Completely Covered: The ~Zukume (Full of) Suffix
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The suffix ~zukume attaches to nouns to indicate that everything is entirely composed of or characterized by that noun.
- Attach directly to nouns: {黒|くろ} + {尽くめ|ずくめ} = {黒尽くめ|くろずくめ} (all black).
- Implies an exhaustive state: {嘘|うそ} + {尽くめ|ずくめ} = {嘘尽くめ|うそずくめ} (full of lies).
- Often carries a slightly negative or critical nuance: {難|なん} + {尽くめ|ずくめ} = {難尽くめ|なんずくめ} (full of difficulties).
Overview
In Japanese, expressing the idea that something is 'full of' or 'covered in' an element involves a sophisticated system of suffixes, each with a precise nuance. At the C1 level, moving beyond general terms like 多い ({ōi}|many) is essential for descriptive accuracy. The suffix ~ずくめ ({zukume}) is a powerful tool for this, but it does not simply mean 'full of'.
Instead, it describes a situation or object completely dominated or characterized by a single, defining element. It signifies a total, all-encompassing state where one quality permeates the subject entirely, leaving no room for anything else.
Think of it as the difference between a shirt with many black spots and a shirt that is pure, uniform black. The latter is 黒ずくめ ({kurozukume}). ~ずくめ implies that the noun it attaches to is the essential constitution of the subject, not just a quantitative feature.
For instance, a day described as いいことずくめ ({ii koto zukume}) was not just a day with several good events; it was a day whose entire character was one of uninterrupted good fortune. Nothing else—neutral or negative—was present.
This pattern is largely used with a specific set of nouns, making it a matter of collocation rather than a universally productive suffix. It’s used to describe abstract states (like fortune or rules), deliberate appearances (especially colors), and unprecedented situations. Mastering ~ずくめ allows you to convey a sense of totality and intensity that simpler adjectives cannot capture, marking a significant step toward native-level expression.
How This Grammar Works
~ずくめ functions as a suffix that attaches directly to a noun, transforming it into a new word that acts as a noun or a no-adjective (adjectival noun). The resulting (Noun)ずくめ word describes a state of being wholly defined by that noun. For example, 黒 ({kuro} | black) becomes 黒ずくめ ({kurozukume} | the state of being entirely in black), which can then be used to describe a person or outfit.~ずくめ is debated, but two theories are prominent. One connects it to the verb 尽くす ({tsukusu}), meaning 'to exhaust' or 'to use up completely'. The kanji form, 尽くめ, which is rare but exists, supports this.記録ずくめ ({kiroku-zukume} | record-breaking) event is one that has 'exhausted all possibilities' of being anything other than record-setting. The second theory links it to 染く ({somu}), an archaic verb for 'to dye'.~ずくめ word functions as follows:- 1As a Predicate: It can end a sentence with the copula
だ({da}) /です({desu}).
彼の服装はいつも黒ずくめだ。
{Kare no fukusō wa itsumo kurozukume da.}- 1As an Attributive Modifier: It can modify a subsequent noun using the particle
の({no}). This is one of its most common uses.
黒ずくめの男たちが現れた。
{Kurozukume no otoko-tachi ga arawareta.}- 1As an Adverbial Phrase: With the particle
で({de}), it can function adverbially, though this is less frequent.
会議は異例ずくめで終わった。
{Kaigi wa irei-zukume de owatta.}黒 ({kúro}, Atamadaka) becomes くろずくめ ({kurozúkume}, Heiban). This is a common pattern for suffixes.Formation Pattern
~ずくめ is straightforward, as it requires no complex conjugation. You attach it directly to a noun.
先週は本当にいいことずくめの一週間でした。
{Senshū wa hontō ni ii koto zukume no isshūkan deshita.}
彼の人生は謎ずくめです。
{Kare no jinsei wa nazo-zukume desu.}
規則ずくめがこの学校の伝統だ。
{Kisokuzukume ga kono gakkō no dentō da.}
When To Use It
~ずくめ is not a universally productive suffix; its usage is confined to established collocations. Understanding these categories is key to using it naturally. It primarily applies to abstract concepts and appearance.~ずくめ describes a period or situation completely defined by a certain type of event or quality, with no other elements mixed in.- Positive Experiences: Used to express a state of uninterrupted good fortune or pleasure.
