つんつん
tsuntsun
The phrase "poke poke" in Japanese is expressed as つんつん (tsuntsun).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can also add the particle と (to) to form つんつんと, which allows the phrase to function as an adverb describing how an action is being performed.
How do you pronounce it?
tsuntsun
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the 'tsun' in the popular term つんでれ (tsundere) comes from this same root. It represents the 'sharp' or 'prickly' attitude a character displays before their softer side is revealed.
- The word つん can also describe a sensation of a sharp smell, such as the sting of ammonia, hitting one's nose. This connects the physical sensation of a 'poke' to the sensation of a sharp, piercing scent.
- Japanese uses つんつん as an 'ideophone', a type of word that describes textures, weights and manners rather than just sounds.
Examples in context
- 猫の鼻をつんつんする。Neko no hana o tsuntsun suru.I poke the cat's nose.
- 赤ちゃんのほっぺをつんつんして遊ぶ。Akachan no hoppe o tsuntsun shite asobu.Play by poking the baby's cheeks.
Example conversation
Daito is trying to get Misaki's attention while she is reading.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、ねえ、つんつん！Misaki, nee, tsuntsun!Misaki, hey, poke poke!
- 美咲 Misakiもう、何？集中してるのに。mou, nani? shuuchuu shiteru noni.Geez, what? I'm concentrating.
- 大翔 Hirotoお腹空いたんだけど。onaka suitan dakedo.I'm hungry.
- 美咲 Misakiつんつんしないで、言葉で言ってよ。tsuntsun shinaide, kotoba de itte yo.Stop poking me and just use your words.
