Entry
なみなみ
naminami
なみなみ is an onomatopoeia describing a container filled to the very brim with liquid, almost to the point of spilling.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is exclusively used for liquids like water, alcohol, or soup. It vividly portrays the surface tension of the liquid at the edge of a cup or bowl, and is often used in the context of generously pouring drinks to show hospitality.
- pouring liquid to the brim
- container completely full of liquid
Sense Map
Pouring Action
Pouring liquid into a container until it reaches the absolute top edge.
ワインをなみなみと注ぐ
State of Fullness
The state of a container being completely filled with liquid to its brim.
なみなみと入ったお茶
Usage Note
How to Use
なみなみと + verb
The most common usage, attaching the particle と to describe the manner in which a liquid is poured or held (e.g., なみなみと注ぐ).
なみなみの + noun
Used to modify a noun that is filled to the brim with liquid (e.g., なみなみのワイン).
How to Use
Common Phrases
なみなみと注ぐ
pour to the brim
なみなみとつぐ
pour drinks to the brim
なみなみと入っている
is filled to the brim
グラスになみなみと
to the brim of the glass
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Drinks | positive | Implies generous hospitality and welcoming spirit when pouring wine or sake for guests. |
| Moving Containers | neutral | Implies caution is needed, as the surface tension is high and the liquid could easily spill if jostled. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱんぱん ぱんぱん / contrast | For containers or objects stuffed to the point of bulging with solids or air. | Unlike なみなみ, which is strictly for the upper surface limit of liquids. | 鞄がパンパンだ。 |
たっぷり たっぷり / similar | To indicate a very large, generous, or abundant amount, applicable to liquids, time, or other things. | たっぷり focuses on a generous volume, whereas なみなみ focuses visually on the physical brim of the container. | シロップをたっぷりかける。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using なみなみ to describe a box completely filled with books or solid objects.
Use いっぱい or パンパン instead. なみなみ is strictly for liquids.
Dropping the particle と before a verb.
It naturally requires と to act as an adverb, as in なみなみと注ぐ.
Examples
Examples
おじいちゃんは日本酒をグラスになみなみと注いだ。
おじいちゃんは にほんしゅを グラスに なみなみと そそいだ。
Grandpa poured sake into the glass right up to the brim.
LiteralShows a generous and hospitable spirit when serving alcohol.
コーヒーがカップになみなみと入っていて、こぼれそうだ。
コーヒーが カップに なみなみと はいっていて、 こぼれそうだ。
The coffee is filled to the brim in the cup and looks like it will spill.
VisualDescribes the surface tension of the liquid reaching the maximum capacity of the container.
スープ皿になみなみとスープがよそわれている。
スープざらに なみなみと スープが よそわれている。
The soup is served to the very brim of the soup plate.
VisualThe verb 'yosou' is typically used for serving liquid or semi-liquid foods like soup.
ビールをなみなみとついで、みんなで乾杯した。
ビールを なみなみと ついで、 みんなで かんぱいした。
We poured beer to the brim and all toasted together.
LiteralHighlights a festive atmosphere with an abundance of drinks.
雨水がバケツになみなみと溜まっている。
あまみずが バケツに なみなみと たまっている。
Rainwater has collected in the bucket right up to the brim.
VisualCan also be used for liquids that accumulate naturally, not just intentionally poured drinks.
Similar Words
パンパン
panpan
パンパン describes a sharp, dry sound like clapping or popping, as well as the state of being stuffed or filled to the point of bursting. Means stuffed or bulging. Used for solids or air, whereas 'naminami' is strictly for liquids.
たっぷり
tappuri
たっぷり describes having an abundant, highly satisfying amount of something or having ample, loose space. Also means a lot, but 'naminami' specifies reaching the physical brim.
Questions
Can I say a train is 'naminami' with people?
No, 'naminami' is strictly for liquids in a container. For crowds or solid items, use words like 満員 or パンパン.
What is the difference between 'naminami' and 'tappuri'?
While 'tappuri' means a generous amount of anything, 'naminami' paints a very specific visual picture of a liquid reaching the absolute top edge of its container.
Does it have a positive or negative connotation?
When pouring drinks for guests, it is a positive sign of generosity. When describing a full bucket or cup that needs to be moved, it's a neutral observation that requires caution to avoid spilling.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2397230
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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