Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This highly polysemous word changes meaning dramatically based on context. When applied to speech, it represents muttering or complaining under one's breath. When describing physical traits, it refers to small bumps like pimples, acne, or a rash on the skin. It can also describe the gentle, small bubbling sound of liquid simmering over low heat, or the physical action of snapping or cutting something into small pieces.
- grumbling complaints
- pimples and rashes
- simmering liquid
- chopping into pieces
Sense Map
Muttering / Grumbling
Speaking in a low, indistinct voice, especially when complaining to oneself or expressing discontent.
ぶつぶつ文句を言う
Pimples / Rash
The visual appearance or rough tactile sensation of small bumps, acne, or an allergic rash on the skin.
顔にぶつぶつができる
Simmering
The soft bubbling sound of liquid boiling slowly over a gentle, low heat.
スープがぶつぶつ煮える
Chopping / Snapping
The action of cutting or snapping something, such as a string, into multiple small pieces.
糸をぶつぶつ切る
Usage Note
How to Use
ぶつぶつ言う
Pairs with speaking verbs to indicate the action of grumbling or muttering complaints.
ぶつぶつができる
Pairs with verbs of occurrence to describe breaking out in pimples or a rash.
ぶつぶつと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs like simmering or cutting.
ぶつぶつの + noun
Modifies a noun to describe it as having a bumpy or spotty surface.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぶつぶつ言う
to mutter / to grumble
ぶつぶつができる
to get pimples / to break out in a rash
ぶつぶつ煮える
to simmer gently
ぶつぶつ切る
to chop into pieces
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | negative | Implies the speaker lacks the confidence or politeness to voice complaints directly. |
| Skin condition | neutral | A very common everyday descriptor for acne or allergic reactions. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼつぼつ ぼつぼつ / similar | Use when referring to slightly larger spots, or to indicate that an action is starting gradually. | Botsubotsu suggests larger physical bumps or starting slowly, whereas butsubutsu specifically targets dense, small bumps or the sound of complaining. | ぼつぼつ始めよう |
ぐつぐつ ぐつぐつ / nearby | Use for describing liquid boiling with heavier, continuous bubbling, often thick stews. | Gutsugutsu sounds thicker and more intense than the light, gentle simmering of butsubutsu. | ぐつぐつ煮込む |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe stuttering or speaking too fast.
This word strictly denotes muttering out of discontent or complaint, not speech impediments.
Describing large blisters or boils.
It refers to small, clustered bumps like rashes or typical acne. For large blisters, other words are preferred.
Examples
Examples
彼はいつも仕事の文句をぶつぶつ言っている。
かれはいつもしごとのもんくをぶつぶついっている。
He is always muttering complaints about his work.
LiteralUsed to indicate speaking in a low voice to complain.
アレルギーで腕に赤いぶつぶつができた。
アレルギーでうでにあかいぶつぶつができた。
I got a red rash on my arm due to an allergy.
VisualRefers to the physical appearance of the rash or bumps on the skin.
弱火で鍋をぶつぶつと煮る。
よわびでなべをぶつぶつとにる。
Simmer the pot gently over low heat.
LiteralDescribes the soft sound of small bubbles popping while simmering.
不満をぶつぶつ呟きながら歩いた。
ふまんをぶつぶつつぶやきながらあるいた。
I walked while muttering my dissatisfaction under my breath.
LiteralEmphasizes the repetitive nature of the muttering.
紐をハサミでぶつぶつ切ってしまった。
ひもをハサミでぶつぶつきってしまった。
I chopped the string into small pieces with scissors.
LiteralIndicates the physical action of cutting repeatedly.
Similar Words
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. Used for slightly larger bumps or starting slowly.
ポツポツ
potsupotsu
A word describing light drops falling, scattered small spots, or things progressing little by little.
ぐつぐつ
gutsugutsu
ぐつぐつ describes the sound or state of a liquid, especially thick food, simmering gently over low heat. Heavier, stronger boiling sound.
Questions
Is it insulting to tell someone they are 'butsubutsu' speaking?
Yes, it can be confrontational because you are calling them out for muttering complaints.
Can I use this word for teenage acne?
Absolutely. It is one of the most common ways to refer to acne breakouts in Japanese.
How does it compare to gutsugutsu in cooking?
Butsubutsu is a lighter, smaller bubbling sound, while gutsugutsu is for a heavy, rolling boil or stew.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011200
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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