今日の午後はご馳走ずくめだった。
{Kyō no gogo wa gochisō-zukume datta.}昇進、結婚、出産と、彼女は幸せずくめだ。
{Shōshin, kekkon, shussan to, kanojo wa shiawase-zukume da.}- Negative Experiences: Describes situations defined by hardship or constraints.
最近、悪いことずくめで気が滅入る。
{Saikin, warui koto zukume de ki ga meiru.}この寮は規則ずくめで、自由な時間が全くない。
{Kono ryō wa kisoku-zukume de, jiyū na jikan ga mattaku nai.}- Neutral, Factual States: Often used in news reporting or formal descriptions to highlight the complete and exceptional nature of a situation.
彼のキャリアは記録ずくめだ。
{Kare no kyaria wa kiroku-zukume da.}前例のない決定が続き、異例ずくめの展開となった。
{Zenrei no nai kettei ga tsuzuki, irei-zukume no tenkai to natta.}~ずくめ. It describes a person's attire when it is composed entirely of a single color, implying a deliberate and totalizing fashion choice.黒ずくめ({kurozukume}): The most common example. It evokes images of detectives, spies, avant-garde fashion enthusiasts, or members of a formal organization. It's not just wearing a black shirt; it's a head-to-toe commitment to the color.
探偵はいつも通り黒ずくめのコートを着ていた。{Tantei wa itsumo dōri kurozukume no kōto o kite ita.}白ずくめ({shirozukume}): Also a standard phrase. It has connotations of purity, spirituality (pilgrims), or professional roles like scientists or chefs.
巡礼者たちは白ずくめの衣装をまとっていた。{Junreisha-tachi wa shirozukume no ishō o matotte ita.}赤ずくめ ({akazukume}) are technically possible, they are far less common and sound highly emphatic or literary. They might be used to describe a specific performer's costume or a fictional character, but for everyday use, 黒 and 白 are the standard.Common Mistakes
~ずくめ lies in avoiding over-generalization and correctly distinguishing it from similar suffixes. Its specific nuance makes it prone to misuse.~だらけ vs. ~まみれ){黒ずくめ} (all-black outfit), {いいことずくめ} (nothing but good things) |{間違いだらけ} (full of mistakes), {ゴミだらけ} (littered with trash) |{血まみれ} (covered in blood), {泥まみれ} (caked with mud) |- ❌
彼は泥ずくめだ。({Kare wa doro-zukume da.}) -> This is unnatural. It sounds like his very essence is 'mud'. - ✅
彼は泥まみれだ。({Kare wa doro-mamire da.}) -> Correct. His body/clothes are physically coated in mud.
- ❌
このレポートは間違いずくめだ。({Kono repōto wa machigai-zukume da.}) -> Grammatically odd. It implies the report's sole purpose is to be a mistake. - ✅
このレポートは間違いだらけだ。({Kono repōto wa machigai-darake da.}) -> Correct. The report is littered with many mistakes.
~ずくめ to any noun to mean 'full of'. It is restricted to a group of established collocations. A common error is to apply it to any collection of items.- ❌ A room full of books is not
本ずくめ({hon-zukume}). It would be本だらけ({hon-darake}) if messy, or simply本でいっぱい({hon de ippai}). - ❌ A life full of work is not
仕事ずくめ({shigoto-zukume}). The correct set expression for being immersed in work is仕事漬け({shigoto-zuke}).
~ずくめ through its common pairings (黒, 白, いいこと, 悪いこと, 規則, 記録, 異例, 謎, ご馳走) and only venture beyond them once you have a strong feel for its specific, 'totalizing' nuance.Real Conversations
~ずくめ appears in various contexts, from casual social media posts to formal news reports. Its tone shifts depending on the word it's attached to.
Scenario 1
- A: 田中さん、最近すごく楽しそうだね。
{Tanaka-san, saikin sugoku tanoshisō da ne.}
(Tanaka-san seems really happy lately.)
- B: ええ。聞きました？先月は部長に昇進して、今月は結婚が決まったんですって。本当に、いいことずくめですよね。
{Ee. Kikimashita? Sengetsu wa buchō ni shōshin shite, kongetsu wa kekkon ga kimattan desu tte. Hontō ni, ii koto zukume desu yo ne.}
(I know. Did you hear? She was promoted to department manager last month, and apparently she's getting married this month. It's really nothing but good things for her.)
