Entry
ゴテゴテ
gotegote
Describes something that is excessively decorated, thickly applied, or complaining endlessly and tediously.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word illustrates a state of having too much decoration, makeup, or elements added, resulting in a cluttered, gaudy, or messy appearance. It is also used to describe someone who complains or gives excuses repeatedly and endlessly, making it tedious to listen to.
- Used for excessive physical/visual additions (decorations, makeup, toppings) and excessive verbal additions (complaints, excuses).
Sense Map
Visual & Physical Excess
Describes overly heavy makeup, excessive decorations, or a cluttered design that looks gaudy.
ゴテゴテしたデザイン
Tedious Complaints
Describes complaining or making excuses endlessly in a way that is tiresome.
ゴテゴテと文句を言う
Usage Note
How to Use
ゴテゴテと + verb
Describes an action done excessively, such as decorating too much or complaining endlessly.
ゴテゴテに + verb
ゴテゴテの + noun
ゴテゴテした + noun
Describes an object that is heavily decorated or has excessive details (e.g., a design or clothing).
ゴテゴテしている
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゴテゴテに飾る
to decorate excessively
ゴテゴテしたデザイン
a cluttered/gaudy design
ゴテゴテと文句を言う
to complain endlessly
ゴテゴテに塗る
to apply (paint/makeup) very thickly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Makeup or clothing | negative | Implies a gaudy, overly thick, and unnatural appearance. |
| Speaking or complaining | negative | Implies the person is overly talkative with complaints, making the listener tired. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こてこて こてこて / similar | When something is applied very thickly or is strongly stereotypical. | "Gotegote" emphasizes messy, chaotic excess and gaudiness, while "kotekote" just means very thick, rich, or concentrated, and can sometimes be neutral. | コテコテの関西弁 |
くどくど くどくど / similar | When someone repeats complaints or explanations tediously. | "Kudokudo" focuses on the repetitive, lengthy nature of the words, while "gotegote" focuses on excessively piling on unnecessary complaints. | くどくどと文句を言う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using "gotegote" to praise detailed and intricate artwork.
Use 繊細 (sensai) or 緻密 (chimitsu). "Gotegote" implies it is cluttered or gaudy.
Using "gotegote" to describe a rich, delicious food broth.
Use こってり (kotteri) for rich food. "Gotegote" for food implies there are too many messy toppings.
Examples
Examples
装飾がゴテゴテしていて、あまり好きではない。
そうしょくがごてごてしていて、あまりすきではない。
I don't really like it because the decorations are too gaudy.
VisualFocuses on the excessive and messy decoration.
ゴテゴテしたデザインよりも、シンプルな方がいい。
ごてごてしたでざいんよりも、しんぷるなほうがいい。
A simple design is better than a cluttered one.
VisualHighlights the contrast between simple and overly cluttered.
彼は些細なことにもゴテゴテと文句を言う。
かれはささいなことにもごてごてともんくをいう。
He complains endlessly even about trivial things.
FigurativeShows repetitive and tedious verbal complaints.
彼女は爪にゴテゴテとネイルアートを施している。
かのじょはつめにごてごてとねいるあーとをほどこしている。
She has heavy, elaborate nail art applied to her nails.
VisualDescribes very thick and gaudy physical decoration.
色々な具材をゴテゴテに乗せたラーメン。
いろいろなぐざいをごてごてにのせたらーめん。
Ramen topped with a messy, excessive amount of various ingredients.
LiteralFor food, this does not mean rich flavor, but rather an excessive amount of toppings.
Similar Words
コテコテ
kotekote
Describes something applied very thickly or a trait that is intensely stereotypical and unadulterated. Focuses on being thick or stereotypical, whereas gotegote focuses on chaotic excess.
こってり
kotteri
Describes a rich, heavy, or thick consistency, as well as an intense action like a severe scolding.
くどくど
kudokudo
Speaking or explaining something in an annoyingly repetitive and excessively long manner. Focuses on the tedious repetition of words or explanations.
ベタベタ
betabeta
Describes something physically sticky, the act of pasting things all over, couples clinging or flirting, or something highly cliché and predictable.
Questions
What is the difference between "gotegote" and "kotteri"?
"Gotegote" refers to an excessive and messy addition of elements (like too many toppings or decorations), while "kotteri" is used for the rich, heavy flavor or texture of food.
Is "gotegote" used with a positive meaning?
Usually no. It has a negative nuance, implying that something is too cluttered, excessive, or gaudy, rather than just "detailed" or "luxurious."
Can "gotegote" describe someone's personality?
Not directly, but it can describe their verbal behavior if they tend to complain endlessly or make tedious excuses ("gotegote to monku o iu").
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2857635
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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