Entry
プツリ
putsuri
Describes a string snapping suddenly or a communication cutting off abruptly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word representing the sudden, crisp snapping of something taut, like a thread or string. Figuratively, it is often used to describe the abrupt termination of a continuous state, such as a phone call unexpectedly dropping or someone cutting off contact. It can also describe a small, sharp physical sensation, like a needle prick or a pimple breaking out.
- Snapping string
- Sudden disconnection
- Small puncture
Sense Map
Snapping (Physical)
Describes a thin, taut object like a thread, string, or wire suddenly breaking.
糸がプツリと切れる
Sudden Disconnection
Describes the abrupt end of an ongoing communication, phone call, or chain of thought.
連絡がプツリと途絶える
Pimple or Prick
Describes a sudden small physical appearance or sensation, such as a pimple forming or a needle prick.
ニキビがプツリとできる
Usage Note
How to Use
プツリと + verb
Functions as an adverb describing the sudden, snapping nature of the verb action.
プツリと切れる
A highly common set phrase meaning 'to snap suddenly'. Used for strings, phone lines, and even patience or memory.
プツリと途絶える
A set phrase used when a regular occurrence, especially communication from someone, completely and abruptly stops.
How to Use
Common Phrases
糸がプツリと切れる
thread snaps suddenly
連絡がプツリと途絶える
contact ceases abruptly
電話がプツリと切れる
phone drops abruptly
記憶がプツリと途切れる
memory cuts out suddenly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Strings | Neutral | A purely descriptive sound of a taut string snapping. |
| Communication | Slightly Negative | Usually carries a nuance of surprise or disappointment when someone suddenly stops calling or writing. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷつっ ぷつっ / similar | Used when emphasizing an even sharper, more instantaneous snap. | Has no lingering feeling; it implies a split-second event. | プツッと切る |
ぷっつり ぷっつり / similar | Used when describing a definitive, absolute, and often long-term break, such as completely cutting ties. | Focuses more on the completeness and permanence of the break rather than the exact moment of the snap. | ぷっつりと連絡が途絶える |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for breaking a bone, a stick, or something thick.
This word is strictly for thin, taut things (threads, strings, connections). For hard objects, use ポキッ (poki) or ボキッ (boki).
Using it for a slow tear.
The action must be sudden and sharp.
Examples
Examples
ピンと張っていた糸が、プツリと切れた。
ピン と はっていた いと が、 プツリ と きれた。
The taut thread snapped suddenly.
LiteralShows the sudden snapping of a physically taut thread.
彼からの連絡が、ある日を境にプツリと途絶えた。
かれ から の れんらく が、 ある ひ を さかい に プツリ と とだえた。
Contact from him abruptly ceased after that day.
FigurativeA figurative use for communication or a relationship suddenly stopping without warning.
通話の途中で、電話がプツリと切れてしまった。
つうわ の とちゅう で、 でんわ が プツリ と きれて しまった。
In the middle of the call, the phone suddenly dropped.
FigurativeCommonly used when a digital connection or phone call drops unexpectedly.
事故の瞬間の記憶が、そこでプツリと途切れている。
じこ の しゅんかん の きおく が、 そこ で プツリ と とぎれている。
My memory of the moment of the accident abruptly cuts off right there.
FigurativeUsed to describe a continuity of thought or memory that snaps like a thread.
朝起きたら、あごに小さなニキビがプツリとできていた。
あさ おきたら、 あご に ちいさな ニキビ が プツリ と できて いた。
When I woke up in the morning, a small pimple had suddenly appeared on my chin.
VisualIndicates the sudden appearance of a small point/bump on a smooth surface.
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. A shorter and sharper variant of putsuri.
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. Indicates a complete and permanent severance of connection or habits.
ぱったり
pattari
Pattari describes something stopping abruptly, meeting someone unexpectedly, or a light object falling flat.
Questions
What is the difference between プツリ (putsuri) and ぷっつり (puttsuri)?
While similar, 'puttsuri' implies a more absolute, final cut. It is often used for habits or relationships that are broken off entirely and permanently.
Can I use this word if my internet connection drops?
Yes, it works well metaphorically. You can say ネットがプツリと切れた (the internet suddenly cut out).
Does it refer to the sound of the snap?
Yes, it mimics the sharp, tiny sound of a thread giving way, which is then metaphorically applied to soundless things like relationships ending.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2851062
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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