JLPT N2 Vocabulary – Difference between “へとへと” and “くたくた”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “へとへと” and “くたくた”
2. へとへと
3. くたくた
4. Summary
5. Quiz
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Are “へとへと” and “くたくた” the same?
A: These two are onomatopoeic expressions that describe a state of being exhausted.
The choice of which to use may vary depending on personal perception, but using this article as a guide may help you converse more naturally like a Japanese person!
へとへと (JLPT N2)
It is used to describe a state of extreme exhaustion after long hours of work or energy expenditure. It cannot be used to describe the state of objects.
The image is of a condition where the body is so tired that it can’t stand or speak and needs rest. It can also express mental fatigue, not just physical exhaustion.
[Examples]
毎日残業ばかりでへとへとです。
I’m exhausted from working overtime every day.
ペットの猫がいなくなって、へとへとになるまで探しました。
I searched until I was completely exhausted when my pet cat went missing.
3時間も歩いたので、へとへとになりました。
I walked for three hours, so I’m completely worn out.
久しぶりに運動したら、10分でへとへとになりました。
After exercising for the first time in a while, I was exhausted in just 10 minutes.
くたくた (JLPT N2)
It is similar to “へとへと,” but it gives the impression of having a little energy left to walk despite being exhausted. It refers more to physical fatigue rather than mental exhaustion.
[Examples]
子供と公園で走り続けてくたくたです。
I’m exhausted from running around the park with my kids.
慣れない山登りをしてくたくたになってしまいました。
I went hiking, which I’m not used to, and ended up completely worn out.
“くたくた” can also describe the condition of objects.
It is mainly used for fabrics and products that originally had firmness but have become worn out or deteriorated over time.
[Examples]
この服、えりがくたくただ。かっこ悪いから捨てよう。
This shirt’s collar is all worn out. It looks bad, so I’ll throw it away.
洗濯しすぎてシャツがくたくたになってしまいました。
The shirt has become worn out from too much washing.
It is also used to describe the state of food.
When vegetables or other ingredients are overcooked and lose their original shape, “くたくた” is used to express this condition.
[Examples]
ポトフは野菜をくたくたになるまで煮るとおいしいよ。
Pot-au-feu is delicious when you simmer the vegetables until they become very soft.
火が強すぎてお鍋の具材がくたくたになってしまいました。
The heat was too high, and the ingredients in the pot turned to mush.
Summary
へとへと
- It describes a state or condition where a person has expended a significant amount of energy over a long period, leading to physical or mental exhaustion, making it impossible to stand or speak without rest.
- It cannot be used to describe the state of objects.
くたくた
- It describes a state where a person is physically exhausted but still has a small amount of energy left to walk.
- It can also describe the state of objects, such as fabrics and vegetables.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. へとへと
もうへとへとで歩くことすらできません。
I’m so exhausted that I can’t even walk anymore.
*”へとへと” is appropriate because it implies being unable to walk.
A. くたくた
このバッグは何年も使ったのでくたくたになってしまいました。
The bag I’ve used for years has become worn out.
*”くたくた” is correct as it describes the state of an object losing its firmness.
A. へとへと
遠足から帰ってきた子供はへとへとに疲れたようで、ずっと座っています。
The child came back from the field trip completely exhausted and has been sitting ever since.
*”へとへと” is suitable since it implies sitting down due to exhaustion.
A. くたくた
野菜をくたくたになるまで煮ないでくださいね。
Please don’t cook the vegetables until they become too soft.
*”くたくた” is correct as it describes the vegetables losing their original shape.
