1.
to hone, to sharpen, to refine
To sharpen something to a fine, keen edge. Most commonly used figuratively for sharpening senses, sensibilities, skills, or awareness to an extremely high degree.
神経を研ぎ澄ます。
To sharpen one's nerves.
研ぎ澄まされた感覚で音を聞き分ける。
To distinguish sounds with sharpened senses.
長年の経験で研ぎ澄まされた職人の技は、見る者を圧倒する。
The craftsman's skill, honed through years of experience, overwhelms those who watch.
USAGE:
Almost always used figuratively in modern Japanese. The passive form 研ぎ澄まされた (honed, refined) is very common as a modifier: 研ぎ澄まされた感性 (refined sensibility), 研ぎ澄まされた神経 (sharpened nerves). Conveys a sense of extreme refinement through effort or experience.
KANJI:
研ぐ means "to polish" or "to sharpen" and 澄ます means "to make clear/pure." Together they convey the idea of sharpening something to crystalline clarity.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 神経を研ぎ澄ます: to sharpen one's nerves
- 感覚を研ぎ澄ます: to hone one's senses
- 研ぎ澄まされた感性: refined sensibility
- 研ぎ澄まされた美しさ: a keen, refined beauty