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.
爪の先がささくれて痛い。
The tip of my nail is split and hurts.
竹串がささくれているから気をつけて。
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.
最近ストレスで神経がささくれている。
Lately, my nerves are frayed from stress.