1The hard covering at the tip of a finger or toe (fingernail/toenail); also claws, talons, or hooves on animals.
爪が伸びてきたので、今夜切ろう。
My nails have grown long, so I'll cut them tonight.
猫が爪を研いでソファーが傷だらけになった。
The cat sharpened its claws and now the sofa is covered in scratches.
彼女は爪にきれいな色を塗っている。
She has her nails painted a pretty color.
鷲は鋭い爪で獲物をつかむ。
An eagle grips its prey with sharp talons.
2A plectrum or pick used to pluck the strings of instruments like the shamisen or koto.
琴を弾くときは指に爪をつける。
When playing the koto, you attach picks to your fingers.
三味線の爪には水牛の角が使われることが多い。
Shamisen plectra are often made from buffalo horn.
3A claw-shaped protrusion used to fasten or hook something, such as a clasp.
バッグの留め具の爪が壊れて、開かなくなった。
The clasp on the bag broke and now it won't open.
ベルトの爪を穴に引っ掛けて留める。
You fasten the belt by hooking its clasp into a hole.