Entry
ちょびちょび
chobichobi
Describes actions performed in very small, intermittent amounts or a meddling attitude.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Chobichobi is used to describe things happening in tiny increments, such as water leaking bit by bit, spending small amounts of money repeatedly, or eating and drinking very slowly. It also characterizes someone who constantly interferes in others' business.
- Small amounts occurring intermittently.
- Interfering or meddling in things unnecessarily.
Sense Map
Quantity & Flow
Refers to using or releasing something in tiny, repeated quantities.
ちょびちょびとお金を使う
Social Behavior
Refers to the act of meddling or sticking one's nose into others' affairs.
ちょびちょび口を出す
Usage Note
How to Use
ちょびちょびと
Functions as an adverb to describe how an action is performed bit by bit.
ちょびちょびする
Functions as a verb meaning to act in a meddling way or to do things in small increments.
ちょびちょびしている
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちょびちょび使う
to spend bit by bit
ちょびちょび飲む
to sip slowly bit by bit
ちょびちょび出る
to trickle out bit by bit
ちょびちょび食べる
to nibble bit by bit
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | Neutral/Critical | Can imply that someone is unable to make large purchases or is being overly cautious. |
| Interpersonal | Informal | Implies that someone's constant small comments are intrusive. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちびちび ちびちび / similar | Mostly used for drinking small amounts of alcohol over a long time. | Chobichobi has a broader scope and can include meddling. | 酒をちびちび飲む |
ちまちま ちまちま / contrast | Used for things that feel small-scale, petty, or fussy. | Chobichobi focuses more on the frequency or flow of the action. | ちまちました作業 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy rain.
Use zaazaa for heavy rain or potsupotsu for the start of light rain.
Using it for big, decisive actions.
Chobichobi only applies to very small, fragmented actions.
Examples
Examples
ちょびちょびとホースから水が出ている。
ちょびちょびとホースからみずがでている。
Water is trickling out of the hose bit by bit.
LiteralDescribes a weak and intermittent flow of water.
父はちょびちょびとお金を使う。
ちちはちょびちょびとおかねをつかう。
My father spends money bit by bit.
FigurativeShows a habit of spending small amounts of money repeatedly.
シャンパンをちょびちょびと味わう。
シャンパンをちょびちょびとあじわう。
Sipping champagne slowly bit by bit.
LiteralDescribes drinking slowly to enjoy the taste.
そんなにちょびちょび食べてないで！
そんなにちょびちょびたべてないで！
Don't eat in such tiny bites!
LiteralA command or scolding for eating too slowly.
ちょびちょびと勉強して合格を目指すぞ！
ちょびちょびとべんきょうしてごうかくをめざすぞ！
I'll study bit by bit and aim to pass!
LiteralShows study progress being made gradually.
Similar Words
ちびちび
chibichibi
Doing something little by little or in very small increments. Mostly used for drinking small amounts of alcohol over a long time. Chobichobi has a broader scope and can include meddling.
ちまちま
chimachima
Something small-scale, petty, or done bit by bit, often carrying a slightly negative nuance. Used for things that feel small-scale, petty, or fussy. Chobichobi focuses more on the frequency or flow of the action.
Questions
Is it the same as little by little?
Yes, but with a nuance of being fragmented and sometimes implying meddling.
Can I use it for water flow?
Yes, it's perfect for a weak, intermittent trickle.
Is it a slang term?
It is an informal onomatopoeia, but not considered rude slang.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 894530691
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- goiryoku.com/onomatopoeia/tyobi/
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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