nail
word
/ˈneɪɫ/
nayl
/nˈeɪl/
nayl
Definition
A nail is the hard part at the end of your finger or toe. It can also mean a small thin piece of metal used for joining wood or hanging things.
Usage & Nuances
Very common as both a body-part noun and a tool/material noun, so context matters. Common phrases include 'paint your nails', 'bite your nails', 'hammer a nail into the wall', and 'hit the nail on the head'. Do not confuse it with the verb 'nail', which can mean 'fasten with nails' or informally 'do something perfectly'.
Spanish: uña - clavoPortuguese (BR): unha - pregoPortuguese (PT): unha - pregoChinese (Simplified): 指甲 - 钉子Chinese (Traditional): 指甲 - 釘子Hindi: नाखून - कीलArabic: ظفر - مسمارBengali: নখ - পেরেকRussian: ноготь - гвоздьJapanese: 爪 - 釘Vietnamese: móng tay (móng chân) - đinhKorean: 손톱 - 발톱 - 못Turkish: tırnak - çiviUrdu: ناخن - کیلIndonesian: kuku - paku
Example Sentences
She painted her nails pink.
basic
I need a nail for this picture frame.
basic
He broke a nail while opening the box.
basic
There's a nail sticking out of the wall, so be careful.
natural
I always bite my nails when I'm nervous.
natural
That bright red nail polish looks great on you.
natural