躓(つまず)き

つまずき
noun
stumble; setback; failure
abstract
1. stumble; tripping
the physical act of catching one's foot on something and losing balance
躓(つまず)きに気(き)をつけて。
Watch out for stumbling.
段差(だんさ)での躓(つまず)きが多(おお)い。
Stumbling on steps is common.
高齢者(こうれいしゃ)は小(ちい)さな段差(だんさ)でも躓(つまず)きやすいので、注意(ちゅうい)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
Elderly people are prone to stumbling even on small steps, so caution is needed.
2. setback; failure; hitch
a figurative obstacle or mistake that disrupts progress in a plan, career, or relationship
最初(さいしょ)の躓(つまず)きだった。
It was the first setback.
計画(けいかく)に躓(つまず)きがあった。
There was a hitch in the plan.
彼(かれ)のキャリアは若(わか)い頃(ころ)の躓(つまず)きを乗(の)り越(こ)えて、大(おお)きく成長(せいちょう)した。
His career grew enormously after overcoming setbacks in his younger years.

The noun form of the verb 躓(つまず)く (to stumble). Used both literally for physical tripping and figuratively for any kind of failure, mistake, or setback. The figurative use is especially common in business, career, and project contexts.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 挫折(ざせつ): frustration; setback — implies being crushed or giving up, stronger emotional impact
  • 失敗(しっぱい): failure — a broader, more neutral term for any kind of failure
  • 障害(しょうがい): obstacle; hindrance — focuses on the blocking element rather than the act of stumbling

Related Words

Compare: 挫折(ざせつ) (frustration)
Compare: 失敗(しっぱい) (failure)
Compare: 障害(しょうがい) (obstacle)
general
Added 2026.4.23 20:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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