Entry
つっと
tsutto
Tsutto describes a swift, smooth, and unobstructed movement or action done without hesitation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word captures the visual and physical sense of something moving smoothly and swiftly in a single motion, like a tear gliding down a cheek or someone standing up suddenly without hesitation. It implies a lack of friction, both physically and psychologically.
- smooth movement
- acting without hesitation
Sense Map
Smooth & Quick Movement
Used for things moving swiftly and smoothly without friction, such as tears, liquids, or gliding objects.
涙がツーッと流れる
Acting Without Hesitation
Used for human actions performed swiftly in a single fluid motion, like standing up or reaching out.
つっと立ち上がる
Usage Note
How to Use
つっと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs of motion or action (e.g., standing, walking, reaching) to indicate they are done swiftly and smoothly.
ツーッと + verb
An emphatic form used to describe a continuous, prolonged smooth motion, frequently used for tears or drops of liquid gliding down.
How to Use
Common Phrases
つっと立ち上がる
to stand up swiftly
涙がツーッと流れる
tears stream down smoothly
つうっと滑る
to glide smoothly
つっと手を伸ばす
to reach out one's hand swiftly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flowing liquids | neutral | Commonly used for tears, sweat, or a drop of blood sliding down the skin, especially using the emphatic 'ツーッと'. |
| Human actions | neutral | Describes a person moving or acting gracefully and swiftly without hesitation. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すっと すっと / similar | Use to describe a straight, quick motion or a feeling of sudden relief/clearing. | While similar, 'tsutto' focuses slightly more on the physical smoothness and lack of hesitation, whereas 'sutto' emphasizes the straightness or suddenness. | すっと立ち上がる |
さっさと さっさと / similar | Use when someone does a task quickly without delay. | 'Sassato' is about not wasting time, whereas 'tsutto' is about the physical smoothness of the motion. | さっさと帰る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for doing homework or tasks quickly.
Tsutto is for physical movements (like standing or gliding), not for finishing chores quickly; use さっさと (sassato) or 早く (hayaku) instead.
Thinking it always means a sudden loud movement.
It actually implies a quiet, smooth, and frictionless movement, not a noisy one.
Examples
Examples
彼は何も言わず、つっと立ち上がった。
かれはなにもいわず、つっとたちあがった。
Without saying anything, he stood up swiftly.
LiteralIndicates a smooth standing action without hesitation.
少女の頬を涙がツーッと流れた。
しょうじょのほおをなみだがツーッとながれた。
Tears streamed smoothly down the girl's cheeks.
VisualDescribes the smooth, continuous flow of tears.
猫は部屋からつっと出ていった。
ねこはへやからつっとでていった。
The cat exited the room with a swift, smooth motion.
VisualHighlights the agile and frictionless movement of the cat.
彼女はつっと手を差し出した。
かのじょはつっとてをさしだした。
She swiftly reached out her hand.
LiteralShows a swift and unhesitating hand movement.
氷の上をスケート靴がつうっと滑る。
こおりのうえをスケートぐつがつうっとすべる。
The ice skates glide smoothly over the ice.
VisualDepicts the continuous gliding movement on a slippery surface.
Similar Words
すっと
sutto
Describes a smooth, unhindered, swift movement, or a sudden feeling of being emotionally or physically refreshed. Indicates a straight, quick motion or sudden relief.
さっさと
sassato
Doing something quickly and without hesitation or delay. Indicates doing something promptly without delay.
Questions
What is the difference between つっと and ツーッと?
ツーッと is an emphatic version that highlights a longer, continuous smooth motion, often used visually for tears falling.
Can I use つっと to say I ran fast?
No, it describes a smooth, gliding, or unhesitating initial movement, rather than the speed of running. It is better for 'darting' or 'slipping' away.
Is this word used in formal writing?
It is more common in descriptive literature, novels, and everyday conversation rather than formal business documents.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2454240
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ちょっきり (chokkiri)
- Next entry
- てらてら (teratera)