Entry
むっくり
mukkuri
むっくり describes the action of rising up from a lying position, or a plump and rotund physical appearance.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two main meanings. First, it describes the action of rising or getting up, which can happen either abruptly or slowly (like getting out of bed). Second, it describes a body or object that looks plump, round, or chubby with a soft appearance.
- Rising abruptly or slowly from a lying position.
- Having a plump and rotund body shape.
Sense Map
Rising Up
Describes the action of getting up or rising from a lying position, either abruptly or slowly.
布団からむっくりと起き上がる。
Plump Appearance
Describes a body shape that is round, chubby, or plump.
むっくりした赤ちゃん。
Usage Note
How to Use
むっくり(と)起き上がる
Used as an adverb to modify verbs like 'okiagaru' (to sit/rise up). The 'to' is optional but common.
むっくり起きる
むっくりした + noun
Used to modify a noun, describing it as plump or rotund.
むっくりと + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
むっくりと起き上がる
to sit up / rise up
むっくり起きる
to wake and rise
むっくりした体
plump body
むっくりとした手
chubby hands
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rising from a lying position | neutral | Can describe both a sudden, abrupt rise (like waking up in a panic) and a slow, heavy rise (like a large animal waking up). |
| Describing body shape | positive | Often used for babies, animals, or objects that are pleasantly round and chubby. |
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 | When describing someone (especially a person or baby) who is appealingly plump or chubby. | 'mukkuri' also means to rise up from a lying position, while 'potchari' is exclusively used for a chubby, soft physical appearance. | ぽっちゃりした顔。 |
むくと むくと / similar | When describing the sudden or deliberate action of sitting or rising up from a lying down position. | 'muku to' is only used for the action of rising, and never for describing a plump physical appearance. | ムクと起き上がる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'mukkuri' to mean 'slowly' for any general action.
'mukkuri' is specific to the action of rising up. For general slow actions, use 'yukkuri'.
Using 'mukkuri' to describe clinical obesity.
'mukkuri' describes a round, chubby shape that often carries a cute or soft nuance, not severe obesity.
Examples
Examples
彼は驚いて、布団の中からむっくりと起き上がった。
かれはおどろいて、ふとんのなかからむっくりとおきあがった。
He was surprised and abruptly sat up from his futon.
LiteralDescribes a sudden action of rising up from a sleeping position.
むっくりした手のひらが可愛らしい。
むっくりしたてのひらがかわいらしい。
The plump palms of the hands are cute.
VisualDescribes a plump and fleshy physical appearance.
巨大な熊が、洞穴の奥からむっくり体を起こした。
きょだいなくまが、どうけつのおくからむっくりからだをおこした。
A huge bear slowly raised its body from the back of the cave.
LiteralDescribes a slow, heavy movement of rising up.
その犬はむっくりと太っていて愛嬌がある。
そのいぬはむっくりとふとっていてあいきょうがある。
That dog is plump and charming.
VisualDescribes an animal that is pleasantly plump.
朝、目覚まし時計が鳴ると、彼女はむっくり起き上がった。
あさ、めざましどけいがなると、かのじょはむっくりおきあがった。
In the morning, when the alarm clock rang, she sat up from bed.
LiteralA common daily action of getting up from sleep.
Similar Words
ムクと
mukuto
Describes the action of rising up slowly or abruptly.
Questions
Can I use 'mukkuri' when standing up from a chair?
No, 'mukkuri' is typically used for rising from a lying or sleeping position (like sitting up in bed).
Is it offensive to call someone 'mukkuri'?
While it means plump, it can be sensitive for adults. It is safer to use it for babies or animals where the plumpness is seen as cute.
Does 'mukkuri' mean fast or slow when rising?
Interestingly, it can mean both. Context determines if it's an abrupt jump out of bed or a slow, heavy rise.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2257230
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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