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Entry

つけつけ

tsuketsuke

Describes speaking in a blunt, harsh, or unreserved manner that often disregards the listener's feelings.

Meaning

Quick Meaning

"Tsuketsuke" is an onomatopoeic adverb used to describe someone speaking very harshly, bluntly, or without any reserve. It often implies a reproachful tone, pointing out flaws or complaining in a way that might offend or hurt the listener. It is similar to but stronger than "zukezuke", and is considered somewhat dated in modern Japanese.

  • speaking harshly
  • complaining bluntly

Sense Map

Speaking Harshly

Saying things in a blunt, unreserved, and reproachful manner.

人の欠点をつけつけ指摘する。

Complaining Bluntly

Voicing dissatisfaction or opinions without holding back, often offending others.

つけつけと文句を言う。

Usage Note

How to Use

  • つけつけ言う

    The most common pattern, meaning "to say bluntly" or "to speak harshly".

  • つけつけ(と)+ verb of speaking

    Used with verbs like 指摘する (to point out) or 文句を言う (to complain) to emphasize the unreserved, harsh manner of delivery.

How to Use

Common Phrases

つけつけ言う

to say bluntly

つけつけと文句を言う

to complain harshly

つけつけと意見を言う

to state an opinion unreservedly

欠点をつけつけ指摘する

to point out flaws harshly

Nuance

Context Nuance

Common ContextsNuanceUsage Note
Criticizing someonenegativeConveys a harsh, unsparing tone that likely makes the listener feel attacked or offended.
Expressing an opinioncautiousImplies that the opinion is given with such bluntness that it lacks basic social tact or consideration.

Similar Words

Comparison Table

Similar WordsWhen to UseNot the Same asMini Example

ずけずけ

ずけずけ / similar

When someone speaks frankly, directly, or without hesitation. This is the more standard word used in modern Japanese."Tsuketsuke" is slightly stronger, carries more of a reproachful or scolding tone, and is considered somewhat dated compared to "zukezuke".ズケズケと意見を言う。

べらべら

べらべら / similar

When someone talks incessantly or spills secrets without thinking."Tsuketsuke" focuses on the harshness and bluntness of the words directed at someone, whereas "berabera" focuses on the volume, fluency, or general indiscretion of speech.秘密をべらべらしゃべる。

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

Thinking "tsuketsuke" can be used positively to praise someone for being honest or clear.

It has a strong negative nuance and implies the speaker is being too harsh or hurting someone's feelings.

Using "tsuketsuke" frequently in modern conversational Japanese.

It is slightly dated; the word "ズケズケ (zukezuke)" is much more commonly used today to mean speaking frankly or bluntly.

Examples

Examples

彼は思ったことをつけつけ言うので、時々人を傷つける。

かれ は おもった こと を つけつけ いう ので、 ときどき ひと を きずつける。

He says what he thinks bluntly, so he sometimes hurts people.

LiteralUsed to show that his words are too harsh and unreserved.

Source: Internal

人の欠点をつけつけと指摘するのはよくない。

ひと の けってん を つけつけ と してき する の は よく ない。

It's not good to bluntly point out people's flaws.

LiteralEmphasizes the reproachful and hurtful tone.

Source: Internal

彼女は嫌なことがあると、つけつけ文句を言う。

かのじょ は いや な こと が ある と、 つけつけ もんく を いう。

When she dislikes something, she complains harshly.

LiteralShows that her complaints are delivered directly and sharply.

Source: Internal

上司に対してもつけつけと意見を言う新入社員に驚いた。

じょうし に たいして も つけつけ と いけん を いう しんにゅう しゃいん に おどろいた。

I was surprised by the new employee who expressed his opinions bluntly even to the boss.

LiteralHighlights the lack of hesitation or restraint towards a superior.

Source: Internal

そんなにつけつけ言われると、さすがに腹が立つ。

そんな に つけつけ いわれる と、 さすが に はら が たつ。

When told things so harshly, it naturally makes you angry.

LiteralFocuses on the unpleasant feeling experienced by the listener.

Source: Internal

Similar Words

Questions

Is "tsuketsuke" the same as "zukezuke"?

They are very similar, but "tsuketsuke" is generally stronger, more reproachful, and less commonly used in modern Japanese.

Can I use "tsuketsuke" to compliment someone for being honest?

No. It has a negative nuance and implies that the person is being overly harsh or hurting feelings.

Does this word apply to actions other than speaking?

No. It specifically describes the manner of speaking, complaining, or criticizing.

Source Details

Entry ID
2868595
Source
JMdict_english
Revision
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Active language
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