Entry
ボコッ
boko
The hollow sound of a blunt impact, or the sudden appearance of a gaping hole, prominent dent, or bulge.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term functions in two main ways: as a sound word (giongo) for the heavy, hollow thump of a blunt strike, and as a visual condition word (gitaigo) describing a surface that has suddenly and noticeably deformed, such as a large hole opening up, a deep dent, or a prominent bulge.
- A heavy, hollow sound of impact (thwack, thump).
- The visual state of a sudden, conspicuous deformation (hole, dent, bulge).
Sense Map
Blunt Impact
Indicates the heavy, hollow sound of being struck by a blunt object or fist.
壁をボコッと殴る
Surface Deformation
Describes a surface that suddenly becomes conspicuously dented, gapes open with a hole, or bulges out.
ドアがボコッと凹む
Usage Note
How to Use
ボコッと + verb (e.g., 殴る, 凹む)
Used as an adverb to describe how an impact occurred or how a dent/hole suddenly formed.
ボコッとする
Used to describe a surface that is uneven, dented, or bulging.
ボコッとした + noun
Used to modify a noun, describing an object that has a prominent dent, hole, or bulge.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ボコッと殴る
to punch with a hollow thwack
穴がボコッと開く
a hole gapes open
ボコッと凹む
to dent noticeably
ボコッと出っ張る
to bulge out prominently
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sound of Impact | negative | Often associated with physical violence or blunt force trauma. |
| Surface Damage | negative | Indicates noticeable aesthetic or structural damage to a surface (dents, holes). |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼかっ ぼかっ / similar | Use ボカッ for an explosive or sharp hitting sound, often associated with a painful blow to the body. | Unlike ボコッ, ボカッ is not used to describe physical dents, holes, or surface deformations. | 頭をボカッと殴られる |
ぽこっ ぽこっ / similar | Use ぽこっ for a smaller, lighter hole, dent, or bulge, or a lighter tapping sound. | ボコッ implies a larger, heavier impact or a more severe deformation. | ぽこっと穴が開く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ボコッ for the sound of a sharp object piercing something.
Use ブスッ (busu) or グサッ (gusa) for stabbing or piercing. ボコッ is strictly for blunt impacts or resulting dents.
Assuming it only means 'to hit'.
Remember that it frequently describes the visual result—such as a car getting dented or a hole appearing in the ground.
Examples
Examples
壁をボコッと殴って穴を開けてしまった。
かべを ボコッと なぐって あなを あけて しまった。
I punched the wall with a thwack and put a hole in it.
LiteralFocuses on the heavy sound of a blunt punch.
車をポールにぶつけて、ドアがボコッと凹んでしまった。
くるまを ポールに ぶつけて、 ドアが ボコッと へこんで しまった。
I hit a pole and the car door dented noticeably.
VisualDescribes the visual state of a sudden, deep dent.
道路の真ん中に、ボコッと大きな穴が開いている。
どうろの まんなかに、 ボコッと おおきな あなが あいている。
There is a large gaping hole right in the middle of the road.
VisualDescribes a hole that has opened up widely and conspicuously.
虫に刺されたところが、ボコッと腫れている。
むしに さされた ところが、 ボコッと はれている。
The insect bite is bulging out noticeably.
VisualDescribes a prominent bulge on an otherwise flat surface.
スイカを木の棒でボコッと叩き割った。
スイカを きのぼうで ボコッと たたきわった。
I smashed the watermelon open with a wooden stick with a loud thwack.
LiteralFocuses on the hollow, heavy sound of striking an object.
Similar Words
ぽこっ
poko
The lighter, smaller unvoiced counterpart.
ボカッ
boka
The sound of a forceful punch or a loud, resonant explosion. Similar hitting sound, but sharper/more explosive and not used for visual dents.
ぽこっと
pokotto
Describes something opening up suddenly to create a hollow space, hole, or gap.
ぽっかり
pokkari
ぽっかり describes a gaping hole, a light object floating in space, or a sudden sense of emptiness.
Questions
Is ボコッ only for fight scenes?
No. While it describes blunt force punches, it is very commonly used in everyday life to describe things that are visibly dented, bulging, or have a gaping hole.
What is the difference between ボコッ and ポコッ?
The voiced consonant 'b' in ボコッ gives it a heavier, larger, or more severe nuance. 'Poko' feels smaller, cuter, or lighter.
Can I use it to say 'uneven surface'?
For a generally uneven or bumpy surface, the repeated form ボコボコ (bokoboko) is more natural. ボコッ focuses on a single, sudden, or prominent dent/hole.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869695
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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