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B1 Noun / Verb #12 よく出る 12分で読める

nick

上位12

At the A1 level, the word 'nick' is not a primary vocabulary word, but it is useful to know in its simplest form: a small cut. Imagine you are using a knife to cut an apple and you make a very small mistake. You cut your finger just a little bit. This is a 'nick.' It is not a big problem. You do not need to go to the hospital. You might just need a small bandage. You can say, 'I have a nick on my finger.' It is also helpful to learn the phrase 'in the nick of time' as a single idea. It means 'just before it is too late.' For example, if the bus is leaving at 10:00 and you arrive at 9:59, you arrived 'in the nick of time.' This is a very common phrase that people use when they are happy they were not late. At this level, do not worry about the British slang meanings like stealing or the police. Focus on the physical cut and the 'just in time' meaning. Remember that 'nick' is a short word, which makes it easy to remember. It sounds like 'quick' or 'stick.' If you see a tiny mark on a toy or a book, you can point to it and say 'nick.' This helps you describe small things that are not perfect. In summary, for A1 learners, 'nick' is a small cut or a small mark, and 'in the nick of time' is a special phrase for being just on time.

For A2 learners, 'nick' becomes more useful as you start to describe objects and daily activities in more detail. You can use it as a verb: 'I nicked my chin while shaving.' This is a very common sentence. You can also use it to describe the condition of things you own. If you have a used car or a second-hand phone, you might notice small nicks on the surface. These are tiny damages that happen when you use something for a long time. You can say, 'The phone has a few nicks, but it works well.' This is better than just saying 'it is broken' because a nick is very small. You should also practice the idiom 'in the nick of time' in different situations. For example, 'I finished my homework in the nick of time' or 'We caught the plane in the nick of time.' It adds more color to your English. At this level, you might hear British people use 'nick' to mean 'steal,' but you don't need to use it yourself yet. Just try to understand it if you hear it in a movie. For example, if a character says, 'Someone nicked my bag!' you will know they mean someone stole it. Focus on using 'nick' for small physical marks and for the 'just in time' expression. This will help you sound more natural when you talk about your day and your belongings.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'nick' in its physical sense and its most common idiomatic sense. You should also begin to understand and perhaps cautiously use the British informal meanings. As a B1 learner, you are moving beyond basic descriptions and starting to understand regional differences. You should know that 'nick' can be a noun (a small cut) and a verb (to make a small cut). You can use it to describe minor damage to furniture, cars, or electronics. For example, 'The table was discounted because of a small nick in the wood.' You should also be very familiar with 'in the nick of time.' This is a great phrase to use in stories or when explaining why you were nearly late. Furthermore, you should be aware of the British slang. If you are watching a British TV show, you will hear 'nicked' meaning 'arrested' or 'stolen.' You might hear someone say, 'He was nicked for shoplifting.' While you might not use this in a formal essay, knowing it helps your listening comprehension significantly. You should also learn the phrase 'in good nick,' which means 'in good condition.' This is very common in the UK when buying and selling things. For example, 'The car is ten years old, but it's in really good nick.' This shows you have a good grasp of informal, regional English, which is a key goal for B1 learners. Remember to keep the context in mind: use the physical meaning everywhere, but save the slang for casual conversations with people who understand British English.

As a B2 learner, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'nick' and be able to use it fluently in various contexts. You should understand the subtle difference between a 'nick,' a 'chip,' and a 'scratch.' A 'nick' is often a small V-shaped cut or a tiny piece missing from an edge. You can use it precisely in technical or descriptive writing. You should also be able to use the British slang confidently in appropriate informal settings. For instance, you might joke with a British friend, 'Did you nick my lighter?' This shows a high level of cultural and linguistic awareness. You should also be aware of the noun 'the nick' referring to a police station or prison. While this is very informal, it is a staple of British crime fiction and conversation. You should also understand the phrasal verb 'nick off,' though you should be careful with it as it can be rude. In terms of grammar, you should be comfortable using 'nick' in different tenses and voices. For example, 'The suspect was nicked by the police' (passive voice) or 'I've nicked the paintwork' (present perfect). You should also be able to recognize 'nick' in specialized contexts, like cricket, where it refers to the ball grazing the bat. At B2, your goal is to use 'nick' not just as a basic word, but as a tool to express specific meanings and to navigate different English dialects. You understand that 'nick' is a high-frequency word in the UK but a lower-frequency word in the US, except for the physical and idiomatic meanings.

