Entry
こてんこてん
kotenkoten
Describes the state of being completely and utterly defeated, either physically or metaphorically.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used to emphasize a crushing, one-sided defeat where the loser stands no chance. It can apply to physical fights (being beaten black and blue) as well as metaphorical losses in sports, video games, or heated arguments.
- A crushing metaphorical defeat in games or arguments
- Being physically beaten to a pulp
Sense Map
Competitive Defeat
Losing completely without being able to put up a decent fight in sports, games, or arguments.
試合でこてんこてんに負ける
Physical Defeat
Being thoroughly beaten up or physically pulverized in a fight.
相手をこてんこてんにする
Usage Note
How to Use
こてんこてんに + verb
Functions as an adverbial phrase describing how thoroughly the action of defeating or being defeated takes place.
こてんこてんに + やられる/負ける
The most common collocations, meaning 'to be completely beaten' or 'to lose utterly'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
こてんこてんに負ける
To lose completely
こてんこてんにやられる
To be completely beaten / done in
こてんこてんにする
To beat someone to a pulp / to defeat completely
こてんこてんに打ち負かす
To vanquish entirely
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sports and Games | Neutral to Dramatic | Emphasizes a blowout game where one side completely dominated the other. |
| Physical Fights | Clinical/Negative | Indicates someone was beaten until they could not fight back. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こてんぱん こてんぱん / similar | Highly interchangeable; conveys the exact same sense of absolute defeat. | There is virtually no difference in meaning or usage, though individuals might prefer the sound of one over the other. | コテンパンにやられた |
ぎたぎた ぎたぎた / similar | Use when emphasizing severe physical damage, messiness, or a gruesome aftermath. | While こてんこてん focuses on the 'state of being a complete loser', ギタギタ focuses on being physically mangled or destroyed. | ギタギタにされる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for broken objects.
This word applies to people, animals, or teams being defeated, not to inanimate objects shattering.
Using it for a close match.
It specifically implies a one-sided blowout. Do not use it if the score was close.
Examples
Examples
ゲームで兄にこてんこてんに負けた。
ゲームであににこてんこてんにまけた。
I lost completely to my older brother in the game.
FigurativeUsed for a crushing defeat in a game or competition.
激しい議論の末、彼女にこてんこてんに言い負かされた。
はげしいぎろんのすえ、かのじょにこてんこてんにいいまかされた。
After a fierce argument, I was completely out-argued by her.
FigurativeDescribes a figurative defeat in a battle of words.
昨日のテニスの試合で、チャンピオンにこてんこてんにやられた。
きのうのテニスのしあいで、チャンピオンにこてんこてんにやられた。
In yesterday's tennis match, I was utterly beaten by the champion.
Figurativeやられる (yarareru) is often used as a synonym for 'defeated' in competitive contexts.
彼らは相手チームをこてんこてんにした。
かれらはあいてチームをこてんこてんにした。
They completely routed the opposing team.
FigurativeUses the verb 'suru' to indicate the active action of defeating another party.
ボクシングの練習で、プロにこてんこてんに打ちのめされた。
ボクシングのれんしゅうで、プロにこてんこてんにうちのめされた。
During boxing practice, I was beaten to a pulp by a professional.
LiteralShows the literal meaning of being physically beaten or overwhelmed.
Similar Words
コテンパン
kotenpan
Kotenpan describes the state of being completely and utterly defeated or physically beaten. A direct synonym that is fully interchangeable for describing a complete defeat.
ギタギタ
gitagita
ギタギタ describes a state of being severely beaten up, thoroughly defeated, or completely destroyed. Also means beaten up, but focuses more heavily on physical damage, messiness, or cruelty.
ギトギト
gitogito
Describes something that is unpleasantly covered in heavy oil or grease.
Questions
Does こてんこてん always imply physical violence?
No. It is extremely common to use it figuratively for losing a chess match, a video game, or a debate.
How is it different from コテンパン?
They are practically identical in meaning and nuance. Both mean 'completely defeated'.
Can I use this in formal situations?
No, it is a casual, conversational term. In formal settings, you would use words like 完敗 (kanpai - complete defeat).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2844128
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ピタピタ (pitapita)
- Next entry
- ぽい (poi)