Translation and Meaning of: つい - tsui
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word つい (tsui) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
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.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (つい) tsui
The Japanese word 「つい」 (tsui) is primarily used as an adverb and has some interesting connotations in its daily use. One of its most common translations in Western languages refers to the action of something happening or being done "unintentionally" or "inadvertently." The term carries the idea that the action performed was not planned or intentional, but occurred almost impulsively.
In the etymology of 「つい」 (tsui), although there is no clear and distinct origin, it is widely associated with the concept of immediacy or proximity in actions. The expression conveys the feeling that something has just happened or was about to happen almost automatically. This makes it especially useful in contexts where intention or care is discussed, being closely related to the notion of subconscious or natural acts.
The everyday use of 「つい」 (tsui) can be observed in various situations, especially when talking about habits, such as overeating or inadvertently forgetting things. In this context, the term becomes relevant as it reflects the human nature of repetitive and often autonomous actions. Similarly, it can also be used to express regret about actions taken without full awareness or deliberate intention.
Various variations and contextual meanings make 「つい」 a fascinating example of how the Japanese language concentrates nuances in seemingly simple words. Its use transcends the simple indication of temporal proximity, introducing a layer of meaning that touches on human impulse and its consequences in daily behavior.
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)
Words related
ijyou
more than; overtaking; bigger than; that is all; above; above and beyond; in addition; the aforementioned; since; while; the end
Words with the same pronunciation: つい tsui
How to Write in Japanese - (つい) tsui
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (つい) tsui:
Example Sentences - (つい) tsui
Below are some example sentences:
Chakuchaku to mokuhyou ni chikazuite iru
I am constantly progressing toward my goal.
It is constantly approaching the goal.
- 着々と - Adverb that means "gradually" or "constantly"
- 目標 - Noun that means "objective" or "goal"
- に - particle that indicates the direction or target of the action
- 近づいている - verb that means "getting closer" or "getting close"
Watashi wa kanojo no mirai ni tsuite ayamubun de iru
I'm worried about her future.
I'm in danger of your future.
- 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
- は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 彼女 (kanojo) - Japanese noun that means "girlfriend" or "she"
- の (no) - possessive particle that indicates that "未来" (mirai) belongs to "彼女" (kanojo)
- 未来 (mirai) - Japanese noun that means "future"
- について (ni tsuite) - expression that indicates the theme or subject of the sentence, in this case, "未来" (mirai)
- 危ぶんでいる (ayamanden iru) - Japanese verb that means "to be worried" or "to be anxious"
Watashitachi wa tsui ni touchaku shimashita
We finally arrived.
Finally we arrived.
- 私たち - us in Japanese
- は - topic particle in Japanese
- ついに - "finalmente" in Japanese
- 到着 - "arrival" in Japanese
- しました - past form of the verb "to do" in Japanese
Watashitachi wa suisoku ni motozuite kettei o kudasai hitsuyō ga arimasu
We need to make decisions based on assumptions.
We need to make a decision based on hunch.
- 私たちは - We
- 推測に基づいて - based on assumptions
- 決定を下す - making a decision
- 必要があります - is required
Shimekiri ga chikazuite imasu
The deadline is approaching.
- 締め切り (shimekiri) - deadline, deadline date
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 近づいています (chikadzuite imasu) - is approaching
Watashi wa ketsui wo katamemashita
I made a firm decision.
I decided to determine.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I"
- は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
- 決意 (ketsui) - noun meaning "determination" or "resolution"
- を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "determination"
- 固めました (katamemashita) - past tense verb meaning "strengthened" or "firmed"
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
