Translation guide
A plectrum is a small flat tool used to pluck or strum the strings of a musical instrument. In Japanese, the word depends on the instrument.
The learner wants to refer to a plectrum for a guitar, bass, or similar Western string instrument.
The most common word for a guitar pick. A loanword from English.
The learner wants to refer to the large plectrum used for the shamisen.
The standard word for the shamisen plectrum. Also used for biwa and other traditional instruments.
The learner wants to refer to the finger picks worn when playing koto or shamisen.
Literally 'nail' or 'claw'. Refers to the finger picks used for koto, and sometimes for shamisen (when not using a bachi).
I forgot my guitar pick.
A direct loanword from English 'plectrum'. Rarely used; sounds technical or old-fashioned.
彼は象牙のプレクトラムを使っている。
He uses an ivory plectrum.
三味線の撥は象牙でできている。
The shamisen plectrum is made of ivory.
琴の爪をはめる。
I put on the koto picks.