Entry
つらつら
tsuratsura
Carefully, deeply, and at length (usually when thinking or looking).
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes the act of doing something thoroughly and at length, most commonly associated with thinking, reflecting, or observing. It carries a somewhat formal, reflective, or literary tone.
- Thinking deeply
- Observing closely
Sense Map
Thinking deeply
Thinking about or reflecting on something carefully over a long time.
自分の将来についてつらつら考える。
Observing closely
Looking at or reading something attentively from beginning to end.
契約書の内容をつらつら眺める。
Usage Note
How to Use
つらつらと + verb
This word is often followed by the particle と before a verb. Both with and without と carry the same meaning of doing the action deeply or carefully.
つらつら + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
つらつら考える
think deeply
つらつら思い返す
reflect deeply
つらつら見る
look closely
つらつら眺める
gaze at length
つらつら読み返す
reread carefully
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking or reflecting | reflective | Describes a continuous and serious process of reflection, often regarding the past or important matters. |
| Looking or observing | attentive | Indicates looking at something very closely, usually a text, a face, or an object, to take in the details. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
つくづく つくづく / similar | Used when feeling something keenly or strongly realizing a situation. | The word つらつら focuses more on the continuous process of thinking, whereas つくづく emphasizes a strong, heartfelt realization or emotion. | つくづく嫌になる。 |
じっくり じっくり / similar | Used when taking one's time to do something carefully without rushing. | The word じっくり emphasizes calmness and lack of haste in everyday actions, while つらつら has a more literary tone of pondering at length. | じっくり考える。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for physical care, such as つらつらと運転する (driving carefully).
It is not used for careful physical actions. Use 気をつけて or 慎重に for things like driving.
Using it in casual, everyday speech with friends.
This word sounds formal and literary. In casual conversation, it is more natural to use よく or じっくり.
Examples
Examples
過去の失敗をつらつらと思い返す。
かこのしっぱいをつらつらとおもいかえす。
I reflect deeply on my past failures.
FigurativeThinking deeply about the past.
契約書の内容をつらつらと眺める。
けいやくしょのないようをつらつらとながめる。
I gaze closely at the contents of the contract.
VisualLooking over a document carefully.
自分の将来についてつらつら考える。
じぶんのしょうらいについてつらつらかんがえる。
I think deeply about my future.
FigurativeTaking time to think about a serious topic.
相手の顔をつらつら見る。
あいてのかおをつらつらみる。
I look closely at the other person's face.
VisualObserving someone's expression continuously.
古い手紙をつらつらと読み返す。
ふるいてがみをつらつらとよみかえす。
I read back over the old letter attentively.
VisualReading continuously and carefully.
Similar Words
つくづく
tsukuzuku
"Tsukuzuku" means to deeply feel or realize something, often after careful reflection or extended observation. Both imply a deep action, but つくづく focuses more on a strong emotion or heartfelt realization.
じっくり
jikkuri
This word means to take one's time to do something thoroughly and carefully without rushing. Both mean doing something carefully, but じっくり emphasizes taking one's time without rushing.
Questions
Can I use tsuratsura for working carefully?
No, its use is generally limited to cognitive verbs like thinking (考える), recalling (思い返す), reading (読む), and observing (見る).
Do Japanese people use this word often?
It is rarely used in everyday casual conversation. You are more likely to encounter it in books, novels, or formal writing.
How is it different from jikkuri?
While both mean doing something carefully, jikkuri focuses on taking time without rushing, whereas tsuratsura focuses on a prolonged process of reflection and has a more literary feel.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1585450
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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