Japanese word

突っ張る

Pronunciation

Romajitsupparu

Meaning

  • verbstiffen

Example

緊張すると、体が突っ張ります。kin chō su ru to karada ga tsu ppa ri ma su

My body stiffens when I get nervous.

Illustration for 突っ張る (stiffen)

More examples

長く歩くと、ふくらはぎが突っ張ります。naga ku aru ku to fu ku ra ha gi ga tsu ppa ri ma su

My calves stiffen after I walk for a long time.

Core concept

Describes making or keeping something firm and resistant to movement, including a tense body, a tightened object, or a forceful attitude.

Common phrases

  • 筋肉が突っ張るkin niku ga tsu ppa ru

    muscles stiffen

  • 肩が突っ張るkata ga tsu ppa ru

    shoulders stiffen

Similar words

こわばるkowabaru: A body or body part becomes tense and stiff, usually without deliberate force.
硬直するkōchokusuru: The body or another thing becomes fixed or unable to move, often because of tension or surprise.
踏ん張るfunbaru: A person braces the body firmly against force or pressure.

Definition in Japanese

体や物をこわばらせたり強く張ったりする。また、強い態度を取って譲らない。karada ya mono o ko wa ba ra se ta ri tsuyo ku ha tta ri su ru ma ta tsuyo i tai do o to tte yuzu ra na i

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 突っ張る (tsupparu) is formed from 突く (tsuku, "push or strike") and 張る (haru, "stretch or become taut"), joining the ideas of outward pressure and tension.

Usage tips

  • When 突っ張る (tsupparu) describes a person, it often carries a stubborn or defensive nuance rather than simple physical tension.

Other meanings

  • tightenverb
  • act toughverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 突っ張りtsupparistiffnessnoun

Word lists with this word