突く

(2 entries)
つく
Alternative writings: 衝く, 撞く, 捺く
JLPT:N2
Frequency:
1

To prick or stab with a pointed object; to pierce or jab.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

ナイフで風船を突くとすぐに割れた。

When I poked the balloon with a knife, it burst immediately.

彼は針で布に小さな穴を突いた。

He made a small hole in the cloth with a needle.

医師は注射器の先で軽く皮膚を突いた。

The doctor pricked the skin lightly with the tip of the syringe.

2

To poke, prod, push, thrust, or strike (with elbow, finger, stick, etc.).

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

彼は冗談で肘で隣の人の肩を突いた。

He nudged the person next to him with his elbow as a joke.

猫が前足で私の足を突いて遊んだ。

The cat pawed (poked) my leg while playing.

彼は棒で地面を突いて道しるべを作った。

He prodded the ground with a stick to mark the way.

3

To use (a cane) to support oneself; to brace or press against the floor, wall, etc.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

老人は杖を突いてゆっくり歩いた。

The old man walked slowly, supporting himself with a cane.

彼女はテーブルに手を突いて身を乗り出した。

She leaned forward, bracing herself with her hands on the table.

壁に背を突いて休んだ。

He rested with his back against the wall.

4

To attack; to strike at an opponent or to target a weak point (including figurative uses).

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

記者は首相の政策の矛盾点を突いた。

The reporter pointed out (attacked) the contradictions in the prime minister's policy.

敵の守りの薄い部分を突いて一気に突破した。

They broke through at the weak point in the enemy's defense.

彼は相手の失言を突いて議論を有利に進めた。

He exploited the opponent's slip of the tongue to gain the upper hand in the debate.

5

To brave or push through adverse conditions (e.g., rain, wind); often used as '〜を突いて'.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

大雨を突いて彼女は駅まで走った。

She ran to the station braving the heavy rain.

強風を突いて船は港へ戻った。

The ship returned to the harbor despite the strong winds.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Antonym
Derivations
Masu-Form突きます
Nai-Form突かない
Ta-Form突いた
Te-Form突いて
Ba-Form突けば
Volitional Form突こう
Imperative Form突け
Potential Form突ける
Passive Form突かれる
Causative Form突かせる
Causative Passive Form突かせられる