Scenario 2
- (Image of a person in a stylish, all-black outfit)
- Caption: 今日のテーマは「黒ずくめのエレガンス」。ジャケットもパンツも、もちろん小物まで全部黒で統一。
{Kyō no tēma wa 'kurozukume no eregansu'. Jaketto mo pantsu mo, mochiron komono made zenbu kuro de tōitsu.}
(Today's theme is 'All-Black Elegance'. The jacket, the pants, and of course even the accessories are all unified in black. #黒ずくめ #オールブラックコーデ)
Scenario 3
- 記録ずくめのシーズンを終え、選手が引退を表明。
{Kiroku-zukume no shīzun o oe, senshu ga intai o hyōmei.}
(After finishing a completely record-breaking season, the athlete announced their retirement.)
Scenario 4
- また新しいルール？うちの部署、本当に規則ずくめじゃない？息苦しいよ…
{Mata atarashii rūru? Uchi no busho, hontō ni kisoku-zukume ja nai? Ikigurushii yo...}
(Another new rule? Isn't our department just bound by endless rules? It's suffocating...)
Quick FAQ
~ずくめ with any color, like 青ずくめ (ao-zukume) for all-blue?While theoretically possible and understandable, it is not standard. 黒ずくめ and 白ずくめ are fixed, common collocations. Using ~ずくめ with other colors like red or blue sounds very literary, poetic, or created for a specific effect (e.g., describing a superhero's costume). For everyday situations, a native speaker would more likely say 全身青の服 ({zenshin ao no fuku} | clothes that are blue all over) or 青で統一したコーデ ({ao de tōitsu shita kōde} | an outfit unified in blue) for clarity and naturalness.
~ずくめ and ~尽くし ({-zukushi})? They sound similar.This is an excellent and important distinction for advanced learners. Both derive from 尽くす ({tsukusu}), but their meanings diverge.
~ずくめ: Implies a singular, monolithic entity. Aご馳走ずくめ({gochisō-zukume}) meal is one defined entirely by its luxuriousness. It might even be a single, incredibly extravagant dish.~尽くし({-zukushi}): Implies a comprehensive collection or wide variety of related things. Aご馳走尽くし({gochisō-zukushi}) meal is a 'parade of delicacies'—a full-course menu featuring many different, elaborate dishes (e.g.,松茸尽くし{matsutake-zukushi} would be a meal with matsutake mushrooms served in every possible way: grilled, in soup, with rice, etc.).
ずくめ as '100% of one thing' and 尽くし as '100% variety of a category'.~ずくめ be written in Kanji?Yes, it can be written as 尽くめ. However, this is quite rare in modern usage and may not be recognized by all readers. It is most often seen in older texts or used intentionally to add a formal or literary flair. Writing it in kanji explicitly connects it to the meaning of 尽くす (to exhaust, to do to the utmost). For all practical purposes, you should write it in hiragana (ずくめ).
~ずくめ used more in speaking or writing?It is used in both, but the context varies. Phrases like いいことずくめ or 黒ずくめ are common in casual conversation. Expressions like 異例ずくめ (unprecedented), 記録ずくめ (record-breaking), and 謎ずくめ (shrouded in mystery) are more characteristic of written language, particularly journalism, formal reports, and literature. Its use in speech often carries a slightly dramatic or emphatic tone.
Formation of ~zukume
| Noun | Suffix | Resulting Form | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
黒
|
尽くめ
|
黒尽くめ
|
Noun modifier
|
|
嘘
|
尽くめ
|
嘘尽くめ
|
Noun modifier
|
|
幸運
|
尽くめ
|
幸運尽くめ
|
Noun modifier
|
|
問題
|
尽くめ
|
問題尽くめ
|
Noun modifier
|
|
泥
|
尽くめ
|
泥尽くめ
|
Noun modifier
|
|
苦労
|
尽くめ
|
苦労尽くめ
|
Noun modifier
|
Meanings
The suffix ~zukume indicates that a situation, person, or object is entirely filled with, covered in, or defined by the preceding noun.