At the C1 level, your mastery of 'nick' should include its historical context, its various registers, and its subtle idiomatic uses. You should be able to use 'nick' to add precision and local flavor to your speech and writing. You understand that 'nick' can function as a very specific technical term in crafts like woodworking or metalworking, where a 'nick' might be a deliberate mark or a flaw that affects the structural integrity of a piece. You are also fully aware of the social implications of using 'nick' as slang. You know that 'nicking' something is less formal than 'stealing' and carries a different emotional weight—it often implies a petty or opportunistic theft. You can use the phrase 'in the nick of time' with perfect timing in your own narratives to create suspense or relief. Furthermore, you are familiar with the expression 'in the nick,' which can sometimes mean 'naked' in very informal British English (though 'in the buff' or 'starkers' are also common). You understand the etymology of the word, which likely comes from the Middle English 'nyke,' and how it has evolved from a physical mark to a metaphor for time and a slang term for crime. You can distinguish between 'nick' and its synonyms like 'filch' or 'pilfer' based on the specific context and desired tone. Your use of the word is effortless, and you can switch between its neutral physical meaning and its colorful slang meanings depending on your audience. You might even use it in a literary sense to describe a small but significant flaw in a character's personality or a plan.

For a C2 learner, 'nick' is a word whose every nuance is understood and can be manipulated for stylistic effect. You have a comprehensive grasp of its entire semantic field. You can appreciate the word's role in the 'Great British' lexicon, recognizing its appearance in classic literature, modern film, and daily tabloid headlines. You understand the subtle irony when someone describes a major disaster as 'just a nick,' using understatement for rhetorical effect. You are aware of the word's rarer uses, such as 'nick' meaning to cheat or defraud in certain archaic contexts. You can use the word in complex metaphorical ways, perhaps describing a political career that has been 'nicked and scarred' by various scandals. Your understanding of 'in the nick of time' goes beyond the basic meaning; you can analyze how the 'nick' represents a precise, infinitesimal point on the scale of time. You are also aware of the word's phonological neighbors and can use it effectively in puns or wordplay. In a professional linguistic context, you could discuss the regional distribution of the word's slang meanings and how they contribute to the identity of different English-speaking communities. You can move seamlessly from the technical precision of a 'nicked blade' to the gritty street-slang of 'getting nicked by the feds.' At this level, 'nick' is not just a word you know; it is a versatile instrument in your linguistic orchestra, used with total control over register, tone, and cultural resonance.

練習する例文メモとヒント

nick 30秒で

A small cut or notch.
To make a small cut.
British slang for 'to steal'.
British slang for 'to arrest'.
Part of the idiom 'in the nick of time'.

The word nick is a remarkably versatile term in the English language, functioning as both a noun and a verb with meanings that range from physical damage to criminal activity. At its most basic level, a nick is a small cut or a notch made on a surface. Imagine you are shaving your face and you accidentally press the razor too hard; the tiny, stinging cut that results is a nick. Similarly, if you drop a ceramic plate and a tiny piece of the edge chips off, that small imperfection is also called a nick. This physical definition is the most common usage in American English and is understood globally. However, the word takes on a much more colorful life in British English. In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, to 'nick' something means to steal it. If someone 'nicks' your bike, they have taken it without permission. Furthermore, the word is used by the British police to describe an arrest. If a criminal is 'nicked,' they have been apprehended by the authorities. Interestingly, 'the nick' can also refer to the police station or prison itself. This duality makes the word a fascinating study in regional dialect and register. In a professional or technical context, such as woodworking or metalworking, a nick is often a precise mark used for measurement or a flaw that needs to be sanded out. The term is also famously used in the idiom 'in the nick of time,' which refers to something happening at the very last possible moment before a disaster or a deadline. This specific phrase is used widely across all English dialects and is perhaps the most common way a non-native speaker will encounter the word in a metaphorical sense. Understanding 'nick' requires paying close attention to the context: is the speaker talking about a physical injury, a minor flaw in an object, a theft, an arrest, or a timing issue? Each context changes the meaning entirely.

