Entry
ぼそぼそ
bosoboso
Describes speaking in a low, unclear mumble, or the texture of food that has become dry, crumbly, and tasteless.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word primarily describes someone speaking in a low, subdued, and unclear voice, often lacking confidence or enthusiasm. Secondarily, it describes the texture of starchy foods like bread or rice that have lost their moisture, resulting in a dry, crumbly, and unpleasant eating experience.
- Speaking in a muffled, unclear, or unconfident mumble.
- Starchy foods that have become dry and unappetizing.
Sense Map
Mumbling Voice
Speaking in a low, unclear voice that is hard to catch, often lacking energy.
何かぼそぼそ言っている。
Dry & Crumbly Food
Food that has lost its moisture, becoming dry, crumbly, and unpleasant to eat.
ぼそぼそしたパン
Usage Note
How to Use
ぼそぼそ（と）話す
Used as an adverb modifying verbs of speech to mean 'to speak/mutter in a low voice'. The particle 'to' is optional.
ぼそぼそ（と）言う
ぼそぼそする
Used with 'suru' as a verb to describe the state of food being unpleasantly dry.
ぼそぼそした + Noun
A noun-modifier form usually attached to foods like bread (pan) or rice (gohan).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぼそぼそと話す
to speak in a low mumble
ぼそぼそと言う
to mutter something
ぼそぼそしたパン
dry, crumbly bread
ご飯がぼそぼそする
the rice is dry and crumbly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Voice / Conversation | Neutral to Negative | Implies the speaker lacks confidence, is depressed, or has poor articulation. |
| Food Texture | Negative | Always means the food is unpleasant, dry, and has lost its appealing texture or taste. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ひそひそ ひそひそ / contrast | Used when people are whispering intentionally so others don't hear (e.g., gossiping). | ぼそぼそ is just speaking in a low, unclear voice, often lacking energy, not necessarily trying to hide a secret. | ヒソヒソ話す |
ぱさぱさ ぱさぱさ / similar | Used for things that generally lack moisture, like dry hair or chicken breast. | ぼそぼそ specifically adds a nuance of being crumbly, tasteless, and unpleasant to chew, usually for baked goods or grains. | パサパサの髪 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぼそぼそ for a romantic whisper.
It sounds gloomy and unconfident. Use the verb ささやく (sasayaku) for romantic whispering.
Describing dry skin or dry air as ぼそぼそ.
It is only for food texture or a mumbling voice. For dry skin, use カサカサ (kasakasa).
Examples
Examples
彼は下を向いてぼそぼそと話した。
かれ は した を むいて ぼそぼそ と はなした。
He looked down and spoke in a low mutter.
VisualDescribes someone speaking softly due to a lack of confidence.
古いパンがぼそぼそしていて美味しくない。
ふるい パン が ぼそぼそ して いて おいしくない。
The old bread is dry and crumbly, so it doesn't taste good.
LiteralShows that the food has lost its moisture.
何かぼそぼそ言っているが、聞き取れない。
なにか ぼそぼそ いって いる が、 ききとれない。
They are mumbling something, but I can't catch it.
LiteralA voice that is too low to be understood.
水分が飛んで、ご飯がぼそぼそになってしまった。
すいぶん が とんで、 ごはん が ぼそぼそ に なって しまった。
The moisture evaporated, and the rice became dry and crumbly.
LiteralA common use case for rice that has gone cold and dry.
彼女は不満そうにボソボソと文句を言った。
かのじょ は ふまんそう に ボソボソ と もんく を いった。
She mumbled complaints in a dissatisfied manner.
VisualOften written in katakana to emphasize the mumbling sound.
Similar Words
ぼそり
bosori
Muttering or murmuring a few words very quietly.
ヒソヒソ
hisohiso
This word describes the sound or action of speaking in a very low voice or whispering. For secretive whispering (intentional).
パサパサ
pasapasa
Describes the state of lacking moisture or natural oils, resulting in an unpleasantly dry or coarse texture. For things that lost moisture in general (food or hair).
Questions
Can I use bosoboso for gossiping?
No, you should use hisohiso (ヒソヒソ) for secretive whispering. Bosoboso is for unintentional mumbling.
Is bosoboso food always bad?
Yes, it implies that the food is dry, crumbly, and unappetizing.
Can I use bosoboso for dry hair?
No, the correct onomatopoeia for dry hair is pasapasa (パサパサ).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1632630
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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