Entry
コツコツ
kotsukotsu
コツコツ describes the sound of hard objects tapping gently, or the act of making steady, diligent progress step by step.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two main applications. Literally, it represents the dry, repetitive sound of hard objects lightly striking one another, such as tapping on a door or hard shoes walking on a floor. Figuratively, it is widely used to convey a highly valued trait: making steady, untiring, and diligent progress over time without giving up.
- Tapping sound of hard objects
- Making steady, diligent progress
Sense Map
Steady Effort
Doing something consistently, little by little, over a long period.
コツコツと勉強する。
Tapping Sound
A repetitive dry sound made by hard objects lightly striking.
ドアをコツコツ叩く。
Usage Note
How to Use
コツコツ（と）＋ verb
Used to describe an action performed slowly but consistently and diligently.
コツコツ（と）音がする
Used to express that a repetitive tapping sound is heard.
How to Use
Common Phrases
コツコツ働く
to work diligently
コツコツ勉強する
to study steadily
お金をコツコツ貯める
to save money little by little
ドアをコツコツ叩く
to knock lightly on a door
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Studying or working | positive | Shows a strong work ethic and persistence, which is heavily praised. |
| Footsteps | neutral | Generally implies the sound of hard-soled shoes like leather shoes or heels on a hard surface. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
せっせと せっせと / similar | When someone is busily and actively engaged in a task. | Focuses on the active busy effort in the moment, rather than the long-term, step-by-step incremental progress of コツコツ. | せっせと働く |
かちかち かちかち / similar | For a hard ticking, clacking sound, or something freezing completely hard. | Only used for sounds (like a clock) or physical states (frozen solid), never for diligent effort. | 時計がカチカチ鳴る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for fast or sudden progress.
This word strictly implies slow, steady, and incremental progress. It does not fit overnight success.
Using it for soft tapping sounds.
The sound specifically comes from hard materials (like wood, leather heels, or knuckles) striking together.
Examples
Examples
誰かがドアをコツコツと叩いている。
だれかがドアをコツコツとたたいている。
Someone is knocking gently on the door.
LiteralDescribes the sound of tapping on a hard surface.
暗い廊下に靴音がコツコツと響いた。
くらいろうかにくつおとがコツコツとひびいた。
The sound of footsteps echoed in the dark hallway.
LiteralRefers to the sound of hard-soled shoes walking.
毎日コツコツと日本語を勉強しています。
まいにちコツコツとにほんごをべんきょうしています。
I am studying Japanese steadily every day.
FigurativeShows steady and persistent effort over time.
彼は夢のためにコツコツとお金を貯めた。
かれはゆめのためにコツコツとおかねをためた。
He saved money little by little for his dream.
FigurativeSaving money little by little without giving up.
目立たなくても、コツコツ努力することが大切だ。
めだたなくても、コツコツどりょくすることがたいせつだ。
Even if it doesn't stand out, making steady effort is important.
FigurativeEmphasizes the cultural value placed on steady effort.
Similar Words
せっせと
sesseto
せっせと describes the act of doing something continuously, earnestly, and diligently without resting. Focuses on active busy effort
ジワジワ
jiwajiwa
Something slowly but steadily seeping in, spreading, or approaching.
かちかち
kachikachi
A state of something hardening, being stiff from nervousness, or the continuous ticking sound of a clock. Mechanical clicking or hard objects
Questions
Is コツコツ a positive word?
Yes, when referring to effort, it is highly positive and praises someone's dedication and patience.
Can I use it to describe doing something very fast?
No, コツコツ emphasizes slow, steady, and step-by-step pacing, not rushing.
What kind of personality is described as コツコツ?
It describes a serious, patient, and hardworking person who does not give up easily.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004530
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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