noun
Refers to the hard covering at the end of fingers, toes, or animal digits. Covers fingernails, toenails, claws, talons, and hooves depending on the creature.
爪を切るのを忘れた。
I forgot to cut my nails.
猫が爪を研いでいる。
The cat is sharpening its claws.
noun
A small flat tool used to pluck or strum strings of instruments like the shamisen or guitar. Often made of ivory, plastic, or tortoiseshell.
三味線を弾くときは、爪を指にはめる。
When playing the shamisen, you put a plectrum on your finger.
noun
A small curved or pointed fastener used on clothing, bags, or accessories. Often seen in compound words like ホック爪.
このバッグの留め具は、小さな爪で引っかけるタイプだ。
The fastener on this bag is the type that catches with a small hook.
Native Japanese word. The kanji 爪 is a pictograph of a claw or nail. The reading つめ is of uncertain origin but is the standard kun'yomi.