Entry
でこぼこ
dekoboko
でこぼこ describes a surface that is uneven, bumpy, or full of rises and falls.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word represents a surface that lacks smoothness, featuring various bumps, dents, or irregularities. It is commonly used for rough roads, uneven terrain, or poorly crafted objects that are not perfectly flat.
- bumpy surface
- uneven road
Sense Map
Uneven Roads and Terrain
Used to describe roads, terrain, or ground that is bumpy and difficult to traverse.
でこぼこした道
Rough or Uneven Objects
Describes objects or surfaces that are poorly shaped, dented, or lack a smooth, flat finish.
でこぼこの表面
Usage Note
How to Use
でこぼこしている
Describes the current state of a surface being bumpy or uneven.
でこぼこした
Acts as a modifier for a noun, such as 'a bumpy road'.
でこぼこになる
でこぼこの
How to Use
Common Phrases
でこぼこした道
bumpy road
でこぼこしている
is uneven / is bumpy
道がでこぼこだ
the road is bumpy
でこぼこの表面
uneven surface
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Driving or walking | Complaining / Descriptive | Often used negatively to describe roads that make for an uncomfortable or difficult ride. |
| Handicrafts | Self-deprecating / Descriptive | Used to describe something made by hand that didn't turn out perfectly smooth. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼこぼこ ぼこぼこ / similar | Use ぼこぼこ for surfaces with deep dents, holes, or heavy damage. | でこぼこ simply means uneven (up and down contours), while ぼこぼこ often implies hollows, structural damage, or being battered. | ぼこぼこの車 |
ざらざら ざらざら / contrast | Use ざらざら for a rough texture you feel with your fingers (like sandpaper). | ざらざら is about fine tactile texture, while でこぼこ is about structural shape and physical unevenness. | ざらざらした壁 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using でこぼこ for a rough feeling like sandpaper.
Use ざらざら for fine tactile roughness. でこぼこ implies physical bumps and dents that change the shape.
Confusing it with ぼこぼこ for severe damage.
While similar, ぼこぼこ emphasizes hollows or being battered. でこぼこ is simply lacking flatness, like a natural mountain path.
Examples
Examples
この道はでこぼこしているので、走りにくい。
この みち は でこぼこ して いる ので、 はしりにくい。
This road is bumpy, making it difficult to drive on.
LiteralDescribes a road that is uneven, complicating travel.
陶芸体験でカップを作ったが、でこぼこした物が出来上がった。
とうげい たいけん で カップ を つくった が、 でこぼこ した もの が できあがった。
I made a cup at a pottery workshop, but it turned out bumpy.
LiteralDescribes an object that lacks a smooth, perfectly shaped finish.
長い間使われていないため、グラウンドはでこぼこになっている。
ながい あいだ つかわれて いない ため、 グラウンド は でこぼこ に なって いる。
Because it hasn't been used for a long time, the sports field has become uneven.
LiteralShows a surface that has lost its flatness over time due to neglect.
彼はでこぼこの山道を自転車で進んでいった。
かれ は でこぼこ の やまみち を じてんしゃ で すすんで いった。
He proceeded along the rugged mountain trail on his bicycle.
LiteralHighlights a challenging, naturally rugged environment.
壁の表面がでこぼこしていて、ペンキが塗りにくい。
かべ の ひょうめん が でこぼこ して いて、 ペンキ が ぬりにくい。
The surface of the wall is bumpy, making it hard to paint.
LiteralRefers to the physical texture and shape of a surface interfering with a task.
Similar Words
ボコボコ
bokoboko
Describes something full of dents or bumps, a heavy bubbling sound, or the act of beating someone up severely. Use ぼこぼこ for surfaces with deep dents, holes, or heavy damage. でこぼこ simply means uneven (up and down contours), while ぼこぼこ often implies hollows, structural damage, or being battered.
ザラザラ
zarazara
Describes a surface that feels rough to the touch, is covered in gritty particles like sand, or a voice that sounds raspy. Use ざらざら for a rough texture you feel with your fingers (like sandpaper). ざらざら is about fine tactile texture, while でこぼこ is about structural shape and physical unevenness.
Questions
Can でこぼこ be used for abstract things?
Yes, it can occasionally describe uneven performance or an unbalanced team, but it is primarily used for physical shapes.
Is it a noun or an adjective?
It acts as a nominal noun (na-adjective) that takes だ/です, or uses している / した / の to modify other nouns.
What is the kanji for でこぼこ?
It is written as 凸凹. Notice how the characters themselves look like a literal bump and a dent.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 900990362
- Source
- Internal
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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