BUTTSU-RI ぶっつり
Meanings
Describes a relatively thick thing such as a rope being forcefully severed with a dull snap; figuratively, it can describe something inside a person suddenly breaking.
Examples
While climbing, I grabbed the rope and it suddenly snapped.
登山中に、ロープを掴んだらぶっつり切れてしまった。
As the abuse continued, something inside me finally snapped, and I committed a violent act.
罵声を浴びているうちに、私の中で何かがぶっつり切れてしまい、凶行に及んでしまった。
Dogmatic Opinion
PUTTSU-RI makes me think of a thin thing such as a thread snapping.
BUTTSU-RI is heavier. I picture a rope or another thicker connection breaking under strong force.
For that reason, if what breaks is metaphorical patience or self-control, BUTTSU-RI feels more appropriate to me than PUTTSU-RI. The internal “cord” being severed seems thicker and more consequential.
Proximate Expression
torn
break off
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
Snap, break with a snap, be severed, and something in me snapped are natural. This page’s Japanese source specifically contrasts the thicker, heavier break of BUTTSU-RI with the thinner break of PUTTSU-RI. Do not automatically broaden it to every kind of abrupt cessation.
