くたくた

• Reading: くたくた
• Romaji: kutakuta
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.ta.kɯ.ta/

Meaning

Exhausted; dead tired; worn out. Also describes something limp or overcooked.

A mimetic word (擬態語) with two main uses: (1) describing extreme physical or mental fatigue, as in くたくたに疲れた (completely exhausted), and (2) describing something soft and limp from overcooking or wear, as in くたくたに煮る (to cook until very soft). Functions as a na-adjective and adverb. The fatigue sense is far more common in daily conversation.

Examples

1. 残業続きでもうくたくたです。 With all the overtime lately, I'm completely wiped out.
2. 一日中歩いてくたくたに疲れた。 I walked around all day and I'm totally exhausted.
3. 野菜をくたくたになるまで煮込んだ。 I simmered the vegetables until they were completely soft.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, cooking

Tone: weary

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic word (擬態語) conveying a sense of collapse and loss of firmness. The soft, unstressed syllables mirror the feeling of having no energy left, evoking the image of something drooping or wilting.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal