Entry
ダボダボ
dabodabo
Describes clothing that is excessively baggy and loose-fitting, or the heavy sloshing of liquids.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word primarily describes two situations: clothing that is far too large and hangs loosely, and the sound or sensation of liquid sloshing around heavily, such as water moving in a full stomach or pouring liquid in large amounts.
- baggy clothing
- sloshing liquid
- pouring generously
Sense Map
Baggy Clothing
Describes clothes like pants or shirts that are oversized, loose, and baggy.
ダボダボのズボンをはく。
Sloshing Liquid
Describes the heavy sloshing sound or feeling of liquid, especially inside the stomach after drinking too much.
水を飲んでお腹がダボダボだ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ダボダボの + noun
Used before a noun to describe a piece of clothing as baggy or oversized.
ダボダボに + verb
Used as an adverb to describe becoming loose (e.g., fabric stretching out).
ダボダボだ
Used at the end of a sentence to state that clothing is baggy or one's stomach is sloshing.
ダボダボする
Used as a verb to indicate the sensation of wearing loose clothing or a stomach full of water.
ダボダボと + verb
Used to describe the action of pouring a large amount of liquid repeatedly or heavily.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ダボダボのズボン
very baggy pants
ダボダボの服
oversized clothes
お腹がダボダボ
stomach feeling heavy and sloshing with water
ダボダボになる
to stretch out and become loose
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing (shirts, pants) | neutral | Indicates clothing is significantly oversized. Depending on context, it means it doesn't fit properly, or it is a deliberate fashion choice. |
| Stomach full of liquid | negative | Describes an uncomfortable, heavy physical sensation after chugging too much water. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
だぶだぶ だぶだぶ / similar | Can be used interchangeably for baggy clothes and sloshing liquids. | Unlike 'dabodabo', 'dabudabu' can also describe flabby skin or excess body fat. | お腹の肉がだぶだぶだ。 |
ぶかぶか ぶかぶか / similar | Used when shoes, hats, or clothes are too big with excess empty space. | Does not carry the meaning of heavy sloshing liquids at all. | 帽子がぶかぶかだ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ダボダボ to describe a spacious room or large building.
This word strictly describes excess material on clothing or sloshing liquids, not architectural size.
Using it for a chubby or flabby body.
Use だぶだぶ (dabudabu) for flabby skin; ダボダボ is strictly for clothing or liquids.
Examples
Examples
彼はいつもダボダボのシャツを着ている。
かれはいつもダボダボのシャツをきている。
He always wears baggy shirts.
VisualDescribes a style of clothing that is significantly oversized or has excess fabric.
兄のズボンを借りたら、サイズが大きくてダボダボだった。
あにのズボンをかりたら、サイズがおおきくてダボダボだった。
When I borrowed my older brother's pants, the size was too big and they were baggy.
VisualShows a situation where the clothing size is incorrect, causing fabric to bunch up.
水を飲みすぎて、お腹がダボダボする。
みずをのみすぎて、おなかがダボダボする。
I drank too much water, and my stomach is sloshing.
LiteralDescribes the physical sensation of heavy liquid moving inside the stomach.
カップにコーヒーをダボダボと注いだ。
カップにコーヒーをダボダボとそそいだ。
Poured coffee heavily and generously into the cup.
LiteralUsed for the action of pouring a large amount of liquid all at once.
洗濯を繰り返して、お気に入りの服がダボダボになってしまった。
せんたくをくりかえして、おきのいりのふくがダボダボになってしまった。
After repeatedly washing it, my favorite piece of clothing stretched out and became baggy.
VisualShows the change of fabric from fitting properly to becoming stretched out and loose.
Similar Words
だぶだぶ
dabudabu
Describes clothing that is noticeably oversized, flabby flesh, or liquids pouring abundantly. Highly interchangeable for clothes and liquid, but 'dabudabu' also covers flabby body fat.
ぶかぶか
bukabuka
Describes clothing, shoes, or accessories that are noticeably too large and loose-fitting on the wearer. For oversized items (like shoes) with empty space, but has no liquid-related meaning.
ガバガバ
gabagaba
Describes something excessively loose or oversized, money rolling in abundantly, or liquids gushing and sloshing vigorously.
がぶがぶ
gabugabu
Describes the sound or action of drinking large amounts of liquid vigorously and repeatedly.
Questions
What is the difference between ダボダボ and ぶかぶか for clothes?
Both refer to items being too large, but ぶかぶか emphasizes empty space between the body and the item (often used for shoes and hats), while ダボダボ emphasizes excess, heavy fabric hanging loosely.
Can I use this word to describe ocean waves?
No, the liquid sense of this word is reserved for liquids sloshing in an enclosed space (like a stomach) or liquid being heavily poured out, not open water or large waves.
Is wearing 'dabodabo' clothes considered bad?
Not necessarily. While it can mean clothes simply don't fit, it is also widely used to describe trendy, intentionally oversized streetwear.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2532230
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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