1.
to rest one's elbows on (a table); to prop one's chin on one's elbow
The action of placing one's elbows on a surface such as a table. In Japanese culture, this is generally considered bad manners, especially while eating.
テーブルに肘をつくな。
Don't put your elbows on the table.
食事中に肘をつくのは行儀が悪い。
Resting your elbows on the table while eating is bad manners.
疲れて肘をついて頬杖をしていた。
I was tired and propping my chin on my elbow.
A common expression in daily life, especially in conversations about table manners and etiquette. In Japanese culture, putting elbows on the table is considered rude, particularly during meals.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- テーブルに肘をつく: to put elbows on the table
- 肘をついて頬杖をつく: to rest one's chin on one's hand (with elbow on table)
- 肘をつくのは行儀が悪い: putting elbows on the table is bad manners
CULTURAL NOTE:
Parents often scold children with 「肘をつくな」(don't put your elbows on the table). This is one of the basic rules of Japanese table etiquette, alongside not sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 頬杖をつく: to rest one's chin in one's hands — a specific position with elbows on the table
- 行儀が悪い: to have bad manners