Tsundere Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtʃænˈdɛrɪ/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who is initially cold or distant towards someone, but later warms up to them, often revealing a softer or more vulnerable side.

Examples

At first, Maria seemed cold and distant, but as we got to know her, we discovered her warm and caring side.
He was a tsundere, always pushing her away, but secretly longing for her attention.
Her tsundere nature made it difficult for others to approach her, but once you gained her trust, she was a loyal friend.
Tsundere personalities can be challenging to navigate, but with patience and understanding, you can win their hearts.
The anime series “Clannad” features a character who embodies the tsundere archetype, giving audiences a glimpse into the complexities of this personality type.

Synonyms

Cool girl
Ambivalent

Antonyms

Straightforward
Warmonger

Etymology

The term “tsundere” originated in Japan, derived from the Japanese words “tsuntsun” (ツンツン), meaning “to be cold,” and “dere” (デレ), meaning “to be soft” or “vulnerable.”

Usage Notes

While the term “tsundere” is commonly used in anime and manga, it is not typically used in everyday conversation. However, it can be used in a humorous or ironic way to describe someone’s behavior.

Cultural References

Tsundere characters have appeared in various anime and manga series, including “Clannad,” “Toradora!,” and “Kare Kano.” The archetype has also been referenced in Western media and popular culture.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Playing the tsundere” is a common phrase used to describe someone who is pretending to be cold or distant when in reality they are attracted to someone.

Related Words or Phrases

Cool girl, ambivalent, dere

Collocations

Tsundere personality, tsundere behavior, tsundere traits

Frequency of Use

While the term “tsundere” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it is popular among fans of anime and manga.

Common Misspellings

Tsunode, Tsunodore, Tsindere