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綱
綱
14 strokes
Frequency: 1053
JLPT N1
Grade 8

Meanings

hawser
class (genus)
rope
cord
cable

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
コウ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
つな

Common Words

手綱
たづな
Noun
Freq #9111
1

reins; bridle

Examples
競馬の騎手は、レースが始まる前、はやる馬を抑えて、手綱を握りしめる。
Before the horse race begins, the jockeys grip the reins tightly to restrain the impatient horses.
2

control; the reins (on)

綱
つな
Noun
Freq #12858
1

rope; cord; line

Examples
綱は張りすぎて切れた。
The rope broke under the strain.
2

Sumo

grand champion's braided belt

綱渡り
つなわたり
～する Verb
Noun
Intransitive
Freq #23156
1

tightrope walking; high-wire act; funambulism

Examples
彼女は網を張らないで綱渡りに挑んだ。
She dared to walk the tightrope without a net.
2

Idiomatic expression

treading a tightrope; walking on thin ice; pulling a risky balancing act

命綱
いのちづな
Noun
Freq #23306
1

lifeline; safety rope; safety tether

頼みの綱
たのみのつな
Expression
Noun
Freq #28366
1

last ray of hope; only hope

綱引き
つなひき
綱曳き
Noun
Freq #37713
1

tug of war

Examples
国会の動きはこの問題をめぐる与野党間の政治的綱引きとなった。
Parliamentary activity has become a political tug of war between the ruling and opposition parties over the issue.
2

forward puller (of a rickshaw)

横綱
よこづな
Noun
Freq #40736
1

Sumo

yokozuna (highest rank in sumo); grand champion

2

best in its field; crème de la crème; cream of the crop

僧綱
そうごう
Noun
Freq #68495
1

Historical term

Office of Monastic Affairs (ancient Buddhist ecclesiastical authority)

要綱
ようこう
Noun
Freq #74429
1

main principle; gist; general plan; guidelines; outline

綱領
こうりょう
Noun
Freq #76495
1

general plan; main points; summary; platform (e.g. for a campaign); mission statement

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