生爪

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 生爪 is read as なまづめ and is a noun for a natural fingernail or toenail still attached to the flesh.
• Basic usage: A nail injury appears in 生爪をはがす, while protection appears in 生爪を守る.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Fingernail and toenail
  • Context determines whether it refers to an attached fingernail or toenail.
• Difference from 付け爪
  • 付け爪 is an artificial nail attached for decoration, while 生爪 is the person’s natural attached nail.