底をつく

• Reading: そこをつく
• Romaji: soko wo tsuku
• Kanji breakdown: 底 (tei/soko) — bottom, base, sole
• Pronunciation: /so.ko.o.tsɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To run out of; to be depleted; to dry up. Describes resources or supplies reaching zero.

An idiomatic expression combining 底 (bottom) and つく (to reach/hit). The image is of reaching the very bottom of a container — nothing is left. Used for money, supplies, energy, patience, or any finite resource that has been completely exhausted. Common in both everyday conversation and news reporting.

Examples

1. 貯金が底をついて生活が苦しくなった。 My savings ran out and life became difficult.
2. 食料の在庫が底をつきそうだ。 The food supply is about to run out.
3. 体力が底をついてこれ以上走れなかった。 My stamina was completely depleted and I couldn't run any further.

Usage Guide

Context: finances, daily life, news

Tone: urgent

Origin & History

Compound of 底 (bottom, base) and つく (to reach, to arrive at). The metaphor of hitting the bottom of a well or container has been used since the Edo period to describe complete depletion.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal