Entry
ドピュ
dopyu
Describes the sound or action of liquid spurting or gushing out forcefully.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used when liquid, such as water or sauce, squirts or shoots out suddenly under pressure. Due to its frequent association with certain contexts, its usage is often considered highly informal or slang.
- spurting liquid
- forceful gush
Sense Map
Spurting Liquid
Used when liquid squirts or spurts out due to pressure.
水がドピュッと出る。
Forceful Gush
A heavy, forceful gush or spray from a container or narrow opening.
中身がドピュッと飛び出す。
Usage Note
How to Use
ドピュッと + verb
Uses the adverbial form to describe the spurting action of a following verb.
ドピュとする
The direct verb form expressing the action of spurting itself.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ドピュッと飛び出す
spurting out
ドピュっと出る
coming out with a spurt
ドピュとする
to spurt
水がドピュッと
water spurting
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| General liquids (water, paint, sauce) | Neutral/Slang | Describes a forceful squirt from a container, though it is less common in polite, everyday speech. |
| Slang contexts | Slang | Frequently used in highly informal slang contexts, so learners should use it with extreme caution. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴゅっ ぴゅっ / similar | Use when a small amount of liquid squirts quickly and lightly. | Dopyu sounds heavier and more forceful than the light, quick sound of pyu. | 水鉄砲からピュッと水が出る。 |
どばっと どばっと / similar | Use when a large volume of liquid gushes or pours out all at once. | Dopyu focuses on a forceful, focused spurt, whereas dobatto is a massive, spreading gush of liquid. | バケツの水がドバッとこぼれた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it in formal or polite situations.
This word is considered slang and often has highly informal connotations, so completely avoid it in formal settings.
Using it for rivers or gently flowing water.
It specifically implies a sudden, forceful spurt caused by pressure, not a constant gentle flow.
Examples
Examples
ケチャップの容器を押したら、中身がドピュッと飛び出した。
ケチャップのようきをおしたら、なかみが[ドピュ]っととびだした。
When I squeezed the ketchup container, the contents spurted out.
VisualDescribes the sauce squirting out suddenly due to the pressure on the container.
ホースの穴から水がドピュっと出ている。
ホースのあなからみずが[ドピュ]っとでている。
Water is spurting out from the hole in the hose.
VisualShows water forcefully spurting from a leak due to internal pressure.
絵の具のチューブを強く握ると、ドピュと飛び散った。
えのぐのチューブをつよくにぎると、[ドピュ]ととびちった。
When I squeezed the paint tube hard, it splurted and splattered.
VisualFocuses on the forceful release of a somewhat thick liquid.
水鉄砲の引き金を引いて、水をドピュッと発射した。
みずでっぽうのひきがねをひいて、みずを[ドピュ]っとはっしゃした。
I pulled the trigger of the water gun and forcefully squirted water.
VisualShows an intentional, directed spurt of water.
ポンプが壊れて、油がドピュっと漏れ出した。
ポンプがこわれて、あぶらが[ドピュ]っともれだした。
The pump broke, and oil forcefully gushed out.
VisualAn unexpected spurt of liquid caused by a mechanical failure.
Similar Words
ドバッと
dobatto
A massive spill or gush of a large amount of liquid all at once.
Questions
Is it safe to use this word in daily conversation?
It is better to avoid it. This word is strongly associated with slang and is often used in highly informal contexts in Japan.
What is the difference between dopyu and pyu?
Dopyu sounds heavier and more forceful, while pyu is lighter and implies a smaller amount of liquid squirting out.
Can it be used for non-liquids?
No, it is exclusively used for liquids spurting or gushing under pressure.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869497
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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