Entry
ぶすっと
busutto
Plunging a sharp object into something soft, or wearing a sullen, sulky expression.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word functions in two completely different ways. Physically, it describes the action or sound of thrusting a sharp object into something yielding and soft. Psychologically, it describes someone who is visibly displeased, silently pouting, or displaying a sour facial expression.
- The physical act of piercing a soft object.
- The psychological state of silently sulking.
Sense Map
Physical Stabbing
Thrusting or plunging a sharp instrument into a soft surface.
針をぶすっと刺す
Sullen Expression
Being visibly silent, sour, or in a bad mood.
一日中ぶすっとしている
Usage Note
How to Use
ぶすっと + 刺す (verb)
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs related to piercing or thrusting.
ぶすっと + している (state)
Indicates the ongoing state of someone sulking or pouting.
ぶすっとした + noun
Modifies a noun, commonly used to describe a sullen face or attitude.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぶすっと刺す
to thrust forcefully
ぶすっと突き刺す
to plunge deeply
ぶすっとしている
to be sulking
ぶすっとした顔
a sullen face
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Action | neutral | Conveys the image of a needle, knife, or fork easily penetrating flesh or soft materials. |
| Emotional State | negative | Describes a person who is stubbornly silent because things did not go their way. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐさっと ぐさっと / similar | Used for a more forceful, deep stab, or for emotional pain that pieces the heart. | Not used to describe someone merely pouting or looking grumpy. | 心にグサッとくる |
むすっと むすっと / similar | Used purely to show a displeased, unfriendly, or silently angry expression. | Does not carry the physical meaning of stabbing an object. | ムスっとした態度 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe stabbing a hard surface like stone or metal.
It is specifically used for soft objects that can be pierced easily.
Assuming it means a loud or explosive display of anger.
It implies silent, passive-aggressive sulking rather than loud anger.
Examples
Examples
布に針をぶすっと刺す。
ぬのにはりをぶすっとさす。
Thrusting a needle firmly into the cloth.
LiteralA literal example of piercing a soft or thin object.
肉にフォークをぶすっと突き刺す。
にくにフォークをぶすっとつきさす。
Plunging a fork deep into the meat.
LiteralShows the ease with which a sharp object penetrates something soft.
彼は一日中ぶすっとしていた。
かれはいちにちじゅうぶすっとしていた。
He was sulking all day long.
VisualDescribes a silent, displeased expression.
彼女はぶすっとした顔で座っている。
かのじょはぶすっとしたかおですわっている。
She is sitting with a sullen face.
VisualFocuses on a face showing annoyance.
注意されて、ぶすっと黙り込んだ。
ちゅういされて、ぶすっとだまりこんだ。
After being warned, they fell silently into a sulk.
FigurativeThe connection between silence and a bad mood.
Similar Words
グサッと
gusatto
A deeper and stronger thrust or stab.
Questions
Does this word have two different meanings?
Yes, it means both plunging into something soft and looking sullen.
What is the difference between this and Musutto?
Both can mean sullen, but this word also has the physical meaning of stabbing, while Musutto is purely emotional.
Can I use it for stabbing hard objects?
No, it implies piercing something soft that yields easily.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121710
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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