Entry
つべこべ
tsubekobe
Tsubekobe describes the annoying act of complaining, making petty excuses, or talking back, especially to avoid doing something.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Tsubekobe is a mimetic word used to describe someone who complains, makes excuses, or nitpicks instead of taking action. It has a strong, dismissive tone and is most often used in negative commands by someone in a position of authority to tell another person to stop talking back and just do what they are told.
- Making excuses to avoid a task
- Talking back against an order
Sense Map
Making Excuses & Complaining
Used to describe someone who makes petty excuses or complains to avoid a task.
つべこべと文句を言う
Talking Back (Scolding)
Used when telling someone to stop arguing or talking back, usually in a negative command.
つべこべ言わずにやる
Usage Note
How to Use
つべこべ言う
The most basic form, meaning to complain or to make excuses.
つべこべ言わずに + verb
A very common pattern meaning without complaining do the verb, or shut up and do it.
つべこべと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe the manner of complaining or making excuses.
How to Use
Common Phrases
つべこべ言う
to complain / to make excuses
つべこべ言わずに
without complaining / no excuses
つべこべと
complainingly
つべこべ言わない
don't complain / stop talking back
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Scolding or Demanding | Negative, authoritative | Shows strong irritation and a refusal to listen to any more arguments. |
| Describing someone's behavior | Negative, critical | Criticizes the person for being uncooperative and full of excuses. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐちぐち ぐちぐち / similar | Use for someone muttering complaints or grievances continuously in a low, resentful voice. | Tsubekobe is more about talking back and making direct excuses to avoid something, whereas guchiguchi focuses on the continuous, sulky muttering of complaints. | ぐちぐち文句を言う |
ごちゃごちゃ ごちゃごちゃ / similar | Use for messy, disorganized situations, or when someone is saying a chaotic jumble of complaints or trivial things. | Tsubekobe is specifically focused on excuses and backtalk against an order, while gochagocha implies a confusing or annoying mess of words. | ごちゃごちゃ言うな |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for legitimate, serious complaints.
Only use it for petty excuses or annoying backtalk. For serious complaints, use kureemu or kujou.
Using this word toward someone of higher status.
Never use this with a boss or teacher. It is a scolding word used top-down.
Examples
Examples
つべこべ言わずに、早く宿題をやりなさい。
つべこべ[言]{い}わずに、[早]{はや}く[宿題]{しゅくだい}をやりなさい。
Stop complaining and do your homework quickly.
FigurativeA typical situation where a parent scolds a child.
彼はいつもつべこべと文句ばかり言っている。
[彼]{かれ}はいつもつべこべと[文句]{もんく}ばかり[言]{い}っている。
He is always nitpicking and complaining.
FigurativeDescribes a person's negative attitude.
つべこべ言う前に、まずは行動してみよう。
つべこべ[言]{い}う[前]{まえ}に、まずは[行動]{こうどう}してみよう。
Before making excuses, let's just take action first.
FigurativeAn expression that encourages action rather than excuses.
いつまでもつべこべ言わないの！
いつまでもつべこべ[言]{い}わないの！
Don't keep talking back forever!
FigurativeA way to stop defiance with a strong tone.
彼女は自分の失敗を認めたくなくて、つべこべと言い訳をした。
[彼女]{かのじょ}は[自分]{じぶん}の[失敗]{しっぱい}を[認]{みと}めたくなくて、つべこべと[言]{い}い[訳]{わけ}をした。
She didn't want to admit her mistake and made petty excuses.
FigurativeDescribes excuses made to avoid responsibility.
Similar Words
ぐちぐち
guchiguchi
Focuses on continuously muttering complaints.
Questions
Can I use tsubekobe with my boss?
No, absolutely not. It is a very casual and dismissive word used to scold someone. Using it with a superior would be extremely rude.
What is the most common phrase with this word?
The phrase tsubekobe iwazu ni, which translates roughly to 'without complaining' or 'shut up and do it', is by far the most common usage.
Is it a noun or an adverb?
It functions mainly as an adverb, often paired with the verb iu (to say) or with the particle to.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1008170
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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