Physical Damage: A small notch or cut on an edge or surface. Example: 'There was a tiny nick in the rim of the glass.'
British Slang (Theft): To steal something, usually something of relatively low value. Example: 'Someone nicked my umbrella from the hallway.'
British Slang (Arrest): To arrest someone or the act of being arrested. Example: 'The burglar was nicked just as he was leaving the house.'

I managed to nick my chin while I was rushing to finish shaving this morning.

The police arrived in the nick of time to stop the robbery.

He was worried that the small nick on the car door would start to rust.

Watch out, or someone might nick your phone if you leave it on the table.

The detective spent the whole night at the nick processing the paperwork.

Using 'nick' correctly depends heavily on whether you are using it as a noun or a verb, and which meaning you intend to convey. As a noun referring to a physical mark, it is often preceded by adjectives like 'small,' 'tiny,' 'slight,' or 'minor.' For example, 'There is a small nick on the edge of the table.' In this sense, it is a countable noun. When using the idiom 'in the nick of time,' it always functions as a noun phrase indicating a very specific moment. As a verb meaning to cut, it is transitive, meaning it requires an object. You nick 'something' or 'someone.' For instance, 'The barber nicked my ear with the scissors.' In British English, when 'nick' means to steal, it is also transitive: 'He nicked a chocolate bar from the shop.' When it means to arrest, it follows the same pattern: 'The police nicked him for speeding.' It is also worth noting the phrasal usage 'nick off,' which is a very informal (and sometimes rude) way to tell someone to go away, primarily used in Australian and British English. Furthermore, 'nick' can appear in the phrase 'in good nick' or 'in bad nick,' which is British slang for being in good or bad condition. If a car is 'in good nick,' it has been well-maintained and looks great. This variety of uses means that 'nick' can appear in a wide range of sentence structures, from simple descriptions of physical objects to complex narratives about crime or urgent situations. When writing, consider the tone: 'nick' for a cut is neutral, but 'nick' for stealing is informal. If you are writing a formal report, you should use 'laceration' or 'minor cut' instead of 'nick,' and 'stole' or 'apprehended' instead of the slang meanings.

As a Countable Noun: Used to describe physical imperfections. Example: 'I found several nicks in the wood after we moved the furniture.'
As a Transitive Verb (Physical): To cause a small cut. Example: 'Be careful not to nick your fingers while chopping the onions.'
As a Transitive Verb (Slang): To steal or arrest. Example: 'The copper nicked the thief in the alleyway.'

The antique vase had a tiny nick on the base, but it was otherwise perfect.

She arrived at the station in the nick of time to catch the last train home.

I think someone has nicked my pen; I left it right here on the desk.

The old bicycle was still in surprisingly good nick after years in the shed.

He accidentally nicked the paintwork while trying to park the car.

You will encounter the word 'nick' in a variety of real-world settings, each tied to its specific meanings. In a domestic setting, you'll hear it most often in the bathroom or kitchen. A person might say, 'I nicked myself shaving,' or 'Be careful, that knife is sharp enough to nick your skin.' In these cases, it’s a mundane, everyday word for a minor injury. In the world of retail and manufacturing, 'nick' is used to describe minor damage to products. A customer might ask for a discount on a piece of furniture because it has a 'nick' on the leg. If you are a fan of British television, especially crime dramas or 'police procedurals' like *The Bill*, *Line of Duty*, or *Sherlock*, you will hear 'nick' constantly. Characters will talk about 'nicking' a suspect, being 'down at the nick' (at the police station), or having their wallet 'nicked.' This slang is deeply embedded in British culture and provides a sense of gritty realism to these shows. In sports commentary, particularly in cricket or tennis, 'nick' has a specific meaning. In cricket, a 'nick' (or 'snick') occurs when the ball just touches the edge of the bat before being caught. In the news, you might hear the phrase 'in the nick of time' during reports on dramatic rescues or last-minute political deals. For example, 'The legislation was passed in the nick of time to avoid a government shutdown.' You might also see it in hobbyist forums—woodworkers discuss how to avoid nicks in their timber, and car enthusiasts talk about keeping their vehicles in 'excellent nick.' Because the word has so many distinct uses, it appears in everything from casual conversation to specialized technical manuals, making it a high-utility word for any learner to master. It bridges the gap between the physical world of objects and the social world of slang and idioms.

British Crime Dramas: Frequent use of 'nick' for arrest, stealing, and the police station.
Daily Grooming/Cooking: Commonly used to describe minor cuts from razors or knives.
News & Media: Often used in the idiom 'in the nick of time' for dramatic effect.

'You're nicked, sunshine!' is a classic, though somewhat cliché, phrase used by fictional British police officers.

The sports commentator shouted, 'He's nicked it! A tiny edge through to the wicketkeeper!'

On an eBay listing: 'The phone is in great nick, only one tiny nick on the top corner.'

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 'nick' is confusing its physical meaning with its slang meanings, especially when communicating with American versus British speakers. An American speaker might be very confused if you say, 'I was nicked by the police,' as they only use 'nick' to mean a small cut. In the US, you would say 'busted' or 'arrested.' Another mistake is using 'nick' for a large or serious injury. A 'nick' is by definition small and minor. If someone has a deep wound that requires stitches, calling it a 'nick' would be a significant understatement and could lead to a misunderstanding of the severity of the situation. In such cases, words like 'gash,' 'cut,' or 'laceration' are more appropriate. Learners also sometimes struggle with the idiom 'in the nick of time.' A common error is to say 'at the nick of time' or 'on the nick of time.' The preposition 'in' is essential and cannot be replaced. Additionally, some learners try to pluralize 'nick' when using it in this idiom (e.g., 'in the nicks of time'), which is incorrect; it is always singular. When using the British slang for stealing, learners might confuse it with 'knick-knack,' which refers to a small decorative object. While the words sound similar, they are unrelated. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'nick off.' While it is informal, it can be perceived as quite rude or dismissive depending on the tone and the relationship between the speakers. It is similar to saying 'get lost' or 'go away.' Using it in a professional setting would be a major social faux pas. To avoid these mistakes, always consider the scale of the damage (small = nick, large = gash), the regional context (UK = steal/arrest, US = cut), and the fixed nature of its idiomatic expressions.

Scale Misuse: Using 'nick' for a serious injury. Correction: Use 'gash' or 'deep cut' for serious wounds.
Preposition Errors: Saying 'at the nick of time' instead of 'in the nick of time.'
Regional Confusion: Using 'nick' to mean 'arrest' when speaking to Americans. Correction: Use 'arrest' or 'bust' in the US.

Incorrect: He had a huge nick on his leg that needed ten stitches. (Should be 'gash')

Incorrect: We arrived at the nick of time. (Should be 'in the nick of time')

Depending on which meaning of 'nick' you are using, there are several synonyms and alternatives that might be more precise or appropriate for your context. For the physical meaning of a small cut or notch, 'chip,' 'scratch,' 'dent,' or 'notch' are excellent alternatives. A 'chip' usually refers to a small piece breaking off a hard material like ceramic or stone. A 'scratch' is a long, thin mark on a surface. A 'dent' is a hollow made by a blow or pressure. A 'notch' is a deliberate V-shaped cut, often used for keeping track of something or for fitting parts together. If you are talking about a small injury, 'scrape' or 'graze' might be more accurate if the skin is rubbed rather than cut. In the context of British slang for stealing, synonyms include 'pinch,' 'swipe,' 'filch,' 'pilfer,' or the more formal 'purloin.' 'Pilfer' and 'filch' specifically imply stealing small amounts or items of little value. For the meaning of 'arrest,' formal alternatives are 'apprehend,' 'detain,' or 'take into custody,' while informal American alternatives include 'bust' or 'collar.' When discussing the condition of something ('in good nick'), you could use 'in good shape,' 'in top condition,' 'well-preserved,' or 'mint condition' (especially for collectibles). For the idiom 'in the nick of time,' similar expressions include 'at the eleventh hour,' 'just under the wire,' or 'at the last possible second.' Choosing the right alternative helps you convey the exact nuance of your message and ensures you are using the correct register for your audience. For example, using 'apprehend' in a casual conversation about a petty thief might sound too formal, while using 'nick' in a legal document would be unprofessional.

