Japanese word

つまずく

Pronunciation

Romajitsumazuku

Meaning

  • verbstumble

Example

石につまずきます。ishi ni tsu ma zu ki ma su

I stumble over a stone.

Illustration for つまずく (stumble)

More examples

急いでいると、階段でつまずきます。iso i de i ru to kai dan de tsu ma zu ki ma su

When I am in a hurry, I stumble on the stairs.

Core concept

Shows forward movement being interrupted when the foot catches on an obstacle, with the same idea extending to mistakes or setbacks.

Common phrases

  • 石につまずくishi ni tsu ma zu ku

    stumble over a stone

  • 段差につまずくdan sa ni tsu ma zu ku

    stumble on a step

Similar words

転ぶkorobu: To fall down when the body can no longer remain upright.
よろけるyorokeru: To move unsteadily while trying to regain balance.
踏み外すfumihazusu: To miss a step or foothold and lose firm support.

Definition in Japanese

足先を物に当てて歩みの調子を乱す。ashi saki o mono ni a te te ayu mi no chō shi o mida su

Word origin

つまずく (tsumazuku) is a native Japanese word, also written 躓く (tsumazuku); its basic sense is striking the foot against an obstacle, while a more specific derivation is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, つまずく (tsumazuku) usually suggests a brief loss of balance caused by catching a foot, while 転ぶ (korobu) means actually falling down.

Other meanings

  • trip over ___verb

Related words

  • つまずきtsumazukistumblenoun

Word lists with this word