Translation and Meaning of: ねじ回し - nejimawashi

If you're studying Japanese or are curious about tools in the language, you may have come across the word ねじ回し (ねじまわし, nejimawashi). But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how this word is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing it and curiosities that go beyond the dictionary.

The word ねじ回し is made up of two elements: ねじ (screw) and 回し (to turn, to rotate). Together, they describe an essential tool in any toolbox. If you want to learn Japanese practically, understanding terms like this is fundamental, especially if you are already using Suki Nihongo, the best online dictionary for language learners.

Meaning and use of ねじ回し

ねじ回し is the Japanese word for "screwdriver." It is composed of ねじ (neji), which means "screw," and 回し (mawashi), derived from the verb 回す (mawasu), which means "to turn" or "to rotate." Literally, we can translate it as "the thing that turns the screw," a fairly accurate description of the tool's function.

In Japan, this word is common in domestic and professional contexts. Whether in hardware stores, instruction manuals, or everyday conversations, ねじ回し is a term that everyone knows. Unlike technical words in other languages, it does not sound overly formal, and is used by both adults and children.

Origin and writing of the word

The origin of ねじ回し is directly tied to the introduction of Western tools in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Before that, the Japanese used wooden fitting systems, but with modernization, screws and screwdrivers became essential. The word emerged to intuitively describe this new tool.

In kanji, ねじ回し can be written as 螺子回し, but this form is rare in everyday use. The writing in hiragana (ねじまわし) or the mixture of kanji and hiragana (ねじ回し) is more common. The kanji 螺 (neji) alone means "snail" or "spiral," referring to the shape of the screw, while 回す maintains its meaning of circular movement.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An easy way to remember ねじ回し is to associate the sound "neji" with "screw" and "mawashi" with the act of rotating. If you already practice martial arts, you can relate "mawashi" to "mawashi geri" (spinning kick), reinforcing the idea of circular movement. This association helps to anchor the term more naturally.

An interesting fact is that in Japan, there are regional varieties of screwdrivers, such as the 十字ねじ回し (jūji nejimawashi) for Phillips screws. Additionally, in manga and anime like "Doraemon", Nobita's tools often include ねじ回し, showcasing their role in Japanese daily life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ドライバー (doraibā) - Tool for tightening or loosening screws.
• ドライバーセット (doraibā setto) - Set of different drivers for various types of screws.
• ドライバービット (doraibā bitto) - Extensions or tips for tools that fit into drivers.
• ドライバーツール (doraibā tsūru) - Driver tool, usually referring to a specific tool for that purpose.
• ドライバー器具 (doraibā kigu) - Equipment related to the use of drivers.
• スクリュードライバー (sukurū doraibā) - Alternative term for "driver," usually more focused on screws for wood or drywall.
• ねじ回し器具 (neji mawashi kigu) - Equipment designed to tighten or loosen screws.
• ねじ回し工具 (neji mawashi kōgu) - Tool for manipulating screws, similar to a "driver".
• ねじ回しセット (neji mawashi setto) - Set of tools for screw manipulation.
• ねじ回しビット (neji mawashi bitto) - Bits or extensions for screw tools.
• ねじ回しツール (neji mawashi tsūru) - General tool for manipulating screws.

ねじ回し

Romaji: nejimawashi
Kana: ねじまわし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Screwdriver

Meaning in English: screwdriver

Definition: A tool to loosen and tighten screws.