蝶番(ちょうつがい)

ちょうつがい
noun
hinge
toolfurniture
1. hinge
The metal fitting on which a door, lid or cover swings open and shut. Also used figuratively for a joint of the body.
蝶番(ちょうつがい)が壊(こわ)れた。
The hinge broke.
ドアの蝶番(ちょうつがい)に油(あぶら)をさした。
I oiled the door hinges.
蝶番(ちょうつがい)が緩(ゆる)んで、扉(とびら)がきちんと閉(し)まらなくなった。
The hinges have worked loose, and the door no longer shuts properly.

Writing

Often written in kana, ちょうつがい. Hardware stores and carpenters also say 丁番(ちょうばん) for the same part.

Common collocations

Etymology

蝶(ちょう) (butterfly) + 番(つがい) (pair): the two leaves of an open hinge look like a butterfly's wings.

general
Added 2026.10.11 10:58 · Revised 2026.10.11 10:59
31500/31879_choutsugai