Translation and Meaning of: つい - tsui

The Japanese word つい (tsui) is one of those terms that, at first glance, seems simple but carries interesting nuances in the everyday use of the language. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, translation, or how to use it in sentences, this article will clarify those doubts. Additionally, we will explore its cultural context, frequency of use, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, つい is classified as an adverb with meanings that vary depending on the context. It can express anything from an involuntarily action to the idea of "almost" or "nearly." Its usage is common in informal conversations but also appears in more formal situations, depending on the construction of the sentence. Let's uncover each aspect of this word below.

Meaning and usage of つい in everyday Japanese

The term つい is often translated as "unintentionally" or "involuntarily" when describing actions done impulsively or distractedly. For example, in situations like "tsui uso wo shimashita" (つい嘘をしました), which means "I ended up lying unintentionally." This nuance of lack of intention is central to understanding its use.

Another common use is as an equivalent to "almost" or "by a hair." Phrases like "tsui wasure sou ni natta" (つい忘れそうになった) show how つい can indicate that something almost happened, but was avoided at the last moment. This duality of meanings makes the word versatile, but it requires attention to the context for correct interpretation.

Origin and curiosities about the word つい

The etymology of つい traces back to the verb つく (tsuku), which has meanings such as "approach" or "follow." This connection explains why つい carries the idea of proximity, whether in a physical sense ("almost reaching") or a temporal one ("acting without thinking"). Dictionaries such as the 大辞林 (Daijirin) confirm this historical relationship.

One curiosity is that つい appears frequently in manga and Japanese dramas, especially in scenes depicting characters making unintentional mistakes. Its short pronunciation and smooth sound make it natural for everyday dialogues. Corpus linguistics studies show that it is used more in speech than in formal writing.

Tips for memorizing and practicing つい

To reinforce the meaning of つい, one strategy is to associate it with common distraction situations. Think of moments when you acted impulsively, like "tsui neta" (つい寝た) for "I ended up sleeping without planning." Creating flashcards with real examples helps to internalize this usage pattern.

Another tip is to observe how つい contrasts with words like わざと (wazato - "on purpose"). While the latter indicates intention, つい always suggests a lack of it. Practicing with dialogues from animes or podcasts is effective, as the word often comes up in spontaneous conversations about small mistakes or near-accidents.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 追い (oi) - chase; follow
• 着い (tsui) - arrive; reach (usually related to clothing)
• 付い (tsui) - attach; join; add
• 憑い (tsui) - possessed; to be under the influence of something
• 告い (tsui) - announce; inform (usually used in the context of revealing feelings)
• 追いつく (oiitsuku) - reach; achieve (a target or someone)
• 追い越す (oiokosu) - overtake; pass by someone quickly
• 付ける (tsukeru) - attach; place (something in); add
• 付く (tsuku) - be attached; hold; accompany
• 付け加える (tsuke add) - add (something to something already existing)
• 付属する (fuzoku suru) - attach; be subordinate; be associated
• 付き合う (tsukiau) - to associate; dating; to be in a relationship
• 付き纏う (tsukimato) - stay close; always be around
• 付け込む (tsukekomu) - explore; take advantage of something
• 付け替える (tsuke kaeru) - replace; swap (attachments or parts)
• 付け足す (tsuketasu) - add (more to something existing)
• 付け合わせる (tsuke awaseru) - combine; serve together (in a meal)
• 付け狙う (tsuke nerau) - try to get closer; aim at something (usually a goal)
• 付け根 (tsuke ne) - base; root (of an object)
• 付け入る (tsuke iru) - take advantage of an opportunity
• 付け外す (tsuke hazusu) - remove (attached accessory or object)
• 付け下げる (tsuke sageru) - download; release (an attached item)
• 付け上がる (tsuke agaru) - grow; increase (becoming more important)
• 付け回す (tsuke mawasu) - walk with; constantly accompany
• 付け合いの喧嘩 (tsuke ai no kenka) - fight over appropriations or attachments (figurative)

つい

Romaji: tsui
Kana: つい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: just now); enough (close); involuntarily; unconsciously; by mistake; against someone's better judgment

Meaning in English: just (now);quite (near);unintentionally;unconsciously;by mistake;against one's better judgement

Definition: The tendency to succumb to gravity or temptation and do the wrong thing.

Example Sentences - (つい) tsui

See below some example sentences:

主観に基づいて判断する。

Shukan ni motodzuite handan suru

Decide based on subjective point of view.

Judgment based on subjectivity.

• 主観に基づいて - based on the subjective
• 判断する - judge

毛は私の服についています。

Ke wa watashi no fuku ni tsuite imasu

There are hair on my clothes.

The hair is in my clothes.

• 毛 - hair
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• 服 - clothes
• に - target particle
• ついています - is stuck

学説に基づいて研究を進める。

Gakusetsu ni motozuite kenkyuu wo susumeru

Proceed with research based on academic theory.

Provide theory-based research.

• 学説 - academic theory
• に - particle indicating the target or object of the action
• 基づいて - based on
• 研究 - research, study
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 進める - Move forward, progress

夜明けが近づいている。

Yoake ga chikadzuite iru

The dawn is approaching.

The dawn is approaching.

• 夜明け - amanhecer
• が - subject particle
• 近づいて - approaching
• いる - verb to be in the present
• . - Period

事柄について話し合いましょう。

Jigara ni tsuite hanashi aimashou

Let's discuss it.

Let's talk about things.

• 事柄 - subject, theme
• について - about
• 話し合い - Discussion, conversation
• ましょう - let's do, let's have

この仕事はきついです。

Kono shigoto wa kitsui desu

This work is difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕事 - noun that means "work"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• きつい - adjective that means "difficult" or "hard"
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the sentence

この問題について論じる必要がある。

Kono mondai ni tsuite ronjiru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to discuss this problem.

It is necessary to discuss this problem.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• について - expression that indicates "about"
• 論じる - verb that means "to discuss"
• 必要 - noun meaning "need"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"

ついに夢が叶った。

Tsuini yume ga kanatta

Finally my dream came true.

The dream has finally come true.

• ついに - adverb that indicates finally, finally
• 夢 - noun meaning dream
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 叶った - verb that indicates that the dream came true, in the past

傷ついた心は癒えるまで時間がかかる。

Kizutsuita kokoro wa ieru made jikan ga kakaru

A heart wound takes time to heal.

The wounded heart takes time to heal.

• 傷ついた - bruised, injured
• 心 - heart, mind
• は - Topic particle
• 癒える - heal
• まで - até
• 時間 - time
• がかかる - takes time, requires time

期限が近づいている。

Kigen ga chikadzuite iru

The deadline is approaching.

• 期限 - deadline, limit
• が - subject particle
• 近づいている - getting closer, coming near