Entry
ぼつぼつ
botsubotsu
Indicates starting an action gradually or that it is time to do something soon, and also describes scattered spots or pimples.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two primary senses. First, it acts as an adverb meaning gradually or soon, often used as a gentle prompt to start moving, leaving, or wrapping things up. Second, it describes the visual appearance of scattered small dots, particularly skin blemishes like pimples or rashes.
- gradually starting
- spots/pimples
Sense Map
Gradually / Soon
Used to signal that it is time to slowly begin an action, such as getting ready to leave or starting a task.
ぼつぼつ出かける
Spots / Pimples
Describes small, scattered dots on a surface, most commonly referring to pimples or rashes on the skin.
顔にぼつぼつができる
Usage Note
How to Use
ぼつぼつ + verb
Functions as an adverb before verbs to indicate starting an action gradually.
ぼつぼつと + verb
The particle to can be added for slightly more emphasis on the gradual manner of the action.
ぼつぼつができる
Combines with dekiru to express breaking out in pimples or a rash.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぼつぼつ出かける
gradually set out
ぼつぼつ始める
start little by little
ぼつぼつ帰る
get ready to go home soon
赤いぼつぼつ
red spots
ぼつぼつができる
get pimples or a rash breaks out
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapping up a gathering | neutral | A polite, low-pressure way to suggest to guests or friends that it is time to go. |
| Dermatological issues | negative | A clinical but common way to describe having a rash, acne, or allergic bumps. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
そろそろ そろそろ / similar | Both can mean soon or it is time to. | そろそろ focuses purely on the approaching time, whereas ぼつぼつ implies a gradual, step-by-step physical or mental transition. | そろそろ帰る |
ぶつぶつ ぶつぶつ / similar | Both can refer to skin bumps, rashes, or pimples. | ぶつぶつ also means grumbling or muttering complaints, a meaning that ぼつぼつ does not share. | ぶつぶつができる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぼつぼつ to mean complaining.
Use ぶつぶつ for complaining. ぼつぼつ strictly means gradually/soon or physical spots.
Thinking ぼつぼつ implies rushing.
It actually means the opposite; it suggests taking things slowly and doing them step by step.
Examples
Examples
もう遅いから、ぼつぼつ帰りましょう。
もうおそいから、ぼつぼつかえりましょう。
It's getting late, so let's get ready to go home soon.
FigurativeA polite suggestion to start getting ready to leave.
顔に赤いぼつぼつができた。
かおにあかいぼつぼつができた。
Red pimples appeared on my face.
VisualDescribes a physical condition like pimples or a rash.
みんな集まったし、ぼつぼつ始めようか。
みんなあつまったし、ぼつぼつはじめようか。
Everyone is here, so let's slowly get started.
FigurativeIndicates starting an activity without rushing.
腕に虫刺されのようなぼつぼつがある。
うでにむしさされのようなぼつぼつがある。
There are spots like bug bites on my arm.
VisualFocuses on the visual appearance of spots on the skin.
お客さんがぼつぼつ集まってきた。
おきゃくさんがぼつぼつあつまってきた。
The guests started gathering little by little.
LiteralShows something happening gradually over time.
Similar Words
そろそろ
sorosoro
Sorosoro indicates that a specific time or event is approaching soon, or describes moving slowly and carefully. Focuses strictly on the approaching time without the gradual nuance.
ぶつぶつ
butsubutsu
Butsubutsu describes the low sound of someone grumbling, the appearance of a skin rash or pimples, the gentle bubbling of simmering liquid, or the act of chopping something into pieces. Also refers to spots or pimples, but can also mean grumbling.
ポツポツ
potsupotsu
A word describing light drops falling, scattered small spots, or things progressing little by little.
Questions
What is the difference between ぼつぼつ and そろそろ when leaving?
Both are natural ways to say let's go soon. ぼつぼつ has a slightly more laid-back feel of let's slowly gather our things, while そろそろ is a direct observation that the time has come.
Can ぼつぼつ mean rain drops?
While it can mean scattered things, potsupotsu is much more common for scattered raindrops.
Is ぼつぼつ a noun or an adverb?
It functions as an adverb when meaning gradually, and as a noun when referring to spots, such as in ぼつぼつができる.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011840
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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