Entry
くどくど
kudokudo
Speaking or explaining something in an annoyingly repetitive and excessively long manner.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An adverb describing a way of speaking that causes frustration or boredom in the listener because the speaker keeps dwelling on the same points or repeating details unnecessarily.
- Describes repetitive and annoying speech
- Implies the listener is bored or irritated
- Often used for lectures, complaints, or long excuses
Sense Map
Nagging or Lecturing
Used when someone gives advice or complaints repeatedly over a long period.
上司に同じ失敗をくどくどと注意された。
Excessive Explanation
Used when a description is so detailed and repetitive that it becomes hard to follow.
くどくどした説明で内容が頭に入らない。
Usage Note
How to Use
くどくど言う
The standard way to say someone is talking in a repetitive, annoying way.
くどくどと説明する
Using 'to' to emphasize the repetitive manner in which an explanation is given.
くどくどした話
Using the 'shita' form to describe a noun (a talk or story) as being long-winded.
くどくど説教する
Specifically used for lecturing someone repetitively.
How to Use
Common Phrases
くどくど言う
to talk on and on
くどくどと説明する
to explain at great length
くどくどした言い訳
a long-winded excuse
くどくど説教する
to lecture ad nauseam
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Parental Nagging | negative | Commonly used to describe a parent repeating rules or advice. |
| Workplace Critique | negative | Suggests that a colleague's report or complaint is wasting time with unnecessary repetition. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くだくだ くだくだ / nearby | Used for speech that is just long and wordy, perhaps lacking focus. | Kudukudu emphasizes the repetition of the same content. | 話をくだくだと並べる。 |
ぐだぐだ ぐだぐだ / nearby | Used for lazy, incoherent complaining or when a situation has fallen apart. | Kudukudu is about the repetitive delivery, while gudaguda is often about the lack of substance. | グダグダと愚痴を言う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kudukudu to describe a thorough, helpful explanation.
Kudukudu is critical. Use 'teinei ni' for a good, detailed explanation.
Confusing it with just 'long' (nagai).
Kudukudu specifically implies repetition that irritates the listener.
Examples
Examples
母がくどくどと同じことを言ってくる。
ははがくどくどとおなじことをいってくる。
My mother says the same thing over and over tediously.
LiteralExpresses annoyance at repeated parental advice.
上司からくどくどと説教をされた。
じょうしからくどくどとせっきょうをされた。
I was lectured at great length by my boss.
LiteralCommon situation where one feels bored by a long reprimand.
彼は自分の失敗についてくどくどと言い訳をした。
かれはじぶんのしっぱいについてくどくどといいわけをした。
He made long-winded excuses about his failure.
FigurativeSuggests the excuses were too long and unconvincing.
そんなにくどくど言わなくても分かっています。
そんなにくどくどいわなくてもわかっています。
I understand even if you don't say it so repeatedly.
LiteralA phrase expressing refusal of repetitive talk.
昨日のミスをくどくどと注意された。
きのうのみすをくどくどとちゅういされた。
I was warned repeatedly about yesterday's mistake.
LiteralEmphasizes discomfort over a minor mistake being repeatedly discussed.
Similar Words
グダグダ
gudaguda
Indicates aimless or lazy complaining.
Questions
Can kudukudu be used for writing?
It usually describes spoken words, but can describe a written style that is also annoyingly repetitive.
Is it the same as 'nagging'?
It's a component of nagging, specifically the part where the same thing is said over and over.
How do I tell someone they are being kudukudu politely?
It is hard to be polite with this word. It's better to say 'Sore wa mou wakarimashita' (I already understand that).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003890
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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