Meaning

Primary

Diction

Alternative

How One Speaks

Word Type

noun

Explanation

Remember how 言葉 means "language?" Well, the way you "attach" (付き) language to things is your diction. Everyone has their own 言葉つき when they speak. How would you describe your 言葉つき?

言葉つき refers to the characteristics of how one speaks, including the words they choose, how they say them, and their overall speaking style.

Reading

ことばつき
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The readings for this word are both kun'yomi readings. You've learned both of these readings by now so you should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 言葉つきが悪い

    to be rough-spoken

    言葉つきがきれい

    to be beautifully-spoken

    言葉つきが良い

    to be well-spoken

Context Sentences

声は子どもの声だったが、言葉つきはまるで大人だった。

The voice was that of a child, but the words were those of an adult.

あの社員は言葉つきがハキハキしていて好感がもてますね。

That worker's clear diction gives me a good impression.

しばらくぶりに会った友人の言葉つきがかなり変わっていてびっくりした。

I was surprised by how much my friend's language had changed in the time since I'd seen him.

Kanji Composition