Nick vs. Notch: A 'nick' is usually accidental and small; a 'notch' is often intentional and used for a purpose.
Nick vs. Pinch: Both mean to steal in British slang, but 'pinch' is slightly more common in some regions and can also mean to squeeze something.
Nick vs. Gash: A 'nick' is minor; a 'gash' is a long, deep, and serious cut.

Instead of saying 'I nicked the wood,' a carpenter might say 'I made a notch to mark where the shelf goes.'

The car wasn't just in good nick; it was in mint condition.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"The artifact exhibited a minor indentation on its lateral surface."

ニュートラル

"There is a small nick on the edge of the table."

カジュアル

"Someone nicked my lighter!"

Child friendly

"Be careful with the scissors so you don't get a tiny nick on your finger."

スラング

"He got nicked by the coppers last night."

豆知識

The phrase 'in the nick of time' comes from the old practice of keeping track of time or scores by cutting 'nicks' into a stick. Doing something 'in the nick' meant doing it at the exact mark on the stick.

発音ガイド

UK /nɪk/

US /nɪk/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

韻が合う語

stick pick quick thick kick brick trick lick

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the 'i' like 'ee' (neek)
Failing to pronounce the final 'k' clearly.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to read, but requires context for slang meanings.

ライティング 3/5

Requires knowledge of regional differences and idiomatic structure.

スピーキング 3/5

Natural use of the idiom and slang is a sign of higher proficiency.

リスニング 4/5

Can be confusing in British English due to multiple slang meanings.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

cut steal arrest time small

次に学ぶ

notch pinch apprehend condition eleventh hour

上級

laceration pilfer detain numismatics shibboleth

知っておくべき文法

Transitive Verbs

He nicked (verb) the car (object).

Passive Voice with Slang

He was nicked (arrested) by the police.

Idiomatic Prepositions

Always use 'in' for 'in the nick of time'.

Countable Nouns

I see three small nicks on the rim.

Reflexive Pronouns

I nicked myself (reflexive) while cooking.

レベル別の例文

I have a small nick on my finger.

Tengo un pequeño corte en mi dedo.

'Nick' is a countable noun here.

He arrived in the nick of time.

Él llegó justo a tiempo.

'In the nick of time' is a fixed idiom.

There is a nick on the table.

Hay una muesca en la mesa.

'Nick' describes a physical imperfection.

Do not nick your hand with the knife.

No te cortes la mano con el cuchillo.

'Nick' is used as a verb meaning 'to cut slightly'.

The book has a nick on the cover.

El libro tiene una muesca en la portada.

Noun usage.

I nicked my ear with the comb.

Me hice un rasguño en la oreja con el peine.

Past tense verb 'nicked'.

Is that a nick on your shoe?

¿Es eso un rasguño en tu zapato?

Question form with 'nick' as a noun.

The cat gave me a tiny nick.

El gato me hizo un pequeño rasguño.

'Nick' used for a very minor animal scratch.

I nicked my face while I was shaving.

Me corté la cara mientras me afeitaba.

Common usage of 'nick' as a verb for shaving cuts.

The car has a few nicks from the stones.

El coche tiene algunas muescas de las piedras.

Plural noun 'nicks'.

We finished the project in the nick of time.

Terminamos el proyecto justo a tiempo.

Idiomatic usage.

Someone nicked my favorite pen!

¡Alguien me robó mi bolígrafo favorito!

British slang for 'stole' (informal).

Be careful, you might nick the paint.

Ten cuidado, podrías dañar la pintura.

Verb usage meaning to cause minor damage.

The glass has a tiny nick on the rim.

El vaso tiene una pequeña muesca en el borde.

Noun usage.

He nicked his finger on the sharp paper.

Se cortó el dedo con el papel afilado.

Verb usage.

The police nicked the thief.

La policía arrestó al ladrón.

British slang for 'arrested'.

The antique chair is in good nick despite its age.

La silla antigua está en buen estado a pesar de su edad.

