A mechanical or structural part that connects two things, such as pipes, shafts, or beams. Common in engineering and construction.
The joint on this pipe is loose.
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.
We fixed the leak by installing a new coupling.
He is expected to be the successor to the company president.
We are troubled because there is no heir to the family business.
Standard spelling for both the mechanical joint and the successor senses.
Common variant without okurigana, especially in technical contexts.
Rare kanji form for the mechanical joint sense; not used for the successor sense.
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.