Entry
プツン
putsun
Putsun describes the sudden, sharp snapping of something thin and taut, or the abrupt termination of an ongoing state.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is commonly used to describe the instantaneous breaking of a tense thread, string, or wire. Beyond physical objects, it frequently acts as a figurative expression for a phone call disconnecting unexpectedly, communication completely stopping, a person's patience abruptly running out, or the sudden appearance of a small pimple.
- Thin object snapping
- Abrupt end of communication/patience
- Sudden pimple breakout
Sense Map
Snapping string
When something thin and taut like a thread or rope snaps instantaneously.
糸がプツンと切れる。
Abrupt ending
When an ongoing connection, communication, or one's patience ends suddenly without warning.
電話がプツンと切れる。
Pimple appearing
When a small, prominent bump like a pimple suddenly appears on the skin.
ニキビがプツンとできる。
Usage Note
How to Use
プツンと + verb
Used with the particle 'to' modifying verbs like 'to cut' (kireru) or 'to appear' (dekiru) to describe the suddenness of the action.
プツンと切れる
プツンとできる
How to Use
Common Phrases
糸がプツンと切れる
a thread abruptly snaps
電話がプツンと切れる
the phone suddenly disconnects
堪忍袋の緒がプツンと切れる
one's patience abruptly runs out
ニキビがプツンとできる
a small pimple suddenly appears
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thin physical objects breaking | neutral | Only suitable for taut wires, threads, strings, or light ropes that snap cleanly. |
| Sudden termination of contact | negative | Usually implies that the abrupt disconnect of a phone call or communication is unwelcome or shocking. |
| Skin condition | negative | Used to describe the sudden, unwelcome appearance of a single small bump or pimple. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷつっ ぷつっ / similar | Use to describe an even sharper, more instantaneous snap or break. | Focuses on extreme brevity and instantaneousness compared to the slightly more resonant putsun. | 糸がプツッと切れる。 |
ぷつり ぷつり / similar | Use when the snapping or severing feels slightly heavier or more complete. | Feels weightier and implies a more final, decisive break than the lighter putsun. | 連絡がプツリと途絶える。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'putsun' for thick, hard objects like tree branches breaking.
Putsun is reserved for thin, tense things like strings. For thick branches breaking, use words like 'boki'.
Using it for things that slowly disappear or fade away.
Putsun describes a very sudden, sharp end or break, not a gradual process.
Examples
Examples
強く引っ張ったら、糸がプツンと切れてしまった。
つよくひっぱったら、いとがプツンときれてしまった。
When I pulled hard, the thread snapped suddenly.
LiteralDescribes the physical snapping of a thin object under tension.
相手が怒ったのか、電話がプツンと切れた。
あいてがおこったのか、でんわがプツンときれた。
The phone suddenly disconnected, perhaps because the other person was angry.
FigurativeUsed for a sudden, unexpected termination of communication.
彼のひどい言葉を聞いて、私の中で何かがプツンと切れた。
かれのひどいことばをきいて、わたしのなかでなにかがプツンときれた。
Hearing his terrible words, my patience completely snapped.
FigurativeDescribes the sudden loss of patience or emotional control.
鼻の頭に赤いニキビがプツンとできている。
はなのあたまにあかいニキビがプツンとできている。
A red pimple suddenly appeared on the tip of my nose.
VisualUsed for the sudden appearance of a small prominent bump on the skin.
連絡がプツンと途絶えて、心配している。
れんらくがプツンととだえて、しんぱいしている。
Communication has abruptly ceased, and I am worried.
FigurativeIndicates an unnatural, sudden break in the ongoing exchange of messages.
Similar Words
プツッ
putsu
A sharp sound or state of a tense thin object snapping, communication abruptly disconnecting, or a tiny sharp prick. Focuses on extreme brevity and instantaneousness compared to putsun.
プツリ
putsuri
Describes a string snapping suddenly or a communication cutting off abruptly. Feels weightier and implies a more final, decisive break.
ぷっつり
puttsuri
ぷっつり describes the sharp snap of a taut thread breaking, or the abrupt and complete end of communication.
Questions
Can I use putsun for a tree branch breaking?
No. Putsun is only for thin, flexible things under tension like strings. Use 'boki' for hard, thick objects snapping.
Is putsun an actual sound?
It can be the literal sound of a tiny string snapping, but it is very often used figuratively to describe visual or abstract states, like a sudden loss of communication.
What does it mean when someone's patience goes putsun?
It is part of a common idiom ('kanninbukuro no o ga putsun to kireru'), meaning the 'string holding the patience bag has snapped'. It simply means they suddenly lost their temper.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2851023
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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