Entry
ぽっかり
pokkari
ぽっかり describes a gaping hole, a light object floating in space, or a sudden sense of emptiness.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word visually represents a distinct void, such as a large hole opening up or a mouth left agape. It is also poetically used for a solitary cloud floating in the sky, or metaphorically for a sudden block of free time or a deep void in one's heart.
- gaping hole
- floating lightly
- sudden emptiness
Sense Map
Gaping holes
Describes a clear, distinct hole, gap, or opening that appears in a surface.
壁にぽっかり穴が空いている。
Floating lightly
Describes something light, such as a single cloud or the moon, floating solitarily in a large open space.
雲がぽっかり浮かんでいる。
Sudden void
Metaphorically describes a sudden opening in one's schedule, or a sudden feeling of emotional emptiness and loss.
ぽっかり時間が空いた。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぽっかり（と）+ verb
Modifies verbs like to open (開ける), to become empty (空く), or to float (浮かぶ).
ぽっかり空いた + noun
A common phrasing used to modify a noun, most frequently 'hole' (穴) or 'time' (時間).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぽっかり穴が空く
a gaping hole opens / a void in the heart
口をぽっかり開ける
to open one's mouth wide
ぽっかりと浮かぶ
to float lightly (in the sky/water)
ぽっかり時間が空く
time suddenly frees up
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical spaces (Holes, mouths) | Neutral | Objectively describes a clearly visible, often rounded hole or opening. |
| Floating objects (Clouds) | Peaceful | Evokes a calm, airy image of a solitary object resting lightly in a large space. |
| Time and emotions | Neutral to Negative | Can be neutral/positive when having unexpected free time, but distinctly sorrowful when used for a void left by losing someone. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽかん ぽかん / similar | Use 'pokan' for states of being vacant, absent-minded, or stunned. | 'pokkari' focuses on the physical or spatial condition of being open or empty, while 'pokan' focuses on the mental state of being blank or amazed. | ぽかんと口を開ける。 |
ひょっこり ひょっこり / similar | Use 'hyokkori' when a person or creature suddenly or unexpectedly appears. | 'pokkari' is not used for the sudden appearance of people, but rather for the sudden appearance of empty space or time. | ひょっこり顔を出す。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'pokkari' to describe someone suddenly showing up.
Use 'hyokkori' (ひょっこり) for a person appearing unexpectedly.
Using 'pokkari' for eyes wide open in surprise.
While 'pokkari' is used for mouths, use 'pacchiri' (ぱっちり) to describe wide, bright eyes.
Examples
Examples
地面にぽっかりと穴が空いている。
じめんに ぽっかりと あなが あいている。
There is a gaping hole open in the ground.
VisualIndicates a clearly visible physical hole.
空に白い雲がぽっかり浮かんでいた。
そらに しろいくもが ぽっかり うかんでいた。
A white cloud was floating lightly in the sky.
VisualDescribes a light object floating peacefully in a large space.
予定がキャンセルになり、ぽっかり時間が空いた。
よていが キャンセルになり、 ぽっかり じかんが あいた。
My plans were canceled, and suddenly my time freed up.
FigurativeDescribes a sudden opening in one's schedule.
驚いて口をぽっかり開けたまま立ち尽くした。
おどろいて くちを ぽっかり あけたまま たちつくした。
I stood there in surprise with my mouth wide open.
VisualShows a mouth physically gaping open due to surprise.
親友が遠くへ引っ越してしまい、心にぽっかり穴が空いたようだ。
しんゆうが とおくへ ひっこしてしまい、 こころに ぽっかり あなが あいたようだ。
My best friend moved far away, and it feels like there is a gaping hole in my heart.
FigurativeDescribes a feeling of loss and emotional emptiness.
Similar Words
ぽかん
pokan
Describes a state of staring blankly, gaping in surprise with an open mouth, or the light, hollow sound of a whack. Describes an absent-minded or stunned state, unlike 'pokkari' which focuses on the physical state of being open.
ひょっこり
hyokkori
Describes the action of someone or something appearing suddenly, unexpectedly, or out of nowhere. Used when a person appears suddenly, while 'pokkari' is used for time or space becoming empty.
Questions
Is 'pokkari' always a negative word?
No. While it can mean a sad emotional void, it is completely neutral or even pleasant when talking about freed-up time or a peacefully floating cloud.
What is the difference between 'pokkari' and 'pokan' for open mouths?
'pokkari' highlights the physical state of the mouth being visually wide open, while 'pokan' emphasizes the person's dazed or absent-minded mental state.
Can I use 'pokkari' when an idea suddenly comes to mind?
Yes, you can occasionally use it to describe an idea floating up suddenly into an otherwise blank mind, similar to a cloud in the sky.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2009750
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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