ささくれる

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

split finely; splinter; get frayed

Describes thin, pointed objects like wood, bamboo, or nails splitting or fraying at the tip. Also used for cuticles or skin peeling in small strips.

• 爪つめの先さきがささくれて痛いたい。

  The tip of my nail is split and hurts.

• 竹たけ串ぐしがささくれているから気きをつけて。

  The bamboo skewer is splintered, so be careful.

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

become irritable; get on edge

Figurative use: describes a person's nerves or mood becoming frayed, like a splintered edge. Often used in the expression 神経がささくれる.

• 最さい近きんストレスで神しん経けいがささくれている。

  Lately, my nerves are frayed from stress.