Entry
デクデク
dekudeku
Describes a state of being heavily plump, visibly fat, or having a stout, solid build.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a person or animal that is remarkably fat or stout. The voiced consonants impart a feeling of heavy weight and solid density, distinguishing it from words that describe soft or cute chubbiness.
- heavily plump body
- stout and fat
Sense Map
Body Shape
Having a thick, large, and visibly heavy physical condition.
デクデクとしたお腹
Weight Gain
The process of putting on a significant amount of solid weight.
デクデクと太る
Usage Note
How to Use
デクデクと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying actions related to a heavy body, such as gaining weight or walking heavily.
デクデクしている
Describes the ongoing physical state of being heavily fat and stout.
デクデクした + noun
Modifies a following noun, often representing a body part or physical build.
How to Use
Common Phrases
デクデクと太る
to grow heavily fat
デクデクした体格
a stout, heavy build
お腹がデクデクする
one's stomach becomes visibly fat
体がデクデクになる
one's body becomes heavy and plump
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing physique | neutral | Focuses objectively on the heavy density of the body rather than aesthetics. |
| Modern conversation | neutral | Rarely heard in spoken Japanese; learners should recognize it but rely on synonyms for active use. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
でっぷり でっぷり / similar | Used to describe a large, heavily built person, often a middle-aged or older man with a prominent stomach. | Much more commonly used in daily life than dekudeku, strongly associated with a solid, mature plumpness. | でっぷりと太った男 |
ぽっちゃり ぽっちゃり / contrast | Used to describe someone who is pleasantly chubby, soft, and cute, like a baby or an attractive round figure. | Carries a positive, soft, and cute nuance, completely lacking the heavy, solid density implied by dekudeku. | ぽっちゃりした赤ちゃん |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to compliment a cute, chubby baby.
Use ぽっちゃり for cute, soft chubbiness. デクデク implies a heavy, solid mass that sounds unnatural for babies.
Using it frequently to describe overweight people.
It is a very rare word. Native speakers typically use でっぷり for heavy stoutness or general verbs like 太っている.
Examples
Examples
彼は最近、デクデクと太ってきた。
かれは さいきん、 デクデクと ふとってきた。
He has grown heavily fat recently.
LiteralIndicates a significant and heavy-looking weight gain.
デクデクとしたお腹が目立っている。
デクデクとした おなかが めだっている。
His visibly fat, heavy stomach stands out.
VisualDescribes the visual appearance of a large, solid stomach.
その猫はデクデクしていて重そうだ。
その ねこは デクデクしていて おもそうだ。
That cat is heavily plump and looks heavy.
VisualApplying the word to an animal to emphasize a heavy, dense body.
デクデクした体格の男が前に立っている。
デクデクした たいかくの おとこが まえに たっている。
A man with a stout, heavy build is standing in front.
VisualUsed to describe someone's overall stout physique.
食べ過ぎて、体がデクデクになった。
たべすぎて、 からだが デクデクに なった。
Eating too much made my body heavy and plump.
LiteralDescribes the resulting heavy state after overeating.
Similar Words
でっぷり
deppuri
Deppuri describes a figure or body that looks noticeably fat, portly, or stout due to carrying a lot of soft fat. A more common word to describe a heavily built, stout mature body.
ぽっちゃり
pocchari
A cute and positive way to describe someone or something as plump or chubby. Indicates a pleasantly soft, cute, and slightly chubby body.
Questions
Is this word commonly used in daily conversation?
No, it is very rare. Japanese speakers typically use other words like でっぷり or ぽっちゃり depending on the type of plumpness.
Can I use it as a compliment for a cute, chubby person?
No, it implies heavy, solid weight and is not considered a compliment. Use ぽっちゃり instead for a cute impression.
Does it only apply to humans?
No, it can also be used to describe animals, such as a remarkably heavy and fat cat.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2585320
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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