Entry
もっこり
mokkori
It describes something that is prominently bulging or swelling into a rounded shape.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Used to describe something that bulges or mounds up visibly, such as bulging muscles, a mound of earth, or a prominent bulge under clothing. Note that it is also heavily associated with slang for a visible bulge under clothing.
- Neutral bulge
- Bulge under clothing
Sense Map
Neutral Bulge / Mound
Describes non-sexual body parts or objects bulging out, such as earth, muscles, or a stuffed bag.
ロボットの腕の筋肉がもっこりしている。
Bulge under clothing (Slang)
Often used as slang to refer to a visible bulge under clothing.
ズボンがもっこりしている。
Usage Note
How to Use
もっこりする
To become bulging or mounded (verb).
もっこりした + noun
A noun that has a bulging shape (modifier).
もっこりと + verb
Doing something in a way that creates a bulging shape (adverb).
How to Use
Common Phrases
筋肉がもっこりする
muscles bulge
もっこりした山
a mounded mountain
ズボンがもっこりしている
pants are bulging
土がもっこり盛り上がる
the earth mounds up
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mounds of earth or inanimate objects | neutral | Describes a mound or bulge in a perfectly ordinary and neutral way. |
| Bulge in pants | slang, potentially inappropriate | Widely understood as a comedic slang reference. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽっこり ぽっこり / similar | Used for a cute protruding stomach or a small, round bulge. | Does not carry the slang connotations of mokkori. | お腹がぽっこり出ている。 |
もこもこ もこもこ / similar | Describes a fluffy, lumpy, or soft texture like clouds or thick winter clothing. | Focuses on the softness of the material rather than just a protruding shape. | モコモコした冬服を着る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it freely to describe someone's body.
Because it carries a strong slang connotation, applying it freely to people can sound inappropriate or impolite.
Thinking it means swelling from an injury (腫れる).
For injuries, use panpan or hareru. Mokkori refers to a rounded shape, not inflammation.
Examples
Examples
彼の腕の筋肉がもっこりしている。
かれのうでのきんにくがもっこりしている。
His arm muscles are bulging.
Visual"Mokkori" emphasizes the large, round shape of the muscle.
モグラが通った後、土がもっこりと盛り上がった。
モグラがとおったあと、つちがもっこりともりあがった。
After the mole passed, the dirt swelled up into a mound.
VisualThis is a perfectly neutral usage for a mound of dirt.
ポケットに財布を詰め込んで、ズボンがもっこりしている。
ポケットにさいふをつめこんで、ズボンがもっこりしている。
By stuffing a wallet into the pocket, the pants are bulging.
VisualDescribes clothing bulging because of an object underneath.
そのキャラクターは、もっこりした形の帽子をかぶっている。
そのキャラクターは、もっこりしたかたちのぼうしをかぶっている。
That character is wearing a hat with a rounded, bulging shape.
Visual"Mokkori-shita" is used as a modifier to describe the shape.
荷物を詰めすぎて、カバンがもっこりしている。
にもつをつめすぎて、カバンがもっこりしている。
By packing too much luggage, the bag is bulging outwards.
VisualShows the volume of a fully stuffed bag changing its outer shape to be round.
Similar Words
ぽっこり
pokkori
"Pokkori" is often used for a cute protruding stomach, not a large bulge.
Questions
Can I use mokkori for a swelling from a mosquito bite?
No, use pukkuri or harete iru instead. Mokkori implies a larger rounded mound.
Why do people sometimes laugh when they hear this word?
Because it has a very strong slang association in Japanese pop culture, often used as a comedic gag.
Can it be used for the big muscles of a bodybuilder?
Yes, kinniku ga mokkori shite iru can be used to describe prominent, round, bulging muscles like biceps.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1012610
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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