How to say "hook" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe general loanword for a hook as a physical object, such as one used for hanging things. Choose this for most concrete hooks in everyday contexts.
- nounA hook used for fastening clothing, typically a hook and eye closure. Use this word only when talking about garment fasteners, not hooks in general.
- 針はりnounThe native word for a hook, especially one with a pointed shape such as a fishing hook. It literally means needle, so it suits pointed hook-shaped implements.
- 引っ掛けるひっかけるichidan verb, transitive verbThe verb 'to hook': catching, trapping, or snagging something, or hooking an object onto something. Use this when 'hook' is an action rather than a thing.
Use 「フック」 for hooks as objects, 「ホック」 for clothing fasteners, 針 for fishing-type hooks, and 「引っ掛ける」 when you need the verb 'to hook or catch' something.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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