Entry
ボテッと
botetto
ボテッと describes something that appears thick, plump, podgy, or fleshy, often lacking sharp or refined lines.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is frequently used to describe fleshy body parts like thick lips or a podgy stomach. It can also describe a heavy, thick dollop of a substance (like cream or paint) falling or being applied, as well as designs that look heavy and unrefined.
- Plump or fleshy body parts
- Thick and heavy blobs of substances
- Heavy, unrefined designs
Sense Map
Plump & Fleshy Shapes
Describes thick, fleshy, or podgy body parts, such as thick lips or a flabby stomach.
ボテッとした唇
Thick & Heavy Substances
Describes thick, viscous substances (like cream or paint) being applied or dropping in a heavy dollop.
クリームをボテッと落とす
Usage Note
How to Use
ボテッとした + noun
Used as a modifier to describe a noun that has a thick, plump, or podgy shape.
ボテッと + verb
Describes an action (like dropping or smearing) done with a thick, heavy dollop.
ボテッとする
Expresses the state of being plump, thick, or unrefined.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ボテッとした唇
thick lips
お腹がボテッとする
stomach becomes podgy
ボテッと塗る
to apply thickly
ボテッと落とす
to drop a thick dollop
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Appearance | neutral/negative | Often describes plump or thick body parts; can sound unflattering if used about someone's figure. |
| Applying Substances | neutral | Appropriate for describing the action of applying thick blobs of paint, sauce, or cream. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もったり もったり / similar | Focuses on a heavy, slow-moving, thick texture (like heavy cream) without necessarily implying a podgy physical shape. | もったり refers more to the sluggishness or rich texture of a substance, whereas ボテッと highlights a plump shape or a heavy, distinct blob. | もったりとしたクリーム |
どろっと どろっと / similar | Describes thick liquids that are flowing or melting, often viscous or muddy. | どろっと emphasizes the liquid, sticky, and melting nature, whereas ボテッと focuses on a solid, fleshy shape or a thick, heavy dollop. | どろっとしたスープ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ボテッと as a compliment for a beautiful, elegant shape.
Do not use it for praise, as it implies heaviness, thickness, and a lack of refinement.
Using it to describe hard, solid objects like rocks.
It is reserved for fleshy, soft but heavy shapes, or thick, dollop-like liquids.
Examples
Examples
彼女はボテッとした赤い唇が魅力的だ。
かのじょはぼてっとしたあかいくちびるがみりょくてきだ。
She has attractive, thick red lips.
VisualDescribes full, thick lips.
お正月太りで、お腹がボテッとしてしまった。
おしょうがつぶとりで、おなかがぼてっとしてしまった。
I gained weight over the New Year, and my stomach has become podgy.
VisualIndicates a flabby, heavy stomach.
ケーキの上に生クリームをボテッと乗せた。
けーきのうえになまくりーむをぼてっとのせた。
I put a heavy dollop of whipped cream on top of the cake.
VisualDescribes cream being dropped in a thick, heavy amount.
その画家はキャンバスに絵の具をボテッと塗った。
そのがかはきゃんばすにえのぐをぼてっとぬった。
The painter applied the paint thickly onto the canvas.
VisualFocuses on the paint being applied with a heavy, thick texture.
デザインが少しボテッとしていて、洗練されていない。
でざいんがすこしぼてっとしていて、せんれんされていない。
The design is a bit clunky and lacks refinement.
FigurativeDescribes a visual impression that is heavy and lacks elegance.
Similar Words
もったり
mottari
Describes a thick, heavy, or viscous texture, as well as a sluggish and slow physical movement. Thick and slow-moving texture.
どろっと
dorotto
Describes a thick, dense, and viscous liquid that flows slowly, such as mud or heavy sauce. Thick, viscous, and sticky liquid.
Questions
What is the difference between ボテッと and ぽっちゃり (potchari)?
ぽっちゃり often has a positive or cute nuance meaning 'chubby' or 'curvy'. ボテッと is less flattering and emphasizes heaviness and lack of shape.
Is ボテッと always a negative word?
Not necessarily. When talking about paint or cream, it just factually describes a thick, heavy dollop. However, for body shapes or designs, it usually implies a lack of elegance.
Can I use ボテッと to describe thick clothing?
It can sometimes be used for designs or objects that look overly bulky or lacking sharpness, but it's more commonly used for fleshy parts or thick liquids.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2828778
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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