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 Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Criticizing someone | negative | Conveys a harsh, unsparing tone that likely makes the listener feel attacked or offended. |
| Expressing an opinion | cautious | Implies that the opinion is given with such bluntness that it lacks basic social tact or consideration. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Similar Words
ズケズケ
zukezuke
Zukezuke describes speaking bluntly or intruding verbally without caring about the listener's feelings. More commonly used today for "speaking bluntly" without the overly reproachful connotation of "tsuketsuke".
べらべら
berabera
Describes someone talking incessantly and indiscreetly, or a material that is cheap, thin, and flimsy. Indicates talking continuously or spilling secrets, not criticizing harshly.
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
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- パオーン (paoon)
- Next entry
- がくり (gakuri)