Otsumu (Head)

Today I will talk about the Japanese word "otsumu."

"Otsumu" is another way of saying "atama," which means "head," and it is mainly used for infants.

In the past, something round and small was called "tsuburi" -- the word was made by changing "tsubu," which means "grain."

Also, child's small head was referred to as "tsumuri," by changing "tsuburi."

Next, "tsumuri" changed to "otsumuri" by attaching the prefix, "o," which makes words polite.

Finally, "ri" of "otsumuri" was abbreviated, and it became "otsumu."

Note that if you use "otsumu" to adults, it will be ironic in most cases.

For example: "Otsumu ga yowai" (You're weak in the head). "Otsumu ga tarinai" (Your wit is wanting.)

おつむ

今日は「おつむ」という単語を紹介します。

「おつむ」は、「頭」という意味であり、主に幼児に対して用いられます。

かつて、丸くて小さいものを、「粒」を変化させて「つぶり」と呼んでいました。

そして、子どもの小さい頭を、「つぶり」を変化させて「つむり」と呼んでいました。

この「つむり」に、言葉を丁寧にする接頭語である「お」を付けて、「おつむり」となり、最終的には「り」が省略されて「おつむ」となりました。

「おつむ」を大人に対して用いる際は、基本的に皮肉の意味が込められます。

例：「おつむが弱い」「おつむが足りない」