Japanese Conversation · Level 50
90 words
Japanese word
つまみ
Pronunciation
Romajitsumami
Meaning
- nounknob
Example
ラジオのつまみを回します。ra ji o no tsu ma mi o mawa shi ma su
I turn the knob on the radio.
More examples
このつまみを少し右に回すと、音が大きくなります。ko no tsu ma mi o suko shi migi ni mawa su to oto ga ō ki ku na ri ma su
If you turn this knob slightly to the right, the sound gets louder.
Core concept
Describes a small object or portion that fits the fingers, whether it controls something or is picked up as food.
Common phrases
つまみを右に回すtsu ma mi o migi ni mawa su
turn the knob to the right
つまみを調整するtsu ma mi o chō sei su ru
adjust the knob
Similar words
ノブnobu: A small, often round control that is turned to change a machine setting.
Definition in Japanese
指でつまんで操作する小さな突起や取っ手、また酒とともに食べる少量の料理。yubi de tsu ma n de sō sa su ru chii sa na tok ki ya to tte ma ta sake to to mo ni ta be ru shō ryō no ryō ri
Word origin
The noun つまみ (tsumami) comes from つまむ (tsumamu, "to pinch or pick up"); it develops from handling a small part to taking a small amount of food.
Usage tips
- At an izakaya, つまみ (tsumami) can cover several small dishes rather than one fixed recipe, making it a broad dining category.
Other meanings
- handlenoun
- buttonnoun
- snacknoun