WORD DETAIL
立ち尽くす
たちつくす
Examples
Included kanji
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: 立ち尽くす (たちつくす) is an intransitive verb meaning to remain standing stunned or motionless.
- Basic usage: It describes freezing at sudden news or standing motionless for a time before a demolished home.
- 突然の知らせに彼は玄関で立ち尽くした。 — The sudden news left him standing stunned in the entrance.
- 取り壊された家の前でしばらく立ち尽くした。 — He stood motionless for a while before the demolished house.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Standing and standing rooted to the spot
- 立つ broadly means to stand, while 立ち尽くす emphasizes remaining there unable to take another action because of emotion or circumstances.