaws, often used in carpentry or metalwork.
Traditional Japanese pincers or gripping tool, often used by blacksmiths or in glasswork. Not common in everyday language.
The blacksmith grips the heated iron with pincers.
A loanword for pliers, often used in technical or mechanical contexts. Can refer to various types including nippers.
The pincer-like claws of crustaceans.
The general word for claws or pincers of crabs, lobsters, etc. Also means scissors.
I got pinched by the crab's nippers.
The English word 'nippers' covers many tools. Using ニッパー for nail clippers or crab claws will cause confusion. Always match the specific context.
nail clippers (not ニッパー)
Secure the part with pliers.