Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word highlights the sudden parting of something that was stretched taut, like a string or cord. Figuratively, it is widely used to describe an ongoing action, communication, or relationship that ceases completely and without warning.
- Thread or rope snapping abruptly
- Communication or relationship ending completely
Sense Map
Thread or Rope Snapping
Used to describe when something stretched tight, such as a string, line, or rope, breaks quickly with a clean snap.
糸がぷっつり切れる。
Stopping Abruptly
Used when something ongoing, like contact, communication, or concentration, stops completely and suddenly.
連絡がぷっつりと途絶えた。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぷっつり + verb
Acts as a direct adverb modifying an action or a change in state.
ぷっつりと + verb
Adding the particle と makes the description feel slightly softer and more integrated into the sentence, though the meaning remains the same.
ぷっつり切れる
The most common pattern for both physical things (threads snapping) and abstract things (concentration or relationships breaking).
ぷっつり途絶える
A common phrase used specifically for communication, news, or interactions that have stopped entirely.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぷっつり切れる
break with a snap
ぷっつり途絶える
cease completely
連絡がぷっつり途絶える
communication stops entirely
糸がぷっつり切れる
thread snaps abruptly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Threads or strings | neutral | Implies the object was under tension before it snapped cleanly. |
| Interpersonal communication | negative | Typically used when someone suddenly stops replying or disappears without explanation. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷつん ぷつん / similar | Focuses more on a single short moment or the light sound of something snapping. Often used for losing one's temper. | Does not emphasize the permanent finality as strongly as ぷっつり. | プツンと切れる |
ぶっつり ぶっつり / similar | Used for thicker or larger objects, such as a heavy rope breaking forcefully. | Gives a heavier, rougher, and more forceful impression than ぷっつり. | ロープがぶっつり切れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぷっつり for hard objects breaking, like wood or glass.
Use it only for taut string-like objects or abstract bonds like communication.
Using ぷっつり for a brief pause in a conversation.
ぷっつり indicates a complete and prolonged cessation. Do not use it for short, temporary pauses.
Examples
Examples
張っていた糸がぷっつり切れてしまった。
張っていた糸が[ぷっつり]切れてしまった。
The taut thread snapped abruptly.
VisualVisually describes a taut thread parting completely.
先月から彼からの連絡がぷっつりと途絶えた。
先月から彼からの連絡が[ぷっつり]と途絶えた。
Communication from him stopped completely since last month.
FigurativeUsed figuratively for communication that has been entirely severed.
疲労のあまり、集中力がぷっつり切れるのを感じた。
疲労のあまり、集中力が[ぷっつり]切れるのを感じた。
I felt my concentration snap abruptly due to extreme fatigue.
FigurativeShows how mental focus suddenly disappears completely like a snapped thread.
テレビの画面がぷっつり消えて、真っ暗になった。
テレビの画面が[ぷっつり]消えて、真っ暗になった。
The TV screen went completely blank abruptly, turning pitch black.
VisualDescribes the sudden and total cessation of image or power.
あれから彼女のブログの更新がぷっつり止まった。
あれから彼女のブログの更新が[ぷっつり]止まった。
Since then, updates to her blog have stopped completely.
FigurativeIndicates that a previously ongoing action stopped completely and never continued.
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. Shares the meaning of something snapping, but プツン feels lighter and is often used for losing one's temper.
ぶっつり
buttsuri
ぶっつり describes the sudden snapping of a thick rope or a deep, forceful stabbing action. A heavier version of ぷっつり, used for thick ropes or forceful cutting.
ばったり
battari
Describes unexpectedly bumping into someone, falling down heavily, or an ongoing action coming to an abrupt halt.
Questions
Can ぷっつり be used when someone passes away suddenly?
No, it is not used for living beings. Words like ぽっくり are used for a sudden passing.
What is the difference between ぷっつり切れる and just 切れる?
ぷっつり adds the nuance that the break was completely sudden, leaving nothing behind, emphasizing surprise and totality.
Does this word always have a negative meaning?
Not inherently. However, because it often refers to lost contact or broken focus, the situations it describes are frequently unfortunate.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2525460
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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