Entry
ぼちぼち
bochibochi
Slowly but steadily, or soon at a leisurely pace.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes progressing little by little, or indicating it's about time to start an action without rushing. It can also mean scattered occurrences. In the Kansai dialect, it implies things are 'so-so' or 'not bad'.
- Slow and steady
- Soon / About time
- Scattered
- So-so (Kansai)
Sense Map
Slow and steady
Progressing little by little without rushing.
仕事がぼちぼち進む。
Soon / About time
Indicating it is time to slowly start doing something, like leaving.
ぼちぼち出かけよう。
Gradually / Scattered
Things appearing or gathering gradually in small numbers.
人がぼちぼち集まる。
So-so (Kansai dialect)
Indicating business or conditions are not bad, just average.
儲けはぼちぼちです。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぼちぼち + verb
Used before a verb to show an action done at a relaxed pace or one that's about to start.
ぼちぼち + だ/です
Used as a predicate (especially in Kansai) to mean things are 'so-so' or 'not bad'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぼちぼち帰る
head home soon (leisurely)
ぼちぼち始める
start soon/leisurely
ぼちぼち進む
progress steadily
ぼちぼちです
it's so-so
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Suggesting to leave | neutral | A gentle way of inviting someone to wrap things up without sounding pushy or impatient. |
| Answering how are things | humble | A humble Kansai response implying things are surviving or doing okay without bragging. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
そろそろ そろそろ / similar | When indicating it's time to do something, focusing on the approaching time. | そろそろ focuses more on the urgency of time, whereas ぼちぼち implies taking it easy without feeling rushed. | そろそろ帰る |
少しずつ すこしずつ / similar | When stating something is objectively progressing in small amounts. | 少しずつ is an objective, general term, whereas ぼちぼち is more casual and relaxed. | 少しずつ食べる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Thinking it implies rushing or speed.
It always carries a relaxed, unhurried, or gradual nuance.
Using it in formal business settings.
It is highly casual. In formal contexts, use そろそろ (soon) or 少しずつ (little by little).
Examples
Examples
仕事はぼちぼち進んでいます。
仕事(しごと)はぼちぼち進(すす)んでいます。
The work is progressing slowly but steadily.
FigurativeDescribes slow but steady progress.
暗くなってきたから、ぼちぼち帰ろうか。
暗(くら)くなってきたから、ぼちぼち帰(かえ)ろうか。
It's getting dark, so let's get ready to head home soon.
LiteralProposing to leave soon without rushing.
お客さんがぼちぼち集まってきた。
お客(きゃく)さんがぼちぼち集(あつ)まってきた。
The guests have started to gather little by little.
VisualShows people gradually gathering.
最近どう？まあ、ぼちぼちやな。
最近(さいきん)どう？まあ、ぼちぼちやな。
How are things lately? Well, so-so.
FigurativeKansai dialect for 'so-so' or 'not bad'.
焦らなくていいから、ぼちぼちやろう。
焦(あせ)らなくていいから、ぼちぼちやろう。
There's no need to rush, let's do it leisurely.
FigurativeEncouraging a relaxed pace without pressure.
Similar Words
そろそろ
sorosoro
Sorosoro indicates that a specific time or event is approaching soon, or describes moving slowly and carefully. Similar to 'soon', but そろそろ focuses more on the approaching time and urgency.
ポツポツ
potsupotsu
A word describing light drops falling, scattered small spots, or things progressing little by little.
ちらほら
chirahora
Describes things that are scattered in small numbers or happen occasionally rather than all at once.
ぼつぼつ
botsubotsu
Indicates starting an action gradually or that it is time to do something soon, and also describes scattered spots or pimples.
Questions
What is the difference between bochibochi and sorosoro?
Both can mean 'soon', but bochibochi emphasizes a relaxed pace without feeling rushed, whereas sorosoro focuses more on the approaching deadline or time.
Is it understood in Tokyo?
Yes, the meanings 'slowly' and 'soon' are understood nationwide. However, the 'so-so' greeting is heavily associated with the Kansai region.
Can it describe someone walking slowly due to illness?
It can, but it usually emphasizes steady progress rather than fatigue. For slow, heavy walking, とぼとぼ is a better fit.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011800
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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