Entry
プツッ
putsu
A sharp sound or state of a tense thin object snapping, communication abruptly disconnecting, or a tiny sharp prick.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A word expressing a sudden, sharp action or state change. It is often used when a thin, tense string snaps cleanly, when a phone call is abruptly cut off, when a single pimple breaks out, or when a needle pricks the skin.
- Sharp snap of a thread
- Abrupt disconnect
- Pimple popping up
- Brief needle prick
Sense Map
Snapping Thread or String
Describes the sound or state of a thin, highly tense object, such as a thread, line, or wire, breaking cleanly and abruptly.
糸がプツッと切れる。
Disconnected Communication
Used when a conversation, phone call, or signal is abruptly terminated without warning mid-stream.
電話がプツッと切れる。
Loss of Tension/Emotion
Figuratively describes the moment one's patience or concentration (the 'thread' of tension) suddenly snaps.
我慢の糸がプツッと切れる。
Pimple or Blemish
Describes the sudden appearance of a small swelling on the skin, such as a single pimple or insect bite.
ニキビがプツッとできる。
Sharp Prick
The sensation or action of a sharp point, like a needle, piercing the skin in a quick single motion.
針をプツッと刺す。
Usage Note
How to Use
プツッと + verb (切れる, 終わる, 刺す, できる)
Functions as an adverb describing how a thin object snaps, a connection dies, or a small prick/blemish occurs. Most frequently paired with the verb '切れる' (kireru - to be cut/to snap).
How to Use
Common Phrases
糸がプツッと切れる
a thread snaps abruptly
電話がプツッと切れる
a phone call cuts off suddenly
緊張の糸がプツッと切れる
the thread of tension (concentration) suddenly snaps
ニキビがプツッとできる
a pimple suddenly pops up
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Strings or threads | Neutral | Emphasizes the snapping of something held under high tension. |
| Phone calls | Often negative | Usually implies being unexpectedly hung up on or a sudden loss of signal. |
| Skin issues | Neutral to negative | Used for the sudden appearance of isolated, small bumps like pimples. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷつん ぷつん / similar | Used for the same meanings, but with a slight hint of resonance or a lingering emotional aftereffect due to the trailing 'n'. | プツッ (putsu') feels much shorter, sharper, and immediately final. | プツンと切れる。 |
ぷっつん ぷっつん / similar | Highly specific to the figurative snapping of one's sanity or patience. Used when someone suddenly loses their temper and goes crazy. | プツッ focuses on the physical or instantaneous snapping rather than solely the explosive emotional outburst. | 頭がプッツンする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'プツッ' for thick objects breaking like wood or metal.
Use 'バキッ' for a tree branch breaking. 'プツッ' is only for thin, tense things like strings, threads, or wires.
Using it to describe a meeting ending slowly.
'プツッ' always implies an immediate, abrupt cut without any slow tapering off.
Examples
Examples
釣り糸がプツッと切れてしまった。
釣(つ)り糸(いと)がプツッと切(き)れてしまった。
The fishing line snapped suddenly.
LiteralDescribes a thin line breaking under tension.
通話中に電話がプツッと切れた。
通話中(つうわちゅう)に電話(でんわ)がプツッと切(き)れた。
The phone call was abruptly cut off while we were talking.
LiteralShows a sudden disconnection without any warning.
彼の我慢の糸がプツッと切れた。
彼(かれ)の我慢(がまん)の糸(いと)がプツッと切(き)れた。
The thread of his patience suddenly snapped.
FigurativeA figurative use for suddenly losing one's patience or emotional control.
鼻の頭にニキビがプツッとできた。
鼻(はな)の頭(あたま)にニキビがプツッとできた。
A small pimple suddenly popped up on the tip of my nose.
VisualUsed for the appearance of a small, isolated swelling on the skin.
注射の針をプツッと刺した。
注射(ちゅうしゃ)の針(はり)をプツッと刺(さ)した。
The syringe needle gave a short, sharp prick as it was inserted.
LiteralThe sensation of piercing the skin in a single, quick motion.
Similar Words
プツン
putsun
Putsun describes the sudden, sharp snapping of something thin and taut, or the abrupt termination of an ongoing state. Almost identical but with a lingering resonance.
プッツン
puttsun
Represents something snapping abruptly, like a tense thread breaking, or a person suddenly losing their temper. Focuses strictly on a person losing their temper.
Questions
Can I use 'プツッ' if a thick tree branch breaks?
No. 'プツッ' is used for thin, tense objects like strings, threads, or small wires. For thick branches, use 'バキッ' (baki').
What is the difference between this and 'プツン' (putsun)?
They are very similar. However, 'プツッ' feels slightly shorter, sharper, and more abrupt, whereas 'プツン' leaves a tiny lingering echo.
Can it be used for human emotions?
Yes, it's commonly used in figurative phrases like '我慢の糸がプツッと切れた' (the thread of one's patience abruptly snapped).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2851035
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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