つま先立ち
tsumasakidachi
In Japanese, "tip toe" is translated as つま先立ち (tsumasakidachi).
The phrase refers to the act of standing or walking on the balls of the feet with the heels lifted off the ground.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe an action being performed while on tiptoe, such as walking, add the particle で (de) after the noun to form つま先立ちで.
How do you pronounce it?
tsumasakidachi
Did you know?
- While つま先立ち describes the physical posture, Japanese uses the specific term 忍び足 (shinobi-ashi) to describe walking on tiptoe with the intent to be secretive. This word shares its root with 'shinobi', the term for a ninja.
- In traditional Noh and Kabuki theater, performers intentionally avoid つま先立ち to maintain a grounded connection to the stage. Instead, they use a sliding foot motion to create a gliding effect.
- Japanese has a specific word, 抜き足差し足 (nukiashi sashiashi), which describes the careful 'tip toeing' used by ninjas or people sneaking around to avoid detection.
Examples in context
- つま先立ちで高いところの物を取る。tsumasakidachi de takai tokoro no mono o toru.I stand on my tiptoes to reach something high up.
- 彼女はつま先立ちで歩いている。kanojo wa tsumasakidachi de aruite iru.She is walking on her tiptoes.
- つま先立ちをすると、ふくらはぎが疲れる。tsumasakidachi o suru to, fukurahagi ga tsukareru.Standing on my tiptoes makes my calves tired.
Example conversation
In a living room, a boy tries to reach a shelf.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君、つま先立ちでも届かないの？Hinata-kun, tsumasakidachi demo todokanai no?Hinata, can you not reach it even on your tiptoes?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、もう少し高いものが必要だよ。Un, mou sukoshi takai mono ga hitsuyou da yo.Yeah, I need something a little taller.
- 陽葵 Himari私が踏み台を持ってきてあげるね。Watashi ga fumidai o motte kite ageru ne.I'll go get a stepping stool for you.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、助かるよ。Arigatou, tasukaru yo.Thanks, that helps a lot.
