(かなづち)

かなづち
noun
hammer
1. hammer
A tool with a heavy metal head used for hitting nails.
金槌(かなづち)(くぎ)()つ。
To hit a nail with a hammer.
金槌(かなづち)()ってきて。
Go get the hammer.
2. person who can't swim
Colloquial term for someone who sinks like a hammer in water.
(かれ)金槌(かなづち)だから、プールに(はい)らない。
He can't swim, so he won't go in the pool.

金槌(かなづち) has two meanings: a hammer (tool) and a person who can't swim.

SENSE 1 - HAMMER:

  • 金槌(かなづち)(くぎ)()つ: to hit a nail with a hammer
  • 金槌(かなづち)()ってきて: go get the hammer

SENSE 2 - NON-SWIMMER (COLLOQUIAL):

  • (かれ)金槌(かなづち)だ: He can't swim
  • 金槌(かなづち)だからプールに(はい)れない: I can't swim so I can't go in the pool

WHY THIS MEANING?
A metal hammer sinks immediately in water - just like someone who can't swim!

WORD FORMATION:
(かな) (metal) + (づち) (hammer)

ALTERNATIVE WORDS:

  • ハンマー: hammer (loanword)
  • 木槌(きづち): wooden mallet