粘(ねば)り気(け)

ねばりけ
noun
stickiness; viscosity; tenacity
descriptive
1. stickiness; viscosity; gooeyness
The physical property of being sticky or viscous. Used to describe the texture of foods, materials, and substances.
この餅(もち)は粘(ねば)り気(け)がある。
This mochi is sticky.
Some people can't handle the stickiness of natto.
It becomes sticky when you add water.
2. tenacity; persistence; staying power
Figuratively, the quality of being persistent and not giving up easily.
粘(ねば)り気(け)のある選手(せんしゅ)だ。
He's a tenacious player.
もう少(すこ)し粘(ねば)り気(け)を見(み)せろ。
Show a bit more persistence.
Through tenacious negotiation, the contract was finally settled.

Usage

粘(ねば)り気(け) can describe both physical stickiness and figurative persistence. The pattern 粘(ねば)り気(け)がある is common for both senses.

Common collocations

  • 粘(ねば)り気(け)がある: to be sticky; to be tenacious
  • 粘(ねば)り気(け)が出(で)る: to become sticky
  • 粘(ねば)り気(け)のある〜: sticky ~; tenacious ~

Forms

粘(ねば)り (stickiness, from 粘(ねば)る "to be sticky") + 気(け) (quality, tendency).