物もの心ごころが付つく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

become old enough to understand things; reach the age of awareness

Used for children reaching an age where they can perceive and remember their surroundings, typically around 3–5 years old. Often appears in past tense (物心が付いた) or with 頃.

• 物もの心ごころが付ついたときには、もう祖そ母ぼはいなかった。

  By the time I was old enough to understand things, my grandmother was already gone.

• 物もの心ごころが付つく前まえの記き憶おくはほとんどない。

  I have almost no memories from before I reached the age of awareness.