'In good nick' is a British idiom for 'in good condition'.

I accidentally nicked the edge of the door with the vacuum.

Accidentalmente golpeé el borde de la puerta con la aspiradora.

Verb usage for minor accidental damage.

The goal was scored in the nick of time.

El gol fue anotado justo a tiempo.

Idiom used in a sports context.

He was nicked for shoplifting a pack of gum.

Fue arrestado por robar un paquete de chicles.

Passive voice 'was nicked' (British slang).

There's a slight nick in the blade, so it needs sharpening.

Hay una pequeña muesca en la hoja, así que necesita ser afilada.

Noun usage in a functional context.

Did you nick my idea for the presentation?

¿Me robaste la idea para la presentación?

Metaphorical use of 'nick' meaning 'to steal' (informal).

The suspect was taken down to the nick for questioning.

El sospechoso fue llevado a la comisaría para ser interrogado.

'The nick' as a noun meaning 'police station'.

I've got a couple of nicks on my hands from gardening.

Tengo un par de rasguños en las manos de la jardinería.

Plural noun.

The goalkeeper just managed to nick the ball around the post.

El portero apenas logró desviar el balón por el poste.

Verb usage meaning to touch or deflect slightly.

If you leave your bike unlocked, it's bound to get nicked.

Si dejas tu bicicleta sin candado, es seguro que te la robarán.

'Get nicked' (passive slang).

The rescue helicopter arrived in the nick of time to save the hikers.

El helicóptero de rescate llegó justo a tiempo para salvar a los excursionistas.

Dramatic use of the idiom.

The woodwork was perfect, without a single nick or scratch.

La carpintería estaba perfecta, sin una sola muesca o rasguño.

Using 'nick' and 'scratch' together for emphasis.

He spent a night in the nick after the pub brawl.

Pasó una noche en el calabozo después de la pelea en el pub.

'The nick' meaning jail/police station.

She nicked her finger on a piece of broken glass.

Se cortó el dedo con un trozo de vidrio roto.

Verb usage.

The second-hand guitar was in surprisingly good nick.

La guitarra de segunda mano estaba en un estado sorprendentemente bueno.

British idiom 'in good nick'.

The detective was determined to nick the gang leader.

El detective estaba decidido a arrestar al líder de la banda.

Verb meaning 'to arrest'.

The batsman got a thin nick and was caught behind.

El bateador tuvo un ligero roce y fue atrapado por detrás.

Technical sports term (cricket).

The legislation was pushed through in the nick of time before the recess.

La legislación fue aprobada justo a tiempo antes del receso.

Idiom used in a political context.

He's always nicking his brother's clothes without asking.

Siempre está robando la ropa de su hermano sin preguntar.

Continuous tense for a habitual informal action.

The surface of the diamond had a microscopic nick that reduced its value.

La superficie del diamante tenía una muesca microscópica que reducía su valor.

Noun usage in a high-precision context.

After the scandal, his reputation was somewhat nicked, though not destroyed.

Después del escándalo, su reputación quedó algo dañada, aunque no destruida.

Metaphorical verb usage.

They were nicked by the feds just as they were crossing the border.

Fueron arrestados por los federales justo cuando cruzaban la frontera.

Slang usage in a serious criminal context.

The old manuscript was in remarkably good nick considering its age.

El antiguo manuscrito estaba en un estado notablemente bueno considerando su edad.

'In good nick' applied to a historical object.

I managed to nick a few minutes of his time between meetings.

Logré robarle unos minutos de su tiempo entre reuniones.

Metaphorical use for 'stealing' time.

The artisan carefully sanded out the tiny nick in the mahogany veneer.

El artesano lijó cuidadosamente la pequeña muesca en la chapa de caoba.

Precise noun usage in a professional craft context.

The eleventh-hour reprieve came in the absolute nick of time.

El indulto de última hora llegó en el momento justo.

Using 'absolute' to intensify the idiom.

The protagonist's moral compass was nicked by years of compromise.

La brújula moral del protagonista se vio afectada por años de concesiones.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

In the gritty underworld of the novel, getting nicked was an occupational hazard.

En el crudo submundo de la novela, ser arrestado era un riesgo gajes del oficio.

