Entry
のっぺり
nopperi
Describes something that is completely flat, lacking in distinct features, bumps, contours, or depth.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Used for things that are visually flat and monotonous, lacking 3D contours or defining characteristics. This commonly applies to a face with few distinct features, an expanse of barren terrain, or art and makeup that lack shading and depth.
- Featureless face
- Flat terrain
- Lacking depth or 3D feel
Sense Map
Faces and Features
Used to describe a face or expression that is flat, lacking prominent features, contours, or emotion.
のっぺりした顔
Terrain and Surfaces
Describes a wide, flat, and monotonous landscape or surface without any hills, bumps, or variations.
のっぺりとした風景
Art and Dimension
Refers to drawings, makeup, or designs that look flat, lacking depth, shading, or a three-dimensional feel.
のっぺりした絵
Usage Note
How to Use
のっぺりする
Used as a verb to state that something becomes or looks flat and dimension-less.
のっぺりしている
Describes a current state of being visually flat, featureless, or monotonous.
のっぺりした + Noun
Acts as an adjective to modify a noun, such as a featureless face or a flat painting.
のっぺりと + Verb
Acts as an adverb, describing how an action is performed flatly or without expression.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のっぺりした顔
featureless face
のっぺりとした風景
flat, featureless landscape
のっぺりした印象
flat/bland impression
のっぺりする
to look flat/lacking depth
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Human faces | negative | Usually implies a face without prominent cheekbones, nose bridge, or deep-set eyes, making it look plain or unmemorable. |
| Makeup | negative | Implies the makeup is applied too heavily without shading, making the face look unnaturally flat. |
| Landscape | neutral | Describes a vast expanse of land with no hills, valleys, or significant trees. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺったんこ ぺったんこ / contrast | Used when something is physically crushed flat, squashed, or deflated. | Not the same as nopperi. Nopperi focuses on the lack of surface features on a broad area, not on a loss of volume due to pressure. | ぺったんこに潰れる |
つるつる つるつる / contrast | Used to describe a surface texture that is very smooth and slick to the touch. | Tsurutsuru is about physical slickness and smoothness. Nopperi is about visual flatness and the lack of distinct contours. | つるつる滑る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to compliment someone's nice, smooth skin.
Use words like 'subesube' or 'tsurutsuru' for good skin. 'Nopperi' sounds negative, meaning the face lacks structure or character.
Using 'nopperi' for a flat tire.
For objects that have lost their volume and become squashed, use 'pettanko'.
Examples
Examples
彼はのっぺりした顔をしている。
かれ は のっぺり した かお を している。
He has a flat, featureless face.
VisualUsed to describe a face lacking prominent features like a high nose bridge or defined cheekbones.
地平線までのっぺりとした風景が広がっている。
ちへいせん まで のっぺり とした ふうけい が ひろがっている。
A flat, featureless landscape stretches to the horizon.
VisualDescribes a vast expanse of land with no hills or geographical variations.
この絵は立体的ではなく、のっぺりしている。
この え は りったいてき ではなく、のっぺり している。
This painting isn't three-dimensional; it looks flat.
VisualThe artwork lacks shading and therefore lacks depth.
彼は感情を表に出さず、のっぺりと話す。
かれ は かんじょう を おもて に ださず、のっぺり と はなす。
He speaks flatly without showing any emotion.
FigurativeFigurative use for a voice tone that is monotonous and unexpressive.
化粧が濃すぎてのっぺりした印象になる。
けしょう が こすぎ て のっぺり した いんしょう に なる。
The makeup is too heavy, giving the impression of a flat face.
VisualIndicates that the makeup covers the natural dimensions of the face.
Similar Words
ぺったんこ
pettanko
Describes something that has been crushed flat or has completely lost its volume and air. Something physically flattened or squashed thin.
つるつる
tsurutsuru
Describes a surface that is exceptionally smooth, often to the point of being slick, shiny, or slippery. A surface that is very smooth and slippery to the touch.
Questions
Can I use nopperi to compliment a person's face?
It is not recommended. Nopperi usually has a negative connotation, meaning a face that lacks distinct features. If you want to compliment someone, use a different phrase.
What is the difference between nopperi and pettanko?
Pettanko means physically squashed or deflated. Nopperi means a surface is wide and smooth but lacks any varied features or 3D contours.
Can nopperi be used for sounds or voices?
Yes, it can be used figuratively for a voice that is very flat, monotonous, and devoid of intonation or emotion.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2135750
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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