ねじ

ねじ has two main uses: a metal fastener with a spiral thread (screw), and the winding mechanism on clocks or toys. Also written as 螺子(ねじ) or ネジ in katakana.

COMMON PATTERNS (screw):

• ねじを締(し)める (to tighten a screw)
• ねじを緩(ゆる)める (to loosen a screw)
• ねじを外(はず)す (to remove a screw)
• ねじで固定(こてい)する (to fasten with screws)
• ねじ回(まわ)し (screwdriver)

COMMON PATTERNS (winding):

• ねじを巻(ま)く (to wind a clock/toy)
• 時計(とけい)のねじ (clock's winding mechanism)

IDIOMS:

• ねじが外(はず)れている (to have a screw loose — be eccentric/crazy)
• ねじを巻(ま)く (to tighten up discipline, to put pressure on someone)

COUNTER:
Screws are counted with 本(ほん): ねじ一本(いっぽん) (one screw).

RELATED TERMS:

• ボルト: bolt
• ナット: nut (for bolts)
• 釘(くぎ): nail