'Getting nicked' used as a gerund phrase.

The subtle nick on the coin's edge proved it was a counterfeit.

La sutil muesca en el borde de la moneda demostró que era una falsificación.

Noun usage in forensic/numismatic context.

He nicked the artery, and the situation turned critical instantly.

Seccionó la arteria y la situación se volvió crítica al instante.

Verb usage in a high-stakes medical context.

The car, though twenty years old, was in pristine nick.

El coche, aunque tenía veinte años, estaba en un estado impecable.

Combining 'pristine' with the informal 'nick'.

She has a habit of nicking phrases from 19th-century literature.

Tiene la costumbre de robar frases de la literatura del siglo XIX.

Metaphorical verb usage for intellectual 'theft'.

よく使う組み合わせ

small nick

nicked myself

in the nick of time

get nicked

in good nick

tiny nick

nicked a car

down at the nick

nick the edge

just a nick

よく使うフレーズ

In the nick of time

In good nick

In the nick

Nick off

Old Nick

In the nick (naked)

To nick something

To get nicked

A nick in the paint

Nicked it!

よく混同される語

nick vs neck

A different body part; sounds similar but has a different vowel sound.

nick vs knick-knack

A small decorative object; unrelated to 'nick'.

nick vs notch

Similar meaning but usually more deliberate and V-shaped.

慣用句と表現

"In the nick of time"

At the very last moment before it's too late.

The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.

Common

"In good nick"

In good condition or health.

The engine is in good nick.

Informal (UK)

"In the nick"

In prison.

He's back in the nick again.

Slang (UK)

"Old Nick"

The Devil.

By Old Nick, that was a close call!

Archaic/Informal

"Nick off"

Go away; leave.

Just nick off and leave me alone!

Slang (UK/AU)

"In the nick (naked)"

Naked.

They went swimming in the nick.

Slang (UK)

"Nick of time"

The precise moment.

He timed his arrival to the nick of time.

Common

"To nick a win"

To win a game or match narrowly or unexpectedly.

They managed to nick a win in the final minute.

Informal (UK)

"Nicked and scratched"

Describing something with many small marks of damage.

The old desk was all nicked and scratched.

Neutral

"A nick here and there"

Small amounts of damage in various places.

The car has a nick here and there, but it's fine.

Informal

間違えやすい

nick vs neck

Similar pronunciation.

'Neck' is the part of the body between the head and shoulders; 'nick' is a small cut.

He has a scarf around his neck, but a nick on his chin.

nick vs knick-knack

Similar sound.

'Knick-knack' is a noun for a small ornament; 'nick' is a cut or slang for steal.

She has many knick-knacks on the shelf, but one has a nick on it.

nick vs nickle

Similar sound.

'Nickel' is a type of metal or a 5-cent coin in the US.

I found a nickel in the street, but it had a nick on the edge.

nick vs knock

Similar sound.

'Knock' is to hit something; 'nick' is to cut something.

He knocked on the door and nicked the wood.

nick vs niche

Visual similarity.

'Niche' is a specialized segment or a shallow recess in a wall.

He found his niche in the market, despite a few nicks in his reputation.

文型パターン

I have a nick on [body part].

I have a nick on my thumb.

I nicked my [body part] while [activity].

I nicked my chin while shaving.

[Object] is in good nick.

The bike is in good nick.

In the nick of time, [clause].

In the nick of time, the rain stopped.

Someone nicked my [object].

Someone nicked my bag.

He was nicked for [crime].

He was nicked for speeding.

A [adjective] nick in the [noun].

A microscopic nick in the lens.

[Abstract noun] was nicked by [cause].

His pride was nicked by the criticism.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

High in UK, Medium in US

よくある間違い

He had a nick on his head that needed surgery. → He had a deep gash on his head that needed surgery.
A nick is too small to require surgery.
I arrived at the nick of time. → I arrived in the nick of time.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'in'.
The police nicked the car. → The police recovered the nicked car. (or) The thief nicked the car.
In slang, 'nick' means to steal or arrest, not to recover stolen property.
I nicked my finger and it's a very big problem. → I nicked my finger, but it's not a big problem.
A nick is by definition a minor issue.
The car is in a good nick. → The car is in good nick.
The phrase 'in good nick' does not usually take an article.

