Entry
ボテボテ
botebote
ボテボテ describes something that is thick, heavy, and shapeless (like bulky layered clothing), or a slow, awkward, and heavy movement.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
In Japanese, ボテボテ is used to describe something that is excessively bulky, heavy, or ungainly, lacking grace or a well-defined shape. It often refers to a thick silhouette caused by wearing too many layers of clothes, or a body that feels heavy and unrefined. In the context of baseball, it specifically refers to a weakly hit ball that awkwardly and heavily rolls along the ground with no momentum.
- Bulky/Ungainly (appearance or clothing).
- Weak/Heavy (movement of a hit baseball).
Sense Map
Bulky Appearance
Thick clothing layers making someone look heavy, or an ungainly, shapeless body.
ボテボテの服
Weak/Slow Movement
An object (especially a ball) rolling slowly and heavily because it was weakly hit.
ボテボテのゴロ
Usage Note
How to Use
ボテボテの + Noun
Used to modify a noun, typically regarding bulky clothing or an awkwardly heavy baseball grounder.
ボテボテと + Verb
Functions as an adverb to describe an action performed in a heavy, slow, or ungainly manner.
ボテボテする
Indicates a current state where something looks too thick, heavy, or shapeless.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ボテボテの服
bulky/ungainly clothing
ボテボテのゴロ
weakly hit ground ball
ボテボテと歩く
to walk heavily and clumsily
ボテボテのお腹
heavy, flabby stomach
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Appearance | Negative | Describes looking thick, heavy, and shapeless due to wearing too many layers or having excess fat. |
| Sports (Baseball) | Neutral/Negative | Routinely used to describe a batted ball that lacks speed and heavily rolls along the infield grass. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
だぼだぼ だぼだぼ / nearby | When describing clothes that are too big and fit loosely. | ボテボテ implies thick material and a heavy silhouette, whereas ダボダボ simply means the clothing is oversized or baggy, even if thin. | ダボダボのズボン |
どっしり どっしり / contrast | When something is heavy but stable, solid, and imposing. | ボテボテ implies an awkward, ungainly heaviness, whereas どっしり carries a positive nuance of stability, solidity, and reliability. | どっしりとした構え |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using botebote to praise a muscular, well-built person.
This sounds insulting because botebote implies clumsy or flabby heaviness. Use dosshiri or gasshiri to praise a strong physique.
Using botebote for a large, thin shirt.
Use dabodabo or bukabuka for clothes that are just too large. Botebote means the clothing makes you look thick and bulky.
Examples
Examples
冬は服を着込んでボテボテになる。
冬(ふゆ)は服(ふく)を着込(きこ)んでボテボテになる。
In winter, I wear layers of clothes and look bulky.
VisualDescribes a thick silhouette caused by wearing many layers of clothing.
彼は重い荷物を背負ってボテボテと歩いていた。
彼(かれ)は重(おも)い荷物(にもつ)を背負(せお)ってボテボテと歩(ある)いていた。
He was walking heavily and clumsily with a heavy load on his back.
VisualUsed for a heavy, slow, and ungainly movement.
打球は内野を転がるボテボテのゴロになった。
打球(だきゅう)は内野(ないや)を転(ころ)がるボテボテのゴロになった。
The batted ball became a weakly hit grounder rolling slowly through the infield.
VisualA common usage in baseball to describe a hit that didn't make good contact with the ball.
このセーターは厚手すぎてシルエットがボテボテしている。
このセーターは厚手(あつで)すぎてシルエットがボテボテしている。
This sweater is too thick and makes the silhouette look bulky and shapeless.
VisualIndicates that the item lacks a good fit because the material is too thick.
食べ過ぎてお腹がボテボテになってしまった。
食(た)べ過(す)ぎてお腹(なか)がボテボテになってしまった。
I ate too much and my stomach became heavy and flabby.
FigurativeDescribes a heavy body shape that has lost its firmness.
Similar Words
どっしり
dosshiri
どっしり describes something that is massive, heavy, and solid, or someone's calm, composed, and dignified presence. Means a solid, reassuring heaviness, contrasting with ungainly clumsiness.
ダボダボ
dabodabo
Describes clothing that is excessively baggy and loose-fitting, or the heavy sloshing of liquids. Indicates loose and oversized clothing, not necessarily thick.
Questions
Can I use botebote to compliment a large athlete?
No, botebote implies an awkward, shapeless heaviness. It is not a compliment. To praise a solid physique, use dosshiri or gasshiri instead.
What is the difference between botebote and dabodabo for clothes?
Dabodabo means the clothes are loose and oversized. Botebote means the clothing makes you look thick, bulky, and heavily layered.
Why do baseball commentators say botebote?
It perfectly mimics the heavy, deadened sound and slow, awkward rolling movement of a ball that is hit very poorly.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2828777
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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