Entry
ぽっこり
pokkori
A word used to describe a small, round bulge sticking out, most frequently referring to a bulging or chubby stomach.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ぽっこり (pokkori) is a mimetic word representing an isolated, round bulge protruding softly from a surface. It is most famously used to describe a belly that sticks out—such as a food baby after a large meal or early pregnancy—carrying a relatively soft, cute, and non-threatening nuance.
- A round, bulging stomach.
- A soft, isolated round mound or bulge.
Sense Map
Bulging Stomach
Describes a belly sticking out in a round shape due to eating too much, carrying a little extra weight, or pregnancy.
お腹がぽっこり出る。
Round Protrusion
Describes an object or surface that rises up into a soft, round mound.
ぽっこりした山が見える。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぽっこり出る
Used with the verb 'deru' (to stick out) to describe something, usually a stomach, bulging forward.
ぽっこり（と）する
ぽっこりした + Noun
Modifies a noun to describe it as having a round, bulging shape.
ぽっこりと + Verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
お腹がぽっこり
bulging tummy
ぽっこり出る
to bulge out
ぽっこりしたお腹
a round protruding belly
ぽっこり膨らむ
to swell roundly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | neutral | Commonly used in a lighthearted or self-deprecating way to describe one's own tummy after a big meal. |
| Landscape / Surfaces | neutral | Can describe a dome-shaped hill or a small round island sitting alone in an otherwise flat space. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もっこり もっこり / similar | Used for a more distinct, substantial mound or bulge, frequently used colloquially for a crotch bulge under clothing. | ぽっこり is much more innocent and focuses on a soft, round shape like a full tummy. | ズボンがもっこりする |
にょっきり にょっきり / contrast | Used when something somewhat long suddenly sticks or rises up. | にょっきり implies a longer, thinner shape extending out, while ぽっこり is a short, round dome. | キノコがにょっきり生える |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a painful swollen injury.
ぽっこり is cute and soft. For medical swelling, use 腫れる (hareru) or ぷっくり (pukkuri) instead.
Using it to describe sharp edges sticking out.
ぽっこり only applies to smooth, curved, round protrusions.
Examples
Examples
食べ過ぎて、お腹がぽっこり出た。
たべすぎて、おなかがぽっこりでた。
My stomach is bulging out from eating too much.
VisualThe most common usage, showing a food baby.
道の真ん中にぽっこりと土が盛り上がっている。
みちのまんなかにぽっこりとつちがもりあがっている。
There is a round mound of dirt sticking up in the middle of the road.
VisualDescribes an uneven surface forming a small round mound.
彼はぽっこりしたお腹をさすった。
かれはぽっこりしたおなかをさすった。
He rubbed his bulging round stomach.
VisualFunctions as an adjective modifying the stomach's shape.
遠くにぽっこり浮かぶ小島が見える。
とおくにぽっこりうかぶこじまがみえる。
In the distance, you can see a small round island sticking out of the water.
VisualHighlights the dome-like shape of a small island on a flat sea.
妊娠して、少しお腹がぽっこりしてきた。
にんしんして、すこしおなかがぽっこりしてきた。
Being pregnant, my tummy has started to bulge roundly a little.
VisualOften used for early pregnancy when the bump starts to show.
Similar Words
にょっきり
nyokkiri
It describes the visual state of something long and thin sticking out prominently or rising up into view. For elongated objects sticking out.
もっこり
mokkori
It describes something that is prominently bulging or swelling into a rounded shape. For larger or firmer bulges.
Questions
Can ぽっこり only be used for stomachs?
While strongly associated with stomachs, it can describe any small, isolated round mound, like a bump on the ground or a round hill.
Is ぽっこり an offensive way to say someone is fat?
It's softer and cuter than words for 'fat' or 'obese'. It usually means a 'potbelly'. However, commenting on someone's weight is generally risky, so it's best used playfully or about oneself.
What is the difference between ぽっこり and ぽっかり (pokkari)?
ぽっこり refers to a solid round bulge sticking OUT, whereas ぽっかり means a round hole or empty space opening UP (like a gaping hole).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2833389
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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