Entry
まるまる
marumaru
Describing something or someone (usually a baby or pet) that is pleasantly round and plump.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a sense of healthy, cute plumpness. It is distinct from neutral or negative words for fat, as it implies the roundness is endearing.
- The chubby, healthy appearance of infants.
- The round and fluffy shape of small animals or pets.
Sense Map
Babies & Children
Describing the healthy, chubby limbs or cheeks of a baby.
まるまるした赤ちゃん
Animals & Nature
Describing a well-fed, cute animal or a full, round fruit.
まるまる太った猫
Usage Note
How to Use
まるまるした
Used as an adjective before a noun to describe a plump appearance.
まるまる太る
Combined with the verb futoru to describe the process of becoming round and chubby.
まるまると太っている
How to Use
Common Phrases
まるまる太る
To grow plump
まるまるした赤ちゃん
A chubby baby
まるまる太った猫
A plump, cute cat
まるまると太る
To become completely round and fat
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Warm | Commonly used by relatives to admire a baby's growth. |
| Pets | Casual | Frequent in casual conversation when talking about cute animals. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ころころ ころころ / similar | Used for small, round things that look like they could roll. | Marumaru focuses on plumpness/volume, while korokoro focuses on smallness and rolling potential. | ころころした子犬 |
むちむち むちむち / similar | Used for firm, springy skin or limbs. | Marumaru emphasizes a round shape, while muchimuchi focuses on the texture of the flesh/skin. | むちむちした腕 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using marumaru to describe an obese adult in a formal setting.
Only use it if you want to sound affectionate or cute. It is generally reserved for babies, pets, or people with a 'cute' type of roundness.
Thinking it only means 'a circle'.
It refers to three-dimensional plumpness, not just a two-dimensional geometric shape.
Examples
Examples
この猫はまるまる太っていて、とても可愛いです。
このねこはまるまるふとっていて、とてもかわいいです。
This cat is round and plump, and very cute.
LiteralDescribes the healthy, plump appearance of a cat.
赤ちゃんの足がまるまるとしていて、健康そうだ。
あかちゃんのあしがまるまるとしていて、けんこうそうだ。
The baby's legs are plump and look healthy.
LiteralFocuses on the round, full shape of a baby's legs.
まるまると太った七面鳥が農場にいる。
まるまるとふとったしちめんちょうがのうじょうにいる。
There is a plump turkey at the farm.
LiteralUses the particle 'to' to emphasize the state of being plump.
まるまるしたトマトが、庭で赤くなっている。
まるまるしたとまとが、にわであかくなっている。
The plump tomatoes are turning red in the garden.
VisualCan be used for inanimate objects like perfectly round fruit.
冬になって、スズメがまるまるとしている。
ふゆになって、すずめがまるまるとしている。
Winter has come, and the sparrows look plump.
VisualDescribes birds fluffing their feathers, making them look round.
Similar Words
ころころ
korokoro
The light rolling movement of small, round objects, or things that change easily and frequently. Used for small, round things that look like they could roll. Marumaru focuses on plumpness/volume, while korokoro focuses on smallness and rolling potential.
ムチムチ
muchimuchi
Describes flesh that is plump, firm, and softly chubby. Used for firm, springy skin or limbs. Marumaru emphasizes a round shape, while muchimuchi focuses on the texture of the flesh/skin.
Questions
Is marumaru offensive?
For babies and pets, it is a compliment. For adults, it can be taken as teasing or 'cute' depending on the context, but it is not a harsh insult.
What is the difference between marumaru and marumaruto?
Both are similar. Adding 'to' emphasizes the state or the manner in which something has become round.
Can I use it for fruit?
Yes, it can describe a fruit that is perfectly round and full, like a ripe tomato.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 937390987
- Source
- Internal
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- くんくん (kunkun)