工具|こうぐkougu[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nountool; implement
   私はハンマーを工具箱こうぐばこに入いれています。↗

   I keep my hammer in the toolbox.

• Synonym具ぐNeutralSingle character best known for food ingredients, as in 「味噌汁の具」; as a word for tools or means it is fairly literary, and in everyday speech people say 工具 instead.
• Synonym用具ようぐNeutralGeneral word for utensils and supplies, as in 「筆記用具」. 工具 is more specific, pointing to assembly, disassembly, and processing work.
• SynonymツールNeutralLoanword for tools and means; also covers software tools. 工具 refers to physical implements for hands-on work.
• Synonym道具どうぐNeutralThe broadest everyday word for tools and utensils of any purpose. 工具 is narrower: only for assembling, disassembling, and working on things.
• Synonym器具きぐNeutralAppliances and implements, including simple devices, as in 「照明器具」 and 「医療器具」. 「工具」 means tools for working, assembling or repairing — wrenches, screwdrivers and the like.
• Related機械きかいNeutralA machine: linked mechanisms that actually perform work, as in 「工作機械」. 工具 is what you use while working — wrenches, drills, vises, lathe tools.
• Related物の具もののぐWrittenWritten, archaic term for implements, armor, or court dress; rarely seen in modern usage. In daily conversation people say 「道具」 or 「工具」 instead.
• Related器財きざいWrittenWritten word for equipment and utensils in a broad sense; 工具 is narrower, used only for assembly, disassembly, and processing.

Use 「工具」 for tools that assemble, disassemble, process, or repair things — screwdrivers, wrenches — as in 「工具箱」. For general utensils say 「道具」 or 「用具」; for household or medical appliances 「器具」; for software tools 「ツール」.

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

1. 工作物こうさくぶつや機械きかいを組み立くみたてて又または分解ぶんかいなどに用もちいる道具どうぐ。