How to say "claw" in Japanese

• 爪つめJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe common noun for a nail, claw, or talon: it covers fingernails and toenails as well as a cat's claws or an eagle's talons, and can even mean a hoof.
  私は夜よるには決けっして爪つめを切きらない。↗

  I never cut my nails at night.
• 引っかくひっかくJLPT N1approx.
  godan verb, transitive verbThis is the verb: use it where English uses claw as a verb, as with a cat clawing at the furniture; its primary meaning is to scratch.
  虫むしに刺さされた跡あとを引ひっかかないようにした方ほうがいいよ。↗

  You should try not to scratch insect bites.
• 鉤爪かぎづめ
  nounA narrower noun than 爪: it means a claw or talon, typically a hooked one, and never a fingernail or hoof; being less common, it is not the default choice for an animal's claws.
  その鋭するどいかぎ爪づめを開ひらいては閉とじ、開ひらいては閉とじ始はじめた。↗

  Its sharp claws began to open and close, open and close.

For the noun use 爪, the common word that also covers fingernails and hooves; for the verb use 「引っかく」, which means to scratch; 鉤爪 is a less common, narrower word for a hooked claw or talon.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 爪つめnail (e.g. fingernail, toenail)
• 引っかくひっかくto scratch
• 鉤爪かぎづめclaw