つくづく

adverb

deeply, keenly, thoroughly

1. deeply, keenly, thoroughly

Feeling or realizing something deeply, often after careful reflection or repeated experience.

つくづく自分(じぶん)の無力(むりょく)さを感(かん)じた。

I deeply felt my own powerlessness.

つくづく嫌(いや)になった。

I became thoroughly fed up.

彼(かれ)の顔(かお)をつくづく見(み)て、変(か)わったなと思(おも)った。

Looking at his face intently, I thought he had changed.

COMMON PATTERNS:

つくづく思(おも)う (to deeply feel/realize)
つくづく感(かん)じる (to keenly feel)
つくづく嫌(いや)になる (to become thoroughly fed up)
つくづく見(み)る (to look at intently/searchingly)

NUANCE:
Often used when reflecting on something and coming to a deep realization, frequently about negative aspects of oneself or a situation. Can express resignation, regret, or profound awareness.

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

しみじみ: similar meaning but often warmer/more nostalgic
痛切(つうせつ)に: more formal, emphasizing painful realization

KANJI FORM:
熟々(つくづく) exists but hiragana is standard.

Related Words

Related: しみじみ (deeply)

general

Added 2026.1.17 15:51 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17

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