Physical Coverage
Covered entirely by a substance or color.
“{泥尽くめ|どろずくめ}の{靴|くつ}”
“{血尽くめ|ちずくめ}の{包帯|ほうたい}”
Abstract State
A situation defined entirely by a specific quality.
“{幸運尽くめ|こううんずくめ}の{一日|いちにち}”
“{問題尽くめ|もんだいずくめ}の{計画|けいかく}”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + 尽くめ
|
黒尽くめ
|
|
Predicate
|
Noun + 尽くめだ
|
嘘尽くめだ
|
|
Modifier
|
Noun + 尽くめの + Noun
|
黒尽くめの服
|
|
Past
|
Noun + 尽くめだった
|
問題尽くめだった
|
|
Negative
|
Noun + 尽くめではない
|
嘘尽くめではない
|
|
Question
|
Noun + 尽くめですか？
|
幸運尽くめですか？
|
Formality Spectrum
部屋は埃尽くめでございます。 (Cleaning)
部屋は埃尽くめです。 (Cleaning)
部屋は埃尽くめだ。 (Cleaning)
部屋、埃尽くめすぎ。 (Cleaning)
The Zukume Concept
Physical
- 黒尽くめ All black
Abstract
- 嘘尽くめ Full of lies
Examples by Level
{黒尽くめ|くろずくめ}の{服|ふく}。
All-black clothes.
{嘘尽くめ|うそずくめ}の{話|はなし}。
A story full of lies.
{幸運尽くめ|こううんずくめ}の{日|ひ}。
A day full of luck.
{傷尽くめ|きずずくめ}の{手|て}。
Hands full of scratches.
{彼|かれ}は{黒尽くめ|くろずくめ}で{歩|ある}いている。
He is walking around in all black.
{今日|きょう}は{いいこと尽くめ|いいことずくめ}だ。
Today is full of good things.
{問題尽くめ|もんだいずくめ}の{計画|けいかく}。
A plan full of problems.
{秘密尽くめ|ひみつずくめ}の{生活|せいかつ}。
A life full of secrets.
{試験|しけん}は{難問尽くめ|なんもんずくめ}だった。
The exam was full of difficult questions.
{彼女|かのじょ}の{人生|じんせい}は{苦労尽くめ|くろうずくめ}だ。
Her life is full of hardships.
{部屋|へや}は{埃尽くめ|ほこりずくめ}だった。
The room was full of dust.
{彼|かれ}の{説明|せつめい}は{矛盾尽くめ|むじゅんずくめ}だ。
His explanation is full of contradictions.
{不運尽くめ|ふうんずくめ}の{一週間|いっしゅうかん}を{過|す}ごした。
I spent a week full of bad luck.
{新|しん}プロジェクトは{課題尽くめ|かだいずくめ}で{大変|たいへん}だ。
The new project is full of tasks and it's tough.
{彼|かれ}の{小説|しょうせつ}は{比喩尽くめ|ひゆずくめ}だ。
His novel is full of metaphors.
{準備|じゅんび}は{不備尽くめ|ふびずくめ}だった。
The preparations were full of flaws.
{政治|せいじ}は{妥協尽くめ|だきょうずくめ}の{世界|せかい}だ。
Politics is a world full of compromises.
{彼|かれ}の{発言|はつげん}は{皮肉尽くめ|ひにくずくめ}だった。
His remarks were full of irony.
{歴史|れきし}は{戦|いくさ}と{犠牲尽くめ|ぎせいずくめ}の{記録|きろく}だ。
History is a record full of wars and sacrifices.
{現代社会|げんだいしゃかい}は{情報尽くめ|じょうほうずくめ}だ。
Modern society is full of information.
{彼|かれ}の{人生|じんせい}は{栄光|えいこう}と{挫折尽くめ|ざせつずくめ}の{物語|ものがたり}だ。
His life is a story full of glory and setbacks.
{法廷|ほうてい}での{証言|しょうげん}は{虚偽尽くめ|きょぎずくめ}だった。
The testimony in court was full of falsehoods.
{芸術|げいじゅつ}は{情熱尽くめ|じょうねつずくめ}の{表現|ひょうげん}である。
Art is an expression full of passion.
