Entry
でかでか
dekadeka
In a conspicuous and prominent way, most commonly used to describe large text, images, or signs.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes something that is displayed or appears in a very large, prominent, and conspicuous manner. It is commonly used for text, headlines, or signs that are written boldly to catch the eye and demand attention.
- Prominently displayed
- Written in large letters
Sense Map
Prominent Text and Signs
Written or displayed in large, bold letters to intentionally stand out.
名前がでかでかと書かれている。
Large Visual Presence
Appearing conspicuously large and taking up significant space in a physical area or media format.
新聞に写真がでかでかと載る。
Usage Note
How to Use
でかでかと + verb
Used as an adverb to modify verbs like 書く (to write), 載る (to be published), or 貼る (to stick/post), describing the action resulting in a conspicuously large display.
でかでかとした + noun
Used to modify nouns, describing an object like a sign or lettering as conspicuously large and eye-catching.
How to Use
Common Phrases
でかでかと書く
to write in large letters
でかでかと載る
to be prominently published
でかでかと貼る
to stick/post conspicuously
でかでかと表示される
to be displayed prominently
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Text and Signs | neutral | Indicates that lettering or a message is intentionally enlarged so that anyone passing by can immediately see it. |
| News and Publications | neutral | Shows that an article or image is given a massive amount of layout space because it is considered highly important or eye-catching. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
大きく おおきく / similar | For general large sizes or actions that increase size. | It is a broader term and lacks the specific nuance of being intentionally conspicuous or designed to grab visual attention. | 文字を大きくする。 |
堂々と どうどうと / similar | For describing a bold, confident, or unhidden attitude. | It describes abstract behavior or personal presence, not the literal physical size of text or printed images. | 堂々と意見を言う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using dekadeka to describe the physical size of people, buildings, or animals.
Use words like 大きい (ookii) or 大きな (ookina) instead. Dekadeka refers specifically to something being displayed or written prominently.
Using it without the particle と when modifying a verb.
When modifying verbs like 書く (to write) or 表示される (to be displayed), you must use the adverbial form でかでかと.
Examples
Examples
ポスターに名前がでかでかと書かれている。
ポスターになまえがでかでかとかかれている。
The name is written prominently in huge letters on the poster.
VisualDescribes text that is intentionally large and impossible to miss.
新聞の１面に写真がでかでかと載った。
しんぶんのいちめんにしゃしんがでかでかとのった。
A photo was prominently displayed on the front page of the newspaper.
VisualUsed here to show that an image takes up a significant and conspicuous amount of space in media.
お店の前にでかでかとした看板が出ている。
おみせのまえにでかでかとしたかんばんがでている。
A conspicuously large sign is displayed in front of the store.
VisualModifies the noun 'sign' to indicate it is intentionally prominent and huge to catch the eye.
セールの文字がでかでかと印刷されている。
セールのもじがでかでかといんさつされている。
The word 'sale' is printed in conspicuously large letters.
VisualEmphasizes that the promotional text is designed to catch the customer's eye immediately.
画面に警告メッセージがでかでかと表示された。
がめんにけいこくメッセージがでかでかとひょうじされた。
A warning message was displayed prominently on the screen.
VisualShows how digital alerts can be described as taking up a lot of visual space to ensure they are noticed.
Questions
What is the difference between でかでか (dekadeka) and 大きく (ookiku)?
大きく just means 'big' or 'largely' in a general sense. でかでか implies something is intentionally made large to be conspicuous and grab attention.
Can I use でかでか to describe a tall or large person?
No, it is almost exclusively used for text, images, or signs that are displayed prominently. For people or physical objects, use 大きい (ookii).
What verbs are most commonly paired with でかでか?
It is frequently paired with verbs related to visual media, such as 書く (to write), 載る (to be published/printed), 印刷する (to print), or 表示する (to display).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1008380
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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