Entry
コトコト
kotokoto
コトコト describes the sound of something simmering gently over low heat, or a light rattling and tapping noise.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents a light, repetitive sound. It is most commonly used to describe food simmering slowly and quietly on a stove, or the gentle clinking and tapping of small hard objects, such as a soft knock on a door.
- Simmering gently on a low flame.
- Making a light, repetitive tapping or rattling sound.
Sense Map
Simmering / Boiling gently
The sound or state of cooking something slowly over low heat, like soup or stew.
スープをコトコト煮る
Light tapping / Rattling
A continuous light sound made by small hard objects hitting each other, or knocking gently.
ドアをコトコト叩く
Usage Note
How to Use
コトコト + verb
Used directly before cooking verbs, most commonly 煮る (niru - to boil/simmer).
コトコトと + verb
Takes the particle 'to' to emphasize the ongoing nature of the sound, often followed by verbs like 鳴る (naru - to sound) or 揺れる (yureru - to sway/shake).
How to Use
Common Phrases
コトコト煮る
to simmer over low heat
コトコト煮込む
to stew slowly
コトコトと鳴る
to make a light rattling sound
コトコト音がする
to hear a light clinking noise
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking | positive | It conveys a warm, positive image of taking the time to cook something carefully and deliciously. |
| Ambient sounds | neutral | Since it represents small, modest sounds, it generally does not convey annoyance or disruption. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごとごと ごとごと / similar | When the sound is heavy, loud, or rough, such as a rolling boil that violently shakes the pot or heavy objects colliding. | Kotokoto is a gentle and light sound, whereas gotogoto is heavy and noisy. | 鍋がゴトゴト鳴る |
ごぼごぼ ごぼごぼ / similar | When describing a deep gurgling sound of water welling up or flowing forcefully. | Kotokoto refers to light tapping or gentle simmering, while gobogobo involves a larger volume of water and air bubbles. | 水がごぼごぼ湧き出る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a rapid, rolling boil on high heat.
Kotokoto is only used for gentle simmering on low heat. For rapid boiling, use words like gutsugutsu or bokoboko.
Using it for loud noises made by heavy machinery or large objects.
Kotokoto describes light, small sounds. Use gotogoto for heavy and loud noises.
Examples
Examples
弱火でスープをコトコト煮る。
よわびでスープをコトコトにる。
Simmer the soup gently over low heat.
VisualDescribes the physical state of quiet cooking.
シチューがコトコトと音を立てている。
シチューがコトコトとおとをたてている。
The stew is making a gentle simmering sound.
LiteralFocuses on the sound of small bubbles forming slowly.
誰かがドアをコトコト叩いた。
だれかがドアをコトコトたたいた。
Someone tapped lightly on the door.
LiteralIndicates a small, non-aggressive knocking sound.
箱の中で小さな石がコトコトと鳴る。
はこのなかでちいさないしがコトコトとなる。
Small stones rattle lightly inside the box.
LiteralDescribes the sound of small hard objects hitting each other lightly.
ストーブの上でやかんがコトコト揺れている。
ストーブのうえでやかんがコトコトゆれている。
The kettle is shaking slightly on the stove with a clinking sound.
VisualFocuses on the small movement that produces a light rattling sound.
Similar Words
ゴトゴト
gotogoto
ゴトゴト describes a heavy rumbling or rattling sound from heavy objects moving, or the sound of a thick liquid boiling. Used for a much heavier and louder rattling or boiling sound.
ごぼごぼ
gobogobo
The heavy, wet sound of a large amount of liquid bubbling, gurgling, or mixing with air. The sound of water gurgling or bubbling heavily.
ボコボコ
bokoboko
Describes something full of dents or bumps, a heavy bubbling sound, or the act of beating someone up severely.
Questions
Can I use kotokoto when quickly boiling water for tea?
No. Kotokoto is for a slow, gentle simmer. If water is boiling rapidly, use words like bokoboko or gutsugutsu.
What is the main difference between kotokoto and gotogoto?
Kotokoto is a light, quiet sound, while gotogoto is a heavy, loud sound. For example, a soft knock on a door is kotokoto, but a heavy pounding is gotogoto.
Is kotokoto only used for cooking?
No. It can also describe any small, light, and repetitive rattling or tapping sounds, such as a small stone rattling inside a box.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004560
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- コツコツ (kotsukotsu)
- Next entry
- コンコン (konkon)