くたくた

Alternative writings: クタクタ
Frequency:
1

Extremely exhausted or worn out, to the point of having no energy left.

Na-AdjectiveAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

長時間の会議でくたくたになった。

I was exhausted after the long meeting.

引っ越しで朝から動き回って、夜にはくたくただった。

I was worn out from moving around all day during the move and was dead tired at night.

子どもの世話で毎日くたくたになっている母親も多い。

Many mothers are exhausted every day from taking care of their children.

2

Describes clothes or fabric that have become worn, soft, and shapeless from long use — battered or tattered in appearance.

Noun Taking 'の'Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

このセーターは何年も着ていて、もうくたくただ。

I've worn this sweater for years and it's all worn out.

座布団がくたくたで座り心地が悪い。

The cushion is all flattened and uncomfortable to sit on.

3

Describes cooking something until it breaks down into a soft, pulpy state (e.g., simmering vegetables until mushy).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

じゃがいもをくたくたに煮てスープに入れた。

I simmered the potatoes until they were mushy and added them to the soup.

大根をくたくたに煮ると味がよくしみる。

If you simmer daikon until it's very soft, it soaks up the flavor well.

Word Relationships