ねじ・螺子・捻子・捩子・螺旋neji[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounscrew
   この機械きかいは１時間じかんに千せん個このねじを製造せいぞうする。↗

   This machine cranks out a thousand screws an hour.
2. nounkey (of a clock, watch, etc.); spring

• Synonym螺旋らせんNeutralDenotes the spiral shape itself, as in 「螺旋階段」; 「螺子」 is the physical part, not the shape.
• SynonymスクリューNeutralA loanword for a screw or propeller, used mostly for ships; 「螺子」 is the ordinary everyday part.
• Synonymねじ釘ねじくぎNeutralA screw as a nail-like fastener; unlike 「螺子」, it never refers to a clock or watch spring.
• RelatedスパイラルNeutralA loanword for a spiral, also used figuratively for a vicious cycle, as in 「デフレスパイラル」.
• Related螺線らせんWrittenWritten/formal word for a spiral line, like a shell's whorls or vines winding around; 「螺子」 is a physical part.

Use 「螺子」 for screws or a clock spring, as in 「ねじを巻く」. For spiral shapes say 「螺旋」, for a ship's propeller 「スクリュー」, and for a vicious cycle 「スパイラル」.

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

1. ねじ。