うってつけ

う

っ

て

つ

け

Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun

ideal; perfect; just right

usually written using kana alone

Describes something that is exactly suited for a particular purpose, person, or situation. Often used in the pattern ～にうってつけ.

この仕し事ごとは彼かれにうってつけだ。
This job is perfect for him.

この本ほんは初しょ心しん者しゃにうってつけの入にゅう門もん書しょです。

This book is an ideal introduction for beginners.

Written forms

うってつけUsage83%
Usually written in kana; the kanji spellings 打ってつけ and 打って付け are rare.
打うってつけUsage15%
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
打うって付つけUsage2%
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.

Kanji

打strike, hit, knock
付adhere, attach, refer to

Similar words

ぴったり
ぴったり is a more general adverb/adjective meaning 'exactly' or 'fitting tightly', while うってつけ specifically means 'ideal for a purpose' and is often used with に.
最さい適てき
最適 is a more formal, technical term for 'optimal', while うってつけ is a colloquial, everyday expression.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 打つ (うつ, 'to hit') in the て-form plus つける ('to attach'), literally 'hit and attach', implying something that fits perfectly as if struck into place. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the expression is now a fixed adjectival noun.