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やっとこ Japanese meaning | Kotomora

やっとこ

や

っ

と

こ

Meanings

1

noun

pincers; nippers; pliers

usually written using kana alone

A tool used for gripping, bending, or cutting wire and small objects. Often used in metalworking and crafts.

針はり金がねを曲まげるのにやっとこを使つかった。
I used pliers to bend the wire.
職しょく人にんがやっとこで小ちいさな部ぶ品ひんをつまんでいる。
The craftsman is picking up a small part with pincers.

Written forms

やっとこUsage100%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 鋏 and 矢床 are rare and may not be recognized by many readers.
鋏やっとこ
Rare kanji form; this character is more commonly read はさみ (scissors).
矢床やっとこ
Rare kanji form; not widely used.

Kanji

鋏scissors
矢

dart, arrow

床bed, counter for beds, floor

Similar words

ペンチ
ペンチ is a more common, modern loanword for pliers, while やっとこ is a traditional Japanese term often used in specific crafts.
プライヤー
プライヤー is another loanword for pliers, typically referring to adjustable or specialized pliers, whereas やっとこ is a general traditional term.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain. It may be related to the verb やっと (to do something with effort), but the exact derivation is unclear.