留(と)め金(がね)

とめがね
noun
clasp; fastener; latch
1. clasp; fastener; latch; buckle
A metal fitting used to hold things together or keep something closed, such as clasps on bags, latches on gates, or buckles on belts.
バッグの留(と)め金(がね)が壊(こわ)れた。
The clasp on my bag broke.
ネックレスの留(と)め金(がね)を外(はず)してください。
Please undo the clasp on the necklace.
古(ふる)い留(と)め金(がね)がさびていて、門(もん)が開(あ)かなくなっていた。
The old latch was rusted and the gate wouldn't open.

A general term for metal fastening devices such as clasps, latches, hooks, and buckles. Can refer to any small metal mechanism that holds things together or keeps something shut.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 留(と)め金(がね)を外(はず)す: to undo a clasp
  • 留(と)め金(がね)を閉(し)める: to fasten a clasp
  • 留(と)め金(がね)が壊(こわ)れる: the clasp breaks

RELATED TERMS:

  • 金具(かなぐ): metal fittings (broader term)
  • 錠前(じょうまえ): lock — a more secure fastening mechanism
  • ファスナー: zipper/fastener — the loanword for general fasteners
general
Added 2026.4.4 7:06
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