Entry
ふっくり
fukkuri
Fukkuri describes something that is pleasantly plump, soft, and full in appearance or texture.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Fukkuri is a Japanese mimetic word used to describe an agreeably soft plumpness or fullness. It can refer to well-rounded facial features like cheeks, a pleasantly corpulent body, or luxuriantly fluffy objects like freshly baked bread, pillows, and thick fabrics.
- Pleasantly plump cheeks or body
- Luxuriantly soft and fluffy objects
Sense Map
Plumpness (Body/Features)
Describes well-rounded, pleasantly plump physical features, such as soft cheeks or a healthy, full body.
ふっくりした頬
Fluffy Texture (Objects)
Describes things that are luxuriously soft, thick, and full of air, like freshly baked bread, pillows, or winter coats.
パンがふっくりと焼き上がる
Usage Note
How to Use
ふっくりした + noun
Used to modify a noun, describing it as plump or soft and full.
ふっくりと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe an action that results in a soft, plump, or fluffy state.
ふっくりする
Used as a verb to express the state of being plump or fluffy.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ふっくりした頬
plump cheeks
ふっくりと焼き上がる
to bake up soft and fluffy
ふっくりした体つき
a plump, soft body type
ふっくりと膨らむ
to swell up softly and fully
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing a person's face or body | positive | Complimentary, implying healthy, soft, and agreeable plumpness. |
| Describing food or fabric | positive | Highlights a luxurious, airy, and soft texture, like a down pillow or fresh pastry. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ふっくら ふっくら / similar | Used very similarly for soft, fluffy things like bread or cheeks. | Fukkura is the standard, more common term for 'fluffy/soft', while fukkuri can sometimes imply a slightly heavier, luxuriant fullness. | ふっくらしたパン |
ぽっちゃり ぽっちゃり / similar | Used specifically to describe a person or face as attractively chubby. | Potchari is almost exclusively for people, whereas fukkuri applies to both people and inanimate objects like bread or fabric. | ぽっちゃりした体型 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using fukkuri to describe something negatively fat or obese.
Fukkuri has a pleasant, positive nuance. For negative fatness, use words like 太っている (futotte iru).
Using it for hard swelling.
Fukkuri implies softness. If something is swollen and hard, use 腫れる (hareru) or パンパン (panpan).
Examples
Examples
彼女のふっくりした頬はとても可愛らしい。
かのじょのふっくりしたほほはとてもかわいらしい。
Her pleasantly plump cheeks are very adorable.
VisualFukkuri describes cheeks that are softly and healthily full.
オーブンの中でパンがふっくりと焼き上がった。
おーぶんのなかでぱんがふっくりとやきあがった。
The bread in the oven baked up soft and fluffy.
VisualDescribes the bread swelling up perfectly with air.
ふっくりとした羽毛布団で寝ると気持ちがいい。
ふっくりとしたうもうぶとんでねるときもちがいい。
Sleeping with a thick, fluffy duvet feels wonderful.
LiteralEmphasizes the thickness and softness of the duvet.
彼は少しふっくりした体つきをしている。
かれはすこしふっくりしたからだつきをしている。
He has a slightly plump build.
VisualMeans his body is somewhat plump, often carrying a positive or cute connotation.
太陽の光を浴びたクッションは、ふっくりと膨らんでいる。
たいようのひかりをあびたくっしょんは、ふっくりとふくらんでいる。
The cushions that basked in the sunlight have swelled up softly.
VisualDescribes the cushion becoming fully fluffed up and soft after sunbathing.
Similar Words
ふっくら
fukkura
Describes something that is soft, fluffy, and pleasantly full or plump. A much more common synonym for soft, fluffy things.
ぽっちゃり
pocchari
A cute and positive way to describe someone or something as plump or chubby. Used specifically to describe a person who is attractively chubby.
ぷっくり
pukkuri
Pukkuri describes something small and soft that is noticeably swollen, puffed up, or plump.
ぽってり
potteri
Describes a physically thick, plump shape or a heavy, viscous liquid.
Questions
What is the difference between fukkuri and fukkura?
Both mean soft, plump, or fluffy. Fukkura is much more common in daily use, while fukkuri can sound a bit more descriptive of a luxuriant or slightly heavier fullness.
Can fukkuri be used for people?
Yes, it can describe someone with a pleasantly plump, soft body or full cheeks, carrying a positive and healthy nuance.
Is fukkuri a positive word?
Yes, it generally carries a pleasant and agreeable tone, whether describing soft bread or a healthy, round face.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2533270
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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