{彼|かれ}の{計画|けいかく}は{理想尽くめ|りそうずくめ}で{現実味|げんじつみ}がない。
His plan is full of ideals and lacks realism.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'full of'.
Both mean 'covered in'.
Both mean 'full'.
Common Mistakes
美しい尽くめ
美しさ尽くめ
食べる尽くめ
食事尽くめ
黒い尽くめ
黒尽くめ
尽くめな服
黒尽くめの服
泥だらけの服 (when meaning 'all mud')
泥尽くめの服
とても黒尽くめ
黒尽くめ
尽くめだ
黒尽くめだ
幸せ尽くめ
幸運尽くめ
問題が尽くめだ
問題尽くめだ
尽くめな状況
問題尽くめな状況
矛盾尽くめな
矛盾尽くめの
皮肉尽くめだ
皮肉尽くめだった
情報尽くめな社会
情報尽くめの社会
理想尽くめな計画
理想尽くめの計画
Sentence Patterns
___尽くめの服を着ている。
今日は___尽くめの一日だった。
その話は___尽くめだ。
人生は___尽くめだ。
Real World Usage
今日は黒尽くめのコーデです。
現場は泥尽くめだった。
今日、幸運尽くめ！
この計画は課題尽くめです。
皮肉尽くめの作品。
嘘尽くめの投稿。
Noun only
Negative vs Positive
Total state
Nuance
Smart Tips
Use ~zukume to emphasize a single color.
Use ~zukume to highlight the intensity of the problems.
Use ~zukume for a very lucky day.
Use ~darake instead of ~zukume.
Pronunciation
Rendaku
The 'tsu' in 'zukume' is voiced because it follows a noun.
Flat
ku-ro-zu-ku-me
Neutral emphasis.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Zoo-Koo-May': A zoo that is 'full of' (zukume) may (may) be full of animals.
Visual Association
Imagine a person wearing a black hat, black coat, black pants, and black shoes. They are 'zukume' (all) black.
Rhyme
When it's all one thing, don't be glum, just add the suffix ~zukume.
Story
Taro went to the party. He wore a black suit. His shoes were black. His tie was black. He was 'kuro-zukume'. Everyone noticed he was entirely black.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences describing things around you using ~zukume.
Cultural Notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe total states.
Used to describe projects or situations with many issues.
Used to create vivid imagery of characters or settings.
Derived from the verb 'tsukusu' (to exhaust/use up).
Conversation Starters
最近、いいこと尽くめですか？
黒尽くめの服は好きですか？
仕事は問題尽くめですか？
人生は苦労尽くめだと思いますか？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
彼は___尽くめの服を着ている。
泥___の服。
Find and fix the mistake:
美しい尽くめの部屋。
すべてが嘘だ。
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
彼は___。
人生は___尽くめだ。
Find and fix the mistake:
問題が尽くめです。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises彼は___尽くめの服を着ている。
泥___の服。
Find and fix the mistake:
美しい尽くめの部屋。
すべてが嘘だ。
Match: 1. 黒, 2. 嘘, 3. 幸運
彼は___。
人生は___尽くめだ。
Find and fix the mistake:
問題が尽くめです。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesあの組織は___で、実態がよく分からない。(That organization is shrouded in mystery...)
Which phrase describes a school with too many rules?
シャツが血ずくめになった。(My shirt got covered in blood.)
男 / だった / 黒ずくめ / の / は
Match the word on the left with the most natural suffix usage.
今回の旅行は___だった。(This trip was nothing but good things.)
Translate 'Unprecedented' using the grammar rule.
What does '白ずくめ' imply?
今日 / 幸せ / は / ずくめ / だ
記録___のオリンピックだった。(It was an Olympics full of broken records.)
Which of these is unnatural?
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No, it only attaches to nouns.
No, it can be positive like 'kouun-zukume'.
Darake is for messy, Zukume is for total.
Yes, it is common in formal and literary contexts.
No, it attaches directly to the noun.
Yes, especially for fashion or describing situations.
No, you must turn the adjective into a noun first.
It comes from the verb 'tsukusu'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
lleno de
Morphological structure.
rempli de
Suffix vs phrase.
voll von
Nuance of totality.
~darake
Connotation.
مليء بـ
Grammatical category.
全是
Syntax.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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