ずくめ
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
Completely, Entirely
All in
Nothing but
A real streak of
Jet (as in a streak)
Usage
Noun + ずくめ
Explanation
ずくめ is used after a noun to describe a situation, condition, or set of things that are entirely or almost entirely that noun. It emphasizes that the thing in question dominates or characterizes the whole, leaving little or nothing else. It can carry a neutral, positive, or negative nuance depending on the noun, but it often has a somewhat emphatic, colloquial feel. Commonly used for negative or tedious patterns (mistakes, troubles) but can describe abundant positive things as well. It is less about frequency and more about a complete or overwhelming presence of the described noun.
彼の履歴書は失敗ずくめだ。
かれのりれきしょはしっぱいずくめだ。
His résumé is full of failures.
最近はトラブルずくめで、疲れる。
さいきんはトラブルずくめで、つかれる。
Lately it’s been nothing but trouble, and it’s exhausting.
この部屋は汚れずくめだ。
このへやはよごれずくめだ。
This room is a mess all the time.
彼女の一年は良い出来事ずくめだった。
かのじょのいちねんはよいできごとずくめだった。
Her year was full of good events.
休日は食べ物ずくめで、体重が増えた。
きゅうじつはたべものずくめで、たいじゅうがふえた。
The holidays were all about food, and I gained weight.