Japanese word

つまむ

Pronunciation

Romajitsumamu

Meaning

  • verbpick up

Example

箸で豆をつまみます。hashi de mame o tsu ma mi ma su

I pick up a bean with chopsticks.

Illustration for つまむ (pick up)

More examples

小さな紙片を指でつまみます。chii sa na shi hen o yubi de tsu ma mi ma su

I pick up a small piece of paper with my fingers.

Core concept

In つまむ (tsumamu), the central action is securing a small object between opposing surfaces such as fingertips or chopsticks.

Common phrases

  • 箸でつまむhashi de tsu ma mu

    pick up with chopsticks

  • 指でつまむyubi de tsu ma mu

    pick up with one's fingers

Similar words

つかむtsukamu: To take hold of something with the hand or fingers.
挟むhasamu: To hold something between two opposing surfaces such as fingers or chopsticks.
拾うhirou: To take something from the ground or another surface.

Definition in Japanese

指先や箸などで小さな物を挟んで取り上げたり、そのまま持ったりする。yubi saki ya hashi na do de chii sa na mono o hasa n de to ri a ge ta ri so no ma ma mo tta ri su ru

Word origin

The historical derivation of つまむ (tsumamu) is uncertain, while forms such as 摘む (tsumamu, "pluck") and 撮む (tsumamu, "take between the fingers") preserve related physical meanings.

Usage tips

  • つまむ (tsumamu) is also used for selecting a small point or detail from a larger set, extending the physical idea of handling something between the fingers.

Other meanings

  • pinchverb
  • hold between one's fingersverb

Opposites

Related words

  • つまみ方tsumamikataway of picking upnoun

Word lists with this word