につき means due to; per; each. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to give a formal reason, rate, or unit basis.
This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, につき is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker’s logic, stance, or emphasis.
What does につき mean?
Use につき when you want to give a formal reason, rate, or unit basis.
Natural translations include:
- due to; per; each
- depending on context
- in a way that matches the speaker’s emphasis
How to form につき
Noun + につき
Examples of the pattern:
- 工事中につき
- 一人につき
- 本日は休業につき
When is につき used?
Use につき in situations like:
- reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
- making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
- connecting two ideas with a clear nuance
Tone and register:
- usually neutral to formal
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing
につき example sentences
- 工事中につき、通行できません。 — Due to construction, passage is not possible.
- 一人につき、チケットは二枚までです。 — Up to two tickets per person.
- 本日は休業につき、明日ご連絡ください。 — We are closed today, so please contact us tomorrow.
- 一時間につき千円の料金がかかります。 — A fee of 1,000 yen per hour is charged.
- 雨天につき、試合は中止になりました。 — Due to rain, the game was canceled.
After reading each sentence, ask what job につき is doing. Is it limiting, adding, conceding, asserting, or describing a condition?
Nuance of につき
The key nuance is give a formal reason, rate, or unit basis.
For example:
- In formal writing, につき often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with のため, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.
につき vs のため
につき:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic
のため:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence
Quick contrast examples:
- 工事中につき、通行できません。
- Try rewriting the sentence with のため and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.
Common mistakes with につき
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with のため just because the English translation overlaps
- Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with につき, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.
Is につき on the JLPT?
Yes. につき is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
Practice questions for につき
- Write one sentence that clearly needs につき.
- Write a second sentence with のため and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.
Learning path for につき
To learn につき efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern’s real function.
- First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
- Then compare につき with のため and the related lessons below.
- Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes につき necessary.
Related grammar to review next
- に際して — on the occasion of; at the time of.
- n3 tame ni — in order to; for; because of.
- n5 node — because; since.
Learn につき with Hane
If you want to review につき together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.
Browse more lessons here:
FAQ about につき
What does につき (ni tsuki) mean in Japanese?
につき (ni tsuki) means “due to; per; each”. It is JLPT N2 grammar. Use につき when you want to give a formal reason, rate, or unit basis.
How do you form につき (ni tsuki)?
Noun + につき
What is an example sentence with につき (ni tsuki)?
工事中につき、通行できません。 — Due to construction, passage is not possible.