Entry
つくづく
tsukuzuku
"Tsukuzuku" means to deeply feel or realize something, often after careful reflection or extended observation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It describes a profound, heartfelt realization or observation that comes after careful thought or repeated experiences. It is frequently used with verbs of thinking and feeling, often expressing a weary or heavy realization.
- Deep realization
- Intent observation
Sense Map
Deep realization
Used when keenly realizing a truth, especially after repeated experiences or deep thought.
つくづく自分が嫌になる
Intent observation
Used when staring at or observing something with great focus and attention.
顔をつくづく見る
Usage Note
How to Use
つくづく + verb
Adds "tsukuzuku" directly before a verb (especially thinking, feeling, or getting sick of something) to emphasize the depth of that feeling.
つくづくと + verb
Same as above, but with the adverbial "to" particle attached. This is often used when observing something intently.
How to Use
Common Phrases
つくづく思う
think deeply / strongly feel
つくづく感じる
feel keenly
つくづく嫌になる
get completely sick of
つくづく眺める
gaze intently at
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Often negative or serious | Frequently paired with feeling fed up (iya ni naru) or when realizing something heavy and hard to change. |
| Observation | Neutral | Used when staring at or observing something or someone very closely, though this usage is slightly less common. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しみじみ しみじみ / similar | Used for deep, quiet emotional resonance, often with nostalgia or warmth. | Tsukuzuku focuses more on a heavy, rational realization or being fed up with a situation. | しみじみと語り合う |
じっくり じっくり / similar | Used when doing something carefully and unhurriedly (e.g., thinking). | Tsukuzuku is about the depth of realization or feeling, not the time spent on a deliberate action. | じっくり考える |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using "tsukuzuku" for physical depth (like digging a hole deeply).
"Tsukuzuku" is only used for emotional depth, psychological realization, or intent observation.
Using "tsukuzuku" instead of "jikkuri" for deliberate actions.
Use "jikkuri kangaeru" for thinking something over carefully. "Tsukuzuku" is used for the resulting realization, not the process.
Examples
Examples
最近、自分の無力さをつくづく感じる。
さいきん、じぶんのむりょくさをつくづくかんじる。
Lately, I deeply feel my own powerlessness.
FigurativeRealizing one's own weakness keenly.
彼の顔をつくづくと眺めた。
かれのかおをつくづくとながめた。
I gazed intently at his face.
VisualStaring at something with great focus.
毎日雨ばかりで、つくづく嫌になる。
まいにちあめばかりで、つくづくいやになる。
It rains every day, and I am utterly sick of it.
FigurativeFeeling utterly exhausted and fed up with a recurring situation.
健康のありがたさをつくづく実感しました。
けんこうのありがたさをつくづくじっかんしました。
I keenly realized the blessing of good health.
FigurativeRealizing the value of something (like health) very deeply.
鏡に映る自分をつくづく見る。
かがみにうつるじぶんをつくづくみる。
I look closely at myself in the mirror.
VisualObserving one's own appearance closely.
Similar Words
しみじみ
shimijimi
Describes a feeling that sinks deeply into one's heart, or a quiet, earnest atmosphere. Focuses more on emotional resonance and nostalgia.
じっくり
jikkuri
This word means to take one's time to do something thoroughly and carefully without rushing. Relates to spending time carefully on an action.
つらつら
tsuratsura
Carefully, deeply, and at length (usually when thinking or looking).
Questions
Can I use it for happy realizations?
Yes, such as realizing gratitude, but it is very often used for regrets, resignation, or feeling fed up.
What's the difference between tsukuzuku and jikkuri?
Jikkuri means taking your time to do something carefully (like thinking), while tsukuzuku is the deep feeling of realization that comes to you.
How do I use it in a sentence?
It is usually followed by thinking or feeling verbs, like "tsukuzuku omou" (think deeply) or "tsukuzuku kanjiru" (feel keenly).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1008110
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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