How to say "nail" in Japanese

• 爪つめJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe nail of a finger or toe; it also covers an animal's claw, talon or hoof. For the body part, this is the word to use.
  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.
• ネイルCommon
  nounThe loanword for nail or fingernail, used especially in beauty and fashion contexts such as manicures and nail care; for the body part itself, use 爪.
• 釘くぎJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe metal nail — a small spike of metal hammered into wood or a wall; also a spike, tack or rivet. Never used for fingernails or toenails.
  その板いたに釘くぎを打うってください。↗

  Drive the nail into the board.

For the body part use 爪, which also covers claws and hooves; 「ネイル」 is the loanword heard in beauty contexts; 釘 is the metal fastener, unrelated to fingers or toes.

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

• 爪つめnail (e.g. fingernail, toenail)
• ネイルnail
• 釘くぎnail
• 打ち付けるうちつけるto nail (to something)
• 扁爪ひらづめnail (e.g. fingernail, toenail)
• 止めるとめるto fix (in place)