Entry
コテンパン
kotenpan
Kotenpan describes the state of being completely and utterly defeated or physically beaten.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used to show absolute defeat in a fight, sport, or argument. It carries a strong, colloquial, and slightly dramatic tone indicating that someone has been crushed with no chance of fighting back.
- utterly beaten in a match
- completely crushed in an argument
Sense Map
Physical or Game Defeat
Being thoroughly beaten or losing decisively in sports, games, or physical fights.
試合でコテンパンに負ける
Argument Defeat
Being entirely overwhelmed in a verbal argument or discussion.
議論でコテンパンにやられる
Usage Note
How to Use
コテンパンに + verb
Used to modify verbs of winning, losing, or attacking to mean doing so completely and utterly.
コテンパンになる
How to Use
Common Phrases
コテンパンにやられる
to be beaten to a pulp / completely defeated
コテンパンにする
to crush completely / beat black and blue
コテンパンに負ける
to lose decisively
コテンパンにやっつける
to defeat utterly / trounce
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sports or games | neutral to negative | Shows a crushing defeat with a wide margin or zero resistance. |
| Arguments | neutral | Indicates having one's arguments completely dismantled by the opponent. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こてんこてん こてんこてん / similar | Used interchangeably for total defeat, but has a slightly softer or more repetitive feel. | Kotenkoten sounds a bit more comical, while kotenpan feels slightly sharper and more decisive. | こてんこてんにやられた |
ぎたぎた ぎたぎた / similar | Used when the beating results in severe, messy physical damage or destruction. | Kotenpan focuses on the state of absolute defeat, whereas gitagita highlights a violent, messy aftermath. | ギタギタにされる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for broken inanimate objects.
It is used for the defeat of people, teams, or animals in conflicts, not for breaking a glass or machine.
Using it in formal business contexts.
Kotenpan is very colloquial; use a formal word like kanpai for formal situations.
Examples
Examples
昨日の試合で、相手チームにコテンパンにやられた。
きのうのしあいで、あいてチームにコテンパンにやられた。
In yesterday's match, we were completely crushed by the opposing team.
LiteralUsed for a decisive defeat in sports.
兄と喧嘩して、コテンパンに負けてしまった。
あにとけんかして、コテンパンにまけてしまった。
I fought with my older brother and was completely beaten.
LiteralIndicates a one-sided defeat in a fight.
議論で彼をコテンパンにやっつけるつもりだ。
ぎろんでかれをコテンパンにやっつけるつもりだ。
I intend to thoroughly defeat him in the argument.
FigurativeFigurative use for defeating someone verbally in an argument.
ゲームのボスが強すぎて、コテンパンにされた。
ゲームのボスがつよすぎて、コテンパンにされた。
The game's boss was too strong, and I was utterly destroyed.
LiteralOften used by gamers to express a crushing defeat in-game.
準備不足のままプレゼンに臨み、質問責めに遭ってコテンパンになった。
じゅんびぶそくのままプレゼンにのぞみ、しつもんぜめにあってコテンパンになった。
I went into the presentation unprepared, was bombarded with questions, and was utterly destroyed.
FigurativeDescribes mental defeat and loss of confidence in a difficult situation.
Similar Words
こてんこてん
kotenkoten
Similar but slightly lighter in nuance.
ギタギタ
gitagita
Emphasizes messy, severe physical damage.
Questions
Is kotenpan ever used positively?
Not directly for the person experiencing it, though a fan might happily say their team crushed the opponent (kotenpan ni shita).
Can I use it with a boss or teacher?
No, it is too casual and colloquial for polite or formal conversation.
How is it different from bokoboko?
Bokoboko emphasizes the physical act of repeated hitting, while kotenpan focuses more on the absolute final state of defeat.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2112780
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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