糸いと道みち

noun

groove in a shamisen player's fingernail

A physical groove worn into the fingernail from repeated friction against the shamisen string. Specific to shamisen performance.

• 長なが年ねん三味線しゃみせんを弾ひいていると、爪つめに糸いと道みちができる。

  Playing the shamisen for many years creates a groove in the fingernail.

noun

shamisen playing ability

Metaphorical extension: the groove in the nail comes to represent the player's skill or experience. Used in contexts discussing a performer's proficiency.

• 彼かれの糸いと道みちはまだ浅あさいが、熱ねっ心しんに稽けい古こしている。

  His shamisen skill is still shallow, but he practices diligently.