つまずく

also: つまづく

つ

ま

ず

く

Common wordJLPTN2Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Physical stumbling over an obstacle or one's own feet.

見み

え

ず

、

何なん

度ど

も

つまずい

た

。

It was dark and I couldn't see my feet, so I stumbled many times.

2

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Figurative use for encountering a problem or failure in a plan, project, or life.

つまずくUsage71%
Kana spelling is standard; the kanji 躓く is rare and not part of the Jōyō set.
躓くUsage17%
- つまずく
  Kanji form is uncommon and may not be recognized by all readers.
- つまづく
つまづくUsage12%
Alternate kana spelling with づ; the standard reading is つまずく.

転ころぶ
転ぶ means 'to fall down', while つまずく focuses on the stumble or trip that may lead to a fall.
失しっ敗ぱいする
失敗する is a general 'to fail', whereas つまずく implies a stumble or setback, often with a nuance of a temporary obstacle.

The origin is uncertain, but it may be related to つま (爪, 'nail') + つく ('to poke/strike'), suggesting catching one's toe on something.