Entry
ボキボキ
bokiboki
ボキボキ is a heavy cracking or snapping sound, such as cracking one's knuckles or breaking thick branches.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics a forceful, deep snapping or cracking sound. It is most commonly used to describe the loud noise of cracking joints (like knuckles, neck, or back) or the forceful breaking of thick, solid objects like tree branches.
- heavy cracking of joints
- snapping of thick branches
Sense Map
Joints cracking
The heavy, audible sound of cracking joints, such as knuckles, the neck, or the spine.
首をボキボキ鳴らす。
Breaking hard objects
The deep snapping or crunching sound of thick, hard items like tree branches being broken.
太い枝をボキボキと折る。
Usage Note
How to Use
ボキボキ（と）鳴る
Used when joints or branches make a heavy cracking sound naturally or passively.
ボキボキ（と）鳴らす
Used when someone intentionally makes a heavy cracking sound, like cracking their knuckles.
ボキボキ（と）折る
Used to describe breaking thick branches or hard objects forcefully.
ボキボキ（と）折れる
ボキボキに折れる
How to Use
Common Phrases
指をボキボキ鳴らす
cracking one's knuckles
首をボキボキ鳴らす
cracking one's neck
木の枝がボキボキ折れる
tree branches snapping loudly
背骨がボキボキ鳴る
one's spine cracking loudly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cracking knuckles or joints | neutral | A very common usage, though the sound implies a heavy crack that might make some people wince. |
| Breaking tree branches | neutral | Highlights the thickness and sturdiness of the wood being snapped. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽきぽき ぽきぽき / opposite | For thin or small objects breaking with a light snap. | Not used for thick objects or heavy sounds. | 指をポキポキ鳴らす。 |
ばきばき ばきばき / similar | For very hard things violently breaking, or intensely stiff muscles. | Sounds more destructive and harsh than ボキボキ. | スマホの画面がバキバキに割れた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ボキボキ for snapping small, thin twigs.
Use ポキポキ (pokipoki) for light, thin snaps. ボキボキ is reserved for thick, heavy objects.
Using it for the sound of chewing hard, crunchy food.
Use ボリボリ (boribori) or ガリガリ (garigari) for chewing sounds, not ボキボキ.
Examples
Examples
彼はいらだたしげに指の関節をボキボキと鳴らした。
かれはいらだたしげにゆびのかんせつをボキボキとならした。
He cracked his knuckles loudly in irritation.
LiteralDescribes the heavy sound of cracking knuckles.
強風で庭の木の枝がボキボキと折れてしまった。
きょうふうでにわのきのえだがボキボキとおれてしまった。
The tree branches in the garden broke with loud cracks due to the strong wind.
LiteralShows the sound of thick tree branches breaking.
整体に行ったら、背骨をボキボキ鳴らされて少し怖かった。
せいたいへいったら、せぼねをボキボキならされてすこしこわかった。
When I went to the chiropractor, my spine was cracked loudly, which was a little scary.
LiteralUsed for the heavy cracking sound of the spine.
彼は太い薪をボキボキに折って火にくべた。
かれはふといまきをボキボキにおってひにくべた。
He snapped the thick firewood with loud cracks and threw the pieces into the fire.
LiteralDescribes forcefully snapping thick firewood.
失敗が続いて、彼の心はボキボキに折れてしまった。
しっぱいがつづいて、かれのこころはボキボキにおれてしまった。
After a series of failures, his spirit was completely crushed.
FigurativeFigurative expression meaning one's spirit/motivation was completely crushed.
Similar Words
ポキポキ
pokipoki
The lighter version for thin twigs or small snaps.
バキバキ
bakibaki
Represents a loud, forceful cracking or snapping sound of rigid objects breaking, joints popping, or something completely shattering. A more severe, harsh, or destructive version.
メキメキ
mekimeki
Mekimeki describes something improving or growing at a remarkably rapid pace, or the loud creaking sound of rigid objects like wood breaking under pressure.
Questions
What is the difference between ボキボキ (bokiboki) and ポキポキ (pokipoki)?
ボキボキ represents a heavy, thick cracking sound (like a thick branch), while ポキポキ represents a light, thin snap (like a small twig).
Can ボキボキ be used for actual broken bones?
Yes, it can describe the sound of a bone forcefully breaking, though it's most frequently used in daily life for simply cracking one's knuckles.
What does 心がボキボキに折れる mean?
It is a figurative expression or slang meaning one's spirit, motivation, or resolve has been completely crushed after severe setbacks.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2663110
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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