ふつつか者 (futsutsuka mono): Lovely Word to Humble Yourself

Pronunciation

Definition

ふつつか者もの (ふつつかもの, futsutsuka mono) is an advanced Japanese word that means “a person who is a little immature, clumsy, goofy, and/or careless”. Usually, it is used to humble oneself (or one’s child), and not to describe others.

When and How to Use

ふつつか者 is typically used in the sentence, “ふつつか者ですが、どうぞよろしくお願(ねが)いします”. The first part “ふつつか者ですが …” means “Although I’m a futsutsuka mono (clumsy and immature) …”, and the latter part “どうぞよろしくお願いします” is an expression to show one’s eagerness to build or keep a good relationship with someone. This line is often used when you show your eagerness to get along well with someone, such as

• When you accept a marriage proposal or confession of love to you (i.e. 告白(こくはく)).
• When you join a new community
• When you post a post to your friends on social media, esp. on a special occasion (e.g. birthday)

Nuances

ふつつか者 has a casual, cute and lovely tone; Japanese people will find you lovely if you say the expression “ふつつか者ですが、どうぞよろしくお願いします” in your self-introduction or when you join a new community.

Kanji Characters

In fact, ふつつか者 can be written as “不束者” in kanji. However, since its reading is difficult to guess from the characters, some native Japanese speakers wouldn’t be able to write or read them. Therefore, it would be better to write it in hiragana as in this entry unless you want to be sophisticated in writing, or show off your impressive kanji knowledge to others.

Example Sentences

Ex1
A：出会であった時ときから、あなたの事ことがずっと好すきでした！僕ぼくと付つき合あってくれませんか？
B：はい、喜よろこんで！ふつつか者ですが、どうぞよろしくお願ねがいします！

A: Since I saw you for the first time, I have been in love with you. Would you be my girlfriend?
B: Yes, I’m happy to! Although I’m a clumsy and immature person, I’d love to get along well with you (as your girlfriend)!

Ex2
今日きょうで２４歳さいになりました！まだまだふつつか者ですが、皆みなさんどうぞよろしくお願ねがいします！
I’ve turned 24 today! Although I’m still a clumsy and immature person, I’d love to keep in touch with you all!

Synonyms: 未熟みじゅく者もの (immature person)
Synonyms in English: immature person,
Related words and phrases: ふつつか者ものですが、どうぞよろしくお願ねがいします

See also

手前味噌 (temae miso) Meaning “It May Sound Boastful, But…”