づめだ (zume-da): Continuously; without a break
～づめだ (zume-da)
Meaning
Continuously; without a break
Formation and usage
V stem + づめ
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Describes prolonged, often tiring activity, commonly working or walking without a break; spelled with づ.
Examples
会議の準備で、三日間働きづめだった。
I worked for three days without a break preparing for the meeting.
試験の準備で、三日間働きづめだった。
I worked for three days without a break preparing for the exam.
研修の準備で、三日間働きづめだった。
I worked for three days without a break preparing for the training session.
発表会の準備で、三日間働きづめだった。
I worked for three days without a break preparing for the presentation event.
面接の準備で、三日間働きづめだった。
I worked for three days without a break preparing for the interview.
How related patterns differ
きる stresses completion; ぬく perseverance to the end. てみせる shows determination. てやまない sustains a feeling; っぱなし, づめ, and 通し describe duration with different nuances. ては～ては repeats alternating actions.