Entry
ちょこちょこ
chokochoko
Describes moving with small, quick steps like a toddler, or doing something frequently in small amounts.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word primarily depicts the endearing, unsteady yet quick steps of toddlers or small animals. By extension, it is widely used to express doing an action casually and frequently, or dropping by often in small increments.
- small quick steps (toddlers/animals)
- frequently in small amounts
Sense Map
Toddling / Quick steps
walking with small, quick, and sometimes unsteady steps.
子供がちょこちょこ歩く。
Frequently / Now and then
doing something often, frequently, or bit by bit.
実家にちょこちょこ帰る。
Restlessly
moving around continuously in small motions.
ネズミがちょこちょこ動く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ちょこちょこ + verb
Used as an adverb modifying verbs of motion or indicating frequency.
ちょこちょこと + verb
The particle 'to' adds a more descriptive, narrative feel to the action.
ちょこちょこする
Functions as a suru-verb meaning to move restlessly or to flutter about doing small tasks.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちょこちょこ歩く
walk with small quick steps
ちょこちょこ動く
move around restlessly in small motions
ちょこちょこ帰る
return home frequently
ちょこちょこ顔を出す
drop by frequently
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Movements of toddlers or small animals | endearing | Gives a cute, endearing impression of small, quick, and sometimes unsteady steps. |
| Frequency of actions | casual | Indicates doing something repeatedly little by little in a lighthearted, casual manner. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちょこまか ちょこまか / similar | Use when focusing on restless, continuous, and busy movements. | ちょこちょこ emphasizes cute small steps or frequency, while ちょこまか emphasizes excessive busyness and restlessness, often in an annoying way. | ちょこまか動く |
ちょいちょい ちょいちょい / similar | Use to describe actions that are done casually and frequently. | ちょいちょい only means 'often' or 'occasionally' and cannot be used to describe physical walking or animal movements like ちょこちょこ does. | ちょいちょい遊びに来る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ちょこちょこ for confident, large strides.
It specifically implies small, quick, and sometimes unsteady steps.
Using ちょこちょこ in formal business situations to mean 'frequently'.
It has a very casual, lighthearted nuance. Use 頻繁に (hinpan ni) for formal writing or speaking.
Examples
Examples
１歳になったばかりの娘が、部屋の中をちょこちょこ歩き回っている。
いっさいになったばかりのむすめが、へやのなかをちょこちょこあるきまわっている。
My daughter, who just turned one, is toddling around the room.
VisualEmphasizes the small, toddling steps characteristic of toddlers.
最近は忙しいので、合間にちょこちょこ掃除をしています。
さいきんはいそがしいので、あいまにちょこちょこそうじをしています。
Because I've been busy lately, I clean a little bit at a time during my breaks.
FigurativeImplies doing a task little by little on a frequent basis.
彼はうちの店にちょこちょこ顔を出してくれる常連客です。
かれはうちのみせにちょこちょこかおをだしてくれるじょうれんきゃくです。
He is a regular customer who frequently drops by our store.
FigurativeUsed for casually and frequently dropping by a place.
公園でリスがチョコチョコと動いているのを見た。
こうえんでリスがチョコチョコとうごいているのをみた。
I saw a squirrel scurrying around in the park.
VisualDescribes the quick, restless movements of a small animal.
毎月ちょこちょこ貯金をして、ついに旅行に行くお金が貯まった。
まいつきちょこちょこちょきんをして、ついにりょこうにいくおかねがたまった。
By saving a little bit every month, I finally saved enough money to go on a trip.
FigurativeSaving small amounts repeatedly on a consistent basis.
Similar Words
ちょいちょい
choichoi
A casual word meaning something happens quite often or is done easily and effortlessly. Emphasizes the frequency of doing something casually.
ちょこまか
chokomaka
ちょこまか describes moving around restlessly with small, quick, and continuous steps. Emphasizes restless and busy movements.
Questions
Can I use ちょこちょこ for an adult's walking?
Usually not for normal walking, as it implies short, unsteady, or very quick small steps. If applied to an adult, it might sound like they are scurrying.
Is it written in hiragana or katakana?
Both are common. Hiragana (ちょこちょこ) has a softer feel, while katakana (チョコチョコ) emphasizes the visual quickness of the movement.
What is the difference between ちょこちょこ and よく (yoku)?
よく is a general word for 'often'. ちょこちょこ specifically implies doing something 'often but in small amounts' or 'casually dropping by'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1007800
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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