つなぎ

つなぎ
noun
connection; bridge; stopgap; binder
1. connection; bridge; link
something that connects two things or fills a gap between them
AとBのつなぎ(やく)(つと)める。
To serve as a link between A and B.
(はなし)のつなぎに雑談(ざつだん)した。
We made small talk to bridge the conversation.
2. stopgap; temporary measure; filler
a temporary solution or substitute until the real thing is available
つなぎの仕事(しごと)(さが)している。
I'm looking for temporary work to tide me over.
つなぎでアルバイト(あるばいと)をする。
To work part-time as a stopgap.
予算(よさん)()まるまでのつなぎ資金(しきん)
Bridge funding until the budget is approved.
3. binder; binding agent
an ingredient that holds other ingredients together in cooking
ハンバーグのつなぎに(たまご)()れる。
Add egg as a binder for the hamburger patties.
そばのつなぎに小麦粉(こむぎこ)使(つか)う。
Wheat flour is used as a binder for soba noodles.
つなぎなしの十割(じゅうわり)そば。
100% buckwheat soba with no binder.

DERIVED FROM:
つなぐ (to connect, to tie)

USAGE BY SENSE:

Sense 1 (connection):

  • つなぎ(やく) (liaison, go-between)
  • (はなし)のつなぎ (conversation filler)

Sense 2 (stopgap):

  • つなぎの仕事(しごと) (temporary job)
  • つなぎ資金(しきん) (bridge loan)
  • つなぎ融資(ゆうし) (bridge financing)

Sense 3 (binder in cooking):

  • Common binders: (たまご) (egg), 小麦粉(こむぎこ) (flour), パン() (breadcrumbs)
  • つなぎなし (without binder) - often seen with soba descriptions