Entry
むっちり
mucchiri
Describes a pleasantly plump, fleshy, or voluptuous body with soft but firm flesh.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
むっちり (mucchiri) is used to describe the bodies of humans or animals that have an abundance of flesh that feels soft yet firm. It often carries a sensual nuance (voluptuous) when referring to adult women, or an adorable, healthy impression (chubby) when applied to babies and pets.
- Voluptuous and fleshy with attractive curves (for adults)
- Chubby, plump, and adorable (for babies or animals)
- Plump and firm (for skin texture)
Sense Map
Voluptuous (Adults)
Used to describe a full-figured body with attractive curves and firm flesh, often carrying a sensual tone.
むっちりした太もも
Chubby (Babies/Animals)
Describes the healthy, innocent plumpness of babies or animals whose bodies are round with soft flesh.
赤ちゃんのむっちりした腕
Usage Note
How to Use
むっちりする
Used as a verb to express the state of being plump or becoming voluptuous.
むっちりした + noun
The most common pattern used to modify body parts to describe them as plump or voluptuous.
むっちりと + verb
Functions as an adverb describing an action done with a fleshy or plump feeling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
むっちりした体
voluptuous/plump body
むっちりした太もも
voluptuous/fleshy thighs
むっちりした肌
plump and firm skin
体がむっちりする
body becomes plump/voluptuous
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Positive / Sensual | Often used to compliment a woman's voluptuous, full-figured shape. |
| Babies or animals | Positive | Indicates a healthy, adorable cuteness, like the creased, chubby arms of an infant. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽっちゃり ぽっちゃり / nearby | Used to describe someone who is slightly overweight but looks cute and soft. More focused on overall round body shape. | ぽっちゃり is more about a 'cute chubby' overall look without the sensual nuance or firmness often found in むっちり. | ぽっちゃりした顔 |
むちむち むちむち / nearby | Used when flesh or the body feels very dense, tight, or as if it is bursting out of tight clothes. | ムチムチ implies a more extreme, tighter fleshiness compared to the softer plumpness of むっちり. | ムチムチの腕 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using むっちり just to mean medically 'fat' or 'obese'.
むっちり has a positive connotation of firm, attractive flesh, not unhealthy excess weight. For simply 'fat', use 太っている.
Using it for thick inanimate objects, like a book.
This word is strictly reserved for the flesh, bodies, or skin of living things.
Examples
Examples
彼女のむっちりした太ももが魅力的だ。
かのじょ の むっちり した ふともも が みりょくてき だ。
Her voluptuous thighs are attractive.
VisualDescribes an attractive, full-figured adult body part.
赤ちゃんのむっちりした腕をつい触りたくなる。
あかちゃん の むっちり した うで を つい さわりたく なる。
I can't help but want to touch the baby's chubby arm.
VisualDescribes the healthy, adorable plumpness of a baby.
美味しいものを食べすぎて、最近少しむっちりしてきた。
おいしい もの を たべすぎて、 さいきん すこし むっちり して きた。
I've been eating too much good food, so I've gotten a little plump lately.
LiteralExpresses a change in the body becoming plumper.
このクリームを塗ると、肌がむっちりする。
この クリーム を ぬる と、 はだ が むっちり する。
Applying this cream makes the skin plump and firm.
VisualOften used in beauty contexts to describe skin texture.
その猫はむっちりしていて、とても愛らしい。
その ねこ は むっちり して いて、 とても あいらしい。
That cat is chubby and very adorable.
VisualDescribes the plump, soft body of a pet.
Similar Words
ぽっちゃり
pocchari
A cute and positive way to describe someone or something as plump or chubby. For a slightly overweight but cute overall body shape.
ムチムチ
muchimuchi
Describes flesh that is plump, firm, and softly chubby. For flesh that is very tight, dense, or bursting out.
Questions
Is むっちり a compliment?
Yes, it is generally considered a compliment as it implies healthy, firm flesh or an adorable plumpness, though it can sound sensual when directed at adults.
What is the difference between むっちり and ぽっちゃり (pocchari)?
Pocchari refers more to a slightly overweight but cute overall body shape, while mucchiri focuses on the appealing firmness and density of the flesh itself.
Can I use it to describe a man?
You can, but it is less common. If used for men, it might refer to muscles with a healthy layer of fat over them. However, words like 'gatchiri' (muscular/solid) are more typical for men.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2034710
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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