Translation and Meaning of: 躓く - tsumazuku

If you are learning Japanese, you may have come across the verb 躓く (つまずく, tsumazuku). This word goes beyond the simple act of tripping physically and carries interesting nuances in the Japanese language and culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and even how to memorize it effectively. Whether to understand phrases in animes or to enrich your vocabulary, knowing 躓く is essential for anyone looking to master the language.

Meaning and usage of 躓く

The verb 躓く literally describes the act of stumbling over something with your feet, such as a stone or a step. For example, 石に躓く (ishi ni tsumazuku) means "to stumble over a stone." However, its richer usage is in the figurative sense: it represents failures, obstacles, or unexpected difficulties in projects, studies, or personal life.

In daily communication, the Japanese use 躓く for both concrete and abstract situations. A student might say 試験に躓いた (shiken ni tsumazuita) after failing an exam, just as a businessman would use 事業で躓く (jigyou de tsumazuku) to talk about a failed venture. This duality makes the word versatile and frequently used.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 躓く is composed of 足 (ashi, foot) as a radical, combined with 質 (shitsu, quality). This structure suggests the idea of "quality of the feet" or impaired movement. Although it seems complex, its main component directly refers to the physical action that originated the term.

Interestingly, the kun'yomi reading つまずく emerged before the writing with kanji, common in native Japanese verbs. Historical records show its use since the Heian period (794-1185), mainly in literary contexts. Over time, the word became popular in both formal language and everyday speech.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 躓く is to associate its sound with the action it describes. The syllable "tsu" can refer to the impact of the foot against an obstacle, while "mazuku" recalls the movement of falling. Repeating sentences like 道に躓かないように (michi ni tsumazukanai you ni - "to not stumble on the road") helps to solidify the verb in memory.

When using 躓く, pay attention to the particles that accompany it. For physical obstacles, use に (ni), as in コードに躓いた (kōdo ni tsumazuita - "tripped on the cable"). For abstract problems, で (de) is more common, as in 仕事で躓く (shigoto de tsumazuku - "to have difficulties at work"). This distinction prevents common mistakes among students.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 躓く

• 躓く Infinitive form
• 躓いた past
• 躓いています Present continuous

Synonyms and similar words

• つまずく (tumazuku) - to stumble; to fail at something.
• つまずける (tumazukeru) - to manage to stumble; to have the ability to stumble.
• つまびく (tsumabiku) - to play (an instrument) with a certain hesitation, as if stumbling over the notes.
• つまずかる (tumazukaru) - to be prone to stumble; to tend to stumble.
• つまずかせる (tumazukaseru) - to make someone stumble; to cause someone to fall.
• つまずきやすい (tumazuki yasui) - easy to trip; prone to falls.

躓く

Romaji: tsumazuku
Kana: つまずく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to stumble

Meaning in English: to stumble;to trip

Definition: On the way, he stumbled and fell.