つる

noun

vine; tendril; runner

Refers to the slender, creeping or climbing stem of plants like morning glories, cucumbers, or ivy. Often used in gardening and botanical contexts.

• 朝あさ顔がおのつるが伸のびてきた。

  The morning glory vine has started to grow.

• つるを支し柱ちゅうに巻まきつける。

  I wind the vine around the support.

noun

temple arm; earpiece (of glasses)

Specifically the part of a pair of glasses that extends from the frame over the ear. Common in everyday conversation about eyewear.

• メガネのつるが曲まがってしまった。

  The temple arm of my glasses got bent.

• このつるは耳みみに当あたる部ぶ分ぶんが柔やわらかい。

  The part of this earpiece that touches the ear is soft.

noun

connections; contacts; influence

Metaphorical extension from the vine meaning: refers to personal connections or a network of influence, often in business or social contexts. Can imply a useful contact or a financial backer.

• 彼かれは政せい界かいにつるがある。

  He has connections in the political world.

• いい仕し事ごとを見みつけるにはつるがものを言いう。

  Connections are what count when finding a good job.