Japanese word

つねる

Pronunciation

Romajitsuneru

Meaning

  • verbpinch

Example

夢か確かめるため、頬をつねります。yume ka tashi ka me ru ta me hō o tsu ne ri ma su

I pinch my cheek to see if I am dreaming.

Illustration for つねる (pinch)

More examples

眠気を覚ますため、自分の腕をつねります。nemu ke o sa ma su ta me ji bun no ude o tsu ne ri ma su

I pinch my arm to wake myself up.

Core concept

Describes gripping a small area between the fingers, usually with enough pressure to produce a sharp sensation.

Common phrases

  • 頬をつねるhō o tsu ne ru

    pinch the cheek

  • 腕をつねるude o tsu ne ru

    pinch the arm

  • 脇腹をつねるwaki bara o tsu ne ru

    pinch the side

Similar words

つまむtsumamu: Grips something lightly between the fingertips, often without causing pain.
はさむhasamu: To place something between two sides or surfaces and hold it there.

Definition in Japanese

指先で皮膚などを強く挟み、痛みを与える。yubi saki de hi fu na do o tsuyo ku hasa mi ita mi o ata e ru

Word origin

つねる (tsuneru) is a native Japanese verb, but no certain breakdown into older word parts is established; 抓る (tsuneru, "to pinch") is a kanji spelling associated with its meaning.

Usage tips

  • English pinch can also mean a small amount, as in a pinch of salt, while つねる (tsuneru) describes the physical squeeze of skin.

Other meanings

  • nipverb

Word lists with this word