Entry
パツパツ
patsupatsu
Describes a state of being stretched to the absolute limit, such as tight clothing bursting at the seams or a completely packed schedule.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term indicates that something has no slack or extra room left. It is frequently used to describe clothes that are uncomfortably tight, a stomach bursting from overeating, a bag stuffed to its limit, or a schedule with zero free time. It can also describe the rhythmic snipping sound of scissors.
- Tight clothing/containers
- Packed schedules
- Snipping sound
Sense Map
Tight & Bursting
When clothes, bags, or other containers are stretched to their limits and look like they might tear or burst.
このズボンはもうパツパツだ。
Packed Schedule
A figurative state where a schedule or timeline is overly full with no room to breathe.
今週は仕事の予定がパツパツだ。
Snipping Sound
The sharp, rhythmic sound of scissors cutting through hair or thread.
ハサミで髪をパツパツと切る。
Usage Note
How to Use
パツパツだ
Used at the end of a sentence to declare that something is currently bursting or packed.
パツパツになる
Indicates the process of becoming too tight or completely full.
パツパツの + noun
Acts as a modifier, such as tight clothes (パツパツの服).
パツパツと + verb
Functions as an adverb describing the manner or sound of an action, usually cutting.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パツパツの服
tight clothes
予定がパツパツ
packed schedule
お腹がパツパツ
stomach full to bursting
パツパツになる
to become too tight
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing/Body | mildly negative / self-deprecating | Often used to humorously complain that clothes don't fit anymore due to weight gain. |
| Schedule | stressed | Implies feeling rushed with back-to-back tasks and no breaks. |
| Scissors | neutral | Just a sound mimicry of rapid, sharp cutting. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱんぱん ぱんぱん / similar | For things that are bulging or puffed up with air/contents, like a balloon, a stuffed wallet, or a swollen face. | While 'panpan' focuses on expanding volume, 'patsupatsu' highlights the surface material being stretched taut with no slack left. | カバンがパンパンだ。 |
ぶかぶか ぶかぶか / opposite | When clothing or shoes are way too big and fit loosely. | The direct opposite of 'patsupatsu' in the context of clothing size. | ぶかぶかの服を着る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a room crowded with people.
Use ぎゅうぎゅう (gyuugyuu) or 満員 (man'in) for crowds. Patsupatsu is for physical containers stretching or schedules.
Using it to describe strict rules.
For strictness, use 厳しい (kibishii), not this mimetic word.
Examples
Examples
太ってしまって、お気に入りのズボンがパツパツになった。
ふとってしまって、おきにいりのズボンがパツパツになった。
I gained weight, and my favorite pants became bursting at the seams.
VisualShows that the clothing is stretched to its limit and barely fits.
今週は仕事の予定がパツパツで、休む暇がない。
こんしゅうはしごとのよていがパツパツで、やすむひまがない。
My work schedule is completely packed this week, with no time to rest.
FigurativeFigurative use for a timeline that is completely filled with no gaps.
カバンに荷物を詰め込みすぎて、パツパツだ。
カバンににもつをつめこみすぎて、パツパツだ。
The bag is bursting because I stuffed too many things in it.
VisualShows a bag that has lost all empty space, with its material stretched taut.
ビュッフェで食べ過ぎて、お腹がパツパツだ。
ビュッフェでたべすぎて、おなかがパツパツだ。
My stomach is ready to burst from eating too much at the buffet.
LiteralUsed for a stomach that is so full it feels stretched.
美容師がハサミで髪をパツパツと切っていく。
びようしがハサミでかみをパツパツときっていく。
The hairdresser snips away at the hair with the scissors.
LiteralDescribes the rhythmic, sharp sound of scissors.
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. Both mean full, but panpan implies puffed up or inflated volume.
ぶかぶか
bukabuka
Describes clothing, shoes, or accessories that are noticeably too large and loose-fitting on the wearer. The opposite of patsupatsu for clothing (way too loose).
Questions
Can I use patsupatsu for my calendar?
Yes, 'yotei ga patsupatsu' is a very natural way to say your schedule is packed tight.
What's the difference between patsupatsu and panpan?
Both mean full. 'Panpan' feels puffed up and bulging (like a balloon), while 'patsupatsu' implies the outer layer is stretched to the tearing point.
Is it rude to use this word?
No, it's a normal casual word. However, commenting that someone else's clothes are 'patsupatsu' might be seen as pointing out their weight gain, so use it carefully for others.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2849872
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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