ヒント

Use for Detail

Use 'nick' instead of 'mark' or 'damage' when describing something very small to show your precise vocabulary.

British Slang

If you want to sound British, use 'nicked' instead of 'stolen' in casual conversation.

Master the Idiom

'In the nick of time' is a high-frequency idiom. Use it to describe lucky, last-minute escapes.

Short Vowel

Ensure the 'i' in 'nick' is short, like in 'it' or 'bit.'

Countable Noun

Remember that you can have 'a nick' or 'many nicks.'

Check the Scale

Only use 'nick' for minor things. For big problems, use 'gash' or 'wound.'

British TV

Watch British crime shows to hear the different slang uses of 'nick.'

Register Awareness

Don't tell your boss someone 'nicked' your report; say they 'took' it.

Storytelling

Use 'nicked' to describe a character who is a bit of a petty thief.

Global English

Recognize that 'nick' is a great example of how English varies around the world.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Nick' (a person's name) who is 'Quick' to 'Nick' (cut) his chin while shaving.

視覚的連想

Imagine a wooden stick with many small V-shaped cuts (nicks) on it to count the days.

Word Web

cut notch steal arrest time prison shaving condition

チャレンジ

Try to use 'nick' as a noun, a verb, and in an idiom in a single paragraph about a morning gone wrong.

語源

The word 'nick' appeared in Middle English as 'nyke' or 'nycke' around the 14th century. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it may be related to the Old French 'nique' meaning a sign of contempt.

元の意味： A small notch or groove.

Germanic/Indo-European

文化的な背景

Be careful using 'nick' (steal/arrest) in formal or professional situations; it is very informal.

In the UK, 'the nick' is a very common informal term for a police station. In Australia, 'nick off' is a common way to say 'go away'.

The Nick (a common nickname for British police stations in TV shows) Old Nick (the Devil in literature) The Knick (a US TV show, though referring to a hospital name, sounds the same)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Shaving/Grooming

nicked my chin
shaving nick
styptic pencil for nicks
tiny nick

Crime/Police (UK)

get nicked
down at the nick
nicked for shoplifting
someone nicked my...

Buying/Selling (UK)

in good nick
in great nick
a few nicks and scratches
mint condition

Urgent Situations

in the nick of time
just in the nick of time
saved in the nick of time
arrived in the nick of time

Crafts/DIY

nick the wood
a nick in the blade
sand out the nicks
make a small nick

会話のきっかけ

"Have you ever arrived somewhere in the nick of time?"

"What do you do if you nick yourself while shaving?"

"In your country, is there a slang word for 'steal' like 'nick'?"

"Have you ever bought something second-hand that was in 'good nick'?"

"What's the most annoying nick you've ever found on a new possession?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time you were saved in the nick of time.

Write about a small physical nick on an object you own and the story behind it.

Compare the British slang 'nick' with how you say 'steal' or 'arrest' in your native language.

Imagine you are a detective in London; use 'nick' in a short story.

Discuss why 'in the nick of time' is such a popular phrase in movies.

よくある質問

10 問

No, 'nick' is not generally offensive. However, 'nick off' can be rude, and using slang for 'steal' or 'arrest' might be inappropriate in formal settings.

Yes, but mostly for the physical meaning (a small cut) and the idiom 'in the nick of time.' Americans do not use it for 'steal' or 'arrest.'

A 'nick' is always very small and minor. A 'cut' can be small or very large and serious.

The origin is unclear, but it has been used since the 17th century. It might come from the name 'Nicholas' or from older Germanic words for water spirits.

No, it is almost exclusively British and Australian. Americans would say 'in good shape' or 'in good condition.'

Yes, in British English, you can say someone is 'in good nick' to mean they are healthy and fit.

As a verb, yes. But 'nicked' can also be used as an adjective, like 'a nicked blade.'

It is spelled 'nicks.'

Only in the nickname 'Old Nick' for the Devil; otherwise, the meanings are unrelated.

It is a tool used to stop the bleeding from small 'nicks' caused by shaving.