Entry
コテコテ
kotekote
Describes something applied very thickly or a trait that is intensely stereotypical and unadulterated.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Used to depict something that is heavily applied or rich, such as thick layers of makeup or heavy sauces. Figuratively, it describes something that perfectly fits a stereotype, like a strong regional dialect or a quintessential local character.
- Heavily applied makeup or sauces
- Highly stereotypical traits or dialects
Sense Map
Thick/Heavy Application
Describing thick layers of substances like makeup, or rich and heavily applied sauces.
化粧がコテコテだ。
Stereotypical/Quintessential
A heavily pronounced, stereotypical trait or characteristic.
コテコテの大阪弁を話す。
Usage Note
How to Use
コテコテに + verb
Used when an action involves applying something heavily or doing something excessively.
コテコテの + noun
Modifies a noun to indicate it is heavily coated or represents a highly stereotypical example of something.
How to Use
Common Phrases
コテコテの化粧
heavy makeup
コテコテの大阪弁
strong Osaka dialect
ソースをコテコテに塗る
to slather on sauce thickly
コテコテの関西人
a stereotypical Kansai person
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical appearance | negative | Usually implies that makeup or styling is overly thick, heavy, or garish. |
| Culture and language | neutral | Highlights a strong, quintessential characteristic, like a thick accent. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こってり こってり / similar | Focuses on rich, heavy, and fatty flavors in food. | こってり is mostly for food richness, while コテコテ extends to heavy makeup and strong regional stereotypes. | こってりしたラーメン |
ごてごて ごてごて / similar | Focuses on excessive, cluttered, and often gaudy decoration. | ゴテゴテ implies a messy excess of ornaments, whereas コテコテ focuses on thickness or stereotypical nature. | ゴテゴテした飾り |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe physically thick objects like books or walls.
Use 厚い (atsui) for physical thickness of objects, not コテコテ.
Assuming it is always an insult.
While heavy makeup is often a criticism, コテコテ can be used affectionately for stereotypical regional culture or comedy.
Examples
Examples
彼女は舞台に立つため、コテコテに化粧をしている。
かのじょ は ぶたい に たつ ため、コテコテ に けしょう を している。
She is wearing heavy makeup to perform on stage.
VisualFocuses on the heavy application of makeup.
彼はテレビでよく見るような、コテコテの関西人だ。
かれ は テレビ で よく みる ような、コテコテ の かんさいじん だ。
He is a stereotypical Kansai person, just like the ones you often see on TV.
FigurativeFocuses on a strong cultural stereotype.
お好み焼きにソースをコテコテに塗って食べる。
おこのみやき に ソース を コテコテ に ぬって たべる。
I eat okonomiyaki slathered thickly with sauce.
VisualFocuses on sauce being applied heavily and thickly.
その映画はコテコテの恋愛ドラマだった。
その えいが は コテコテ の れんあい ドラマ だった。
That movie was a heavily stereotypical romance drama.
FigurativeRefers to a storyline that is highly predictable and typical.
ワックスをコテコテにつけて髪をセットした。
ワックス を コテコテ に つけて かみ を セット した。
I styled my hair by applying a heavy amount of hair wax.
VisualFocuses on the excessive use of hair product.
Similar Words
ゴテゴテ
gotegote
Both describe an excess, but ゴテゴテ focuses more on cluttered, messy decorations.
Questions
Can コテコテ be used for food?
Yes, it can describe food with very thick, heavy sauce or extremely rich flavor, similar to こってり.
What is the difference between コテコテ and こってり?
こってり is mainly for rich and heavy food, while コテコテ is broader, covering heavy makeup and pronounced stereotypes.
Is it rude to call someone's dialect コテコテ?
Not usually. It simply means their dialect is very strong or quintessential, which is often seen as charming or authentic.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2138880
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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