noun
A mechanical or structural part that connects two things, such as pipes, shafts, or beams. Common in engineering and construction.
このパイプの継ぎ手が緩んでいる。
The joint on this pipe is loose.
新しい継ぎ手を取り付けて、水漏れを直した。
We fixed the leak by installing a new coupling.
noun
Only when written 継ぎ手 / 継手
A person who takes over a role, business, or family line. Restricted to the kanji forms 継ぎ手 and 継手.
彼は社長の継ぎ手として期待されている。
He is expected to be the successor to the company president.
家業の継ぎ手がいなくて困っている。
We are troubled because there is no heir to the family business.
Rare kanji form for the mechanical joint sense; not used for the successor sense.
Compound of 継ぎ (the continuative form of 継ぐ, 'to succeed' or 'to connect') and 手 ('hand' or 'person'). The mechanical sense derives from the idea of connecting parts; the successor sense from the idea of a person who continues a role.