Entry
ちょこん
chokon
Describes something small sitting quietly, or a slight, unobtrusive action.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word illustrates a state where something small is sitting or placed quietly without drawing attention, like a small bird perched on a branch or a child sitting neatly. It also describes physical actions done lightly and briefly, such as a slight nod or a soft tap.
- Sitting small and quietly
- A slight, brief action
Sense Map
Sitting quietly
Remaining stationary, sitting, or being placed in a way that looks small, neat, or cute.
椅子にちょこんと座る
Slight action
Performing a brief, light movement without applying much force, such as a small bow.
ちょこんと頭を下げる
Usage Note
How to Use
ちょこんと + verb
Used before verbs indicating physical placement (sitting, resting) or light actions (bowing, tapping).
ちょこんとしている
Describes the ongoing state of the subject sitting quietly and looking small.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちょこんと座る
to sit quietly and neatly
ちょこんとお辞儀する
to bow slightly
ちょこんと置く
to place lightly/unobtrusively
ちょこんとしている
to be sitting quietly and small
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing people or animals sitting | positive/neutral | Implies the subject is not taking up much space and looks neat, cute, or harmless. |
| Describing actions like tapping or bowing | neutral | Indicates the action is done very lightly, quickly, and without force. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちょこちょこ ちょこちょこ / similar | Use for continuous small steps or restless, constant tiny movements. | ちょこん focuses on a stationary state or a single, brief action rather than repetition. | ちょこちょこ歩く |
ちまちま ちまちま / similar | Use when something is too small, cramped, or done in an overly fussy, tedious way. | ちょこん has a neutral to positive, often cute nuance without the feeling of tediousness. | ちまちま働く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for large or heavy objects.
Only use it for subjects that are physically small, light, or currently taking up very little space.
Mistaking it for an audible sound effect.
This describes a visual state or physical movement style; it makes no sound.
Examples
Examples
ベンチに小鳥がちょこんと止まっている。
ベンチに ことりが ちょこんと とまっている。
A small bird is perched quietly on the bench.
VisualDescribes something small being somewhere without drawing attention.
彼女は恥ずかしそうに、ちょこんと頭を下げた。
かのじょは はずかしそうに、 ちょこんと あたまを さげた。
She gave a slight, shy bow.
LiteralShows a small, light, and quick movement.
広い部屋の真ん中に、小さな椅子がちょこんと置かれている。
ひろい へやの まんなかに、 ちいさな いすが ちょこんと おかれている。
A small chair is placed unobtrusively in the middle of the large room.
VisualThe contrast between the large room and the small object emphasizes the feeling of the word.
彼は私の肩をちょこんと叩いて合図した。
かれは わたしの かたを ちょこんと たたいて あいずした。
He gave my shoulder a light tap to signal me.
LiteralThe tapping action is done with very little force.
子犬が箱の中でちょこんとしている。
こいぬが はこの なかで ちょこんと している。
The puppy is sitting quietly and looking small inside the box.
VisualUses the pattern ちょこんとしている to describe a quiet visual state.
Similar Words
ちょこちょこ
chokochoko
Describes moving with small, quick steps like a toddler, or doing something frequently in small amounts. ちょこちょこ implies continuous small movements, unlike the stationary or single-action focus of ちょこん.
ちまちま
chimachima
Something small-scale, petty, or done bit by bit, often carrying a slightly negative nuance. ちまちま emphasizes things being too small or fussy, unlike the cute simplicity of ちょこん.
Questions
Can I use ちょこん for an adult?
Yes, but it implies they are shrinking their posture, sitting very quietly, or appearing somewhat small or helpless in that moment.
Does ちょこん describe a sound?
No, it is purely visual. It describes how something looks when sitting or how an action is physically performed.
What is the difference between ちょこん and ちょこちょこ?
ちょこん is stationary or a single quick movement. ちょこちょこ implies continuous, restless, small movements.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121620
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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