Entry
じとっと
jitotto
Describes an uncomfortable, clammy stickiness, as well as a figuratively gloomy atmosphere or reproachful gaze.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes something that feels uncomfortably damp, clammy, or sticky, such as humid air or sweaty skin. Figuratively, it expresses a gloomy, miserable mood or a heavy, reproachful gaze that feels like it sticks to you.
- clammy and sticky
- gloomy atmosphere
- reproachful gaze
Sense Map
Clammy & Damp
Uncomfortable stickiness caused by sweat or high humidity.
じとっと汗をかく。
Gloomy Atmosphere
A heavy, dark, and miserable mood or environment.
じとっとした雰囲気。
Reproachful Gaze
Staring heavily at someone with resentment, suspicion, or blame.
相手をじとっと見る。
Usage Note
How to Use
じとっとする
Used to describe a state of feeling clammily uncomfortable or experiencing a gloomy mood.
じとっとした + noun
Used to modify nouns, such as air, sweat, or atmosphere, describing them as clammy or gloomy.
じとっと + verb
Functions as an adverb describing how an action is done, most famously modifying the verb to look (miru).
How to Use
Common Phrases
じとっと見る
to stare reproachfully or resentfully
じとっとした空気
clammy air / a gloomy atmosphere
じとっと汗をかく
to break out in a clammy sweat
肌がじとっとする
skin feels clammy and sticky
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Dampness | negative | Describes uncomfortably high humidity or sticky, gross sweat. |
| Gaze / Looking | negative | Implies staring with hidden reproach, resentment, or suspicion. |
| Mood / Atmosphere | negative | Conveys a heavy, gloomy vibe, often devoid of any cheerfulness. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じっとり じっとり / similar | Almost identical for uncomfortable dampness or heavy sweat, but focuses slightly more on the deep, seeping wetness. | Rarely used to describe the emotional weight of a reproachful stare. | じっとり汗をかく |
しめじめ しめじめ / similar | Used for both damp weather and gloomy, melancholic atmospheres. | Sounds quieter and sadder, while jitotto feels heavier, clingier, and sometimes more hostile. | しめじめした天気 |
からっと からっと / opposite | Used for pleasantly dry, crisp weather or a bright, cheerful personality. | The exact opposite of jitotto's heavy, damp discomfort or gloom. | カラッと晴れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using jitotto to describe beautifully moisturized, dewy skin.
Jitotto always implies an uncomfortable, clammy, or gross stickiness. Use shittori for beautiful moisture.
Confusing jitotto miru (reproachful stare) with jitto miru (staring fixedly without moving).
Jitto miru is a neutral action of staring. Jitotto miru adds a heavy emotional layer of blame, suspicion, or resentment.
Examples
Examples
蒸し暑くて、肌がじとっとする。
むしあつくて、はだがじとっとする。
It's humid and hot, making my skin feel clammy.
LiteralDescribes the uncomfortable sticky feeling of skin in humid weather.
彼女は恨めしそうな目で、彼をじとっと見た。
かのじょは うらめしそうなめで、かれをじとっとみた。
She stared at him reproachfully with a heavy gaze.
FigurativeA classic figurative usage for a stare that feels 'sticky' or heavy with negative emotion.
雨が続いて、部屋の中までじとっとした空気に包まれている。
あめがつづいて、へやのなかまで じとっとしたくうきにつつまれている。
With the continuous rain, even the inside of the room is enveloped in clammy air.
LiteralUsed to modify 'air' (kuuki) that feels heavy with dampness.
嫌な記憶を思い出して、じとっと嫌な汗をかいた。
いやなきおくをおもいだして、じとっといやなあせをかいた。
Remembering an unpleasant memory, I broke out in a clammy, uncomfortable sweat.
VisualDescribes the uncomfortable sweat that comes from a negative emotional reaction.
クラス全体が、何かを隠しているようなじとっとした雰囲気だった。
クラスぜんたいが、なにかをかくしているような じとっとしたふんいきだった。
The whole class had a gloomy, heavy atmosphere as if hiding something.
FigurativeJitotto is often used for an atmosphere (fun'iki) that is gloomy or suppressing a problem.
Similar Words
じっとり
jittori
Jittori means being unpleasantly damp, clammy, or sticky, especially from sweat or humidity. Similar for physical dampness and sweat, though less focused on reproachful gazing.
しめじめ
shimejime
Describes an unpleasantly damp and humid physical state, or a gloomy and cheerless mood. Used for damp weather or quiet melancholy, rather than heavy, sticky discomfort.
からっと
karatto
"Karatto" is an adverb describing weather or air that is refreshingly dry, food that is pleasantly cooked, or an attitude that is frank and clear. The opposite; describes pleasantly dry weather and a cheerful personality.
Questions
Can I use jitotto to describe good, moisturized skin?
No, jitotto always has a negative nuance of uncomfortable, clammy stickiness. For beautifully moisturized skin, use shittori instead.
What is the difference between jitto miru and jitotto miru?
Jitto miru simply means staring fixedly without moving. Jitotto miru specifically means staring with a heavy, reproachful, or resentful emotion.
Does jitotto only describe physical wetness?
No, it is frequently used metaphorically for a gloomy, heavy atmosphere or a dark, miserable mood.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2859592
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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