1.
to be taut, to be stretched tight
Describes something physical being pulled tight or stretched to its limit, such as a rope, string, or surface of ice.
ロープが張りつめている。
The rope is pulled taut.
湖の表面に氷が張りつめていた。
Ice had formed completely across the surface of the lake.
弦を張りつめすぎると切れてしまう。
If you stretch the string too tight, it will snap.
2.
to be tense, to be strained, to be on edge
Describes an atmosphere, nerves, or mental state that is extremely tense or strained. Often used for situations where concentration or anxiety is at a peak.
会議室は張りつめた空気に包まれていた。
The meeting room was enveloped in a tense atmosphere.
神経を張りつめて作業を続けた。
I continued working with my nerves on edge.
何日も張りつめていた緊張がようやく解けた。
The tension that had been building for days finally eased.
USAGE:
Ichidan verb that is most commonly used in its ている form (張りつめている) to describe a sustained state of tautness or tension. The past participle 張りつめた is frequently used as a modifier before nouns like 空気 (atmosphere) and 表情 (expression).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 張りつめた空気: tense atmosphere
- 神経を張りつめる: to be on edge, to strain one's nerves
- 張りつめた糸が切れる: a taut thread snaps (metaphor for reaching a breaking point)