つまずく・躓くtsumazuku[0]heiban (flat)

JLPT N2approx.Common
つまづくtsumazuku
Definitions
  1. godan verb, intransitive verbto trip (over); to stumble
    私は石いしにつまずいて、足首あしくびをひねってしまった。↗
    I tripped on a stone, twisting my ankle.
  2. godan verb, intransitive verbto fail; to suffer a setback
Conjugation
Dictionary formつまずく
Polite (masu)つまずきます
Negative (nai)つまずかない
polite (masen)つまずきません
classical zu / nuつまずかず・つまずかぬ
Past (ta)つまずいた
polite (mashita)つまずきました
Past negative (nakatta)つまずかなかった
polite (masen deshita)つまずきませんでした
Te formつまずいて
Potentialつまずける
Passiveつまずかれる
Causativeつまずかせる
Causative passiveつまずかせられる・つまずかされる
Conditional (ba)つまずけば
taraつまずいたら
Volitionalつまずこう
polite (mashou)つまずきましょう
Imperativeつまずけ

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • SynonymけつまずくCasualColloquial and emphatic: your foot is suddenly caught and you lurch hard. Also used of plans hitting a snag. Stronger and more colloquial than 「躓く」.
  • RelatedつんのめるCasualColloquial for pitching forward or falling headlong. 「躓く」 centers on the foot catching on something; this stresses the forward tumble.
  • RelatedよろけるNeutralDescribes unsteady, staggering steps, whether or not anything trips you. 「躓く」 implies the foot is caught on something.

Use 「躓く」 for tripping and, figuratively, for setbacks. For a sudden, violent stumble say 「蹴躓く」; for pitching forward, 「つんのめる」; for wobbling without necessarily being tripped, 「よろける」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 足あしを物ものに突き当つきあてる。
  2. 障害しょうがいなどにより事業じぎょうが途中とちゅうで失敗しっぱいする。
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android