Entry
ぽっくり
pokkuri
Describes passing away suddenly and peacefully without prior suffering, or the crisp sound of a dry, brittle object snapping.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ぽっくり (pokkuri) is most famously used to describe a sudden, painless death without prolonged illness. It is often seen as an ideal way to pass away in old age. Alternatively, it describes the clean, crisp snapping of something dry and brittle, like a dead branch or chalk.
- sudden, peaceful death
- snapping of brittle objects
Sense Map
Sudden Death
A sudden and peaceful death without prolonged suffering or being bedridden.
ぽっくり逝く
Brittle Snapping
The clean, crisp snapping of a dry and brittle object.
枝がぽっくり折れる
Usage Note
How to Use
ぽっくり死ぬ
ぽっくり逝く
ぽっくりと折れる
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぽっくり死ぬ
to die suddenly and peacefully
ぽっくり逝く
to pass away suddenly
ぽっくりと折れる
to snap cleanly
ぽっくり折る
to snap something brittle
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Talking about aging and the end of life | Positive / Neutral | Many elderly Japanese people express a wish to go 'pokkuri' to avoid becoming a burden to their families through prolonged illness. |
| Breaking physical objects | Neutral | Highlights the satisfying, clean break of something that is dry and brittle. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽっきり ぽっきり / similar | Use for the clean snapping of thin hard objects, or to mean 'exactly' a certain amount. | While both can describe snapping, only ぽっくり is used for sudden, peaceful death. ぽっきり also has the meaning of 'exactly' (e.g., exactly 1000 yen). | 枝がぽっきり折れる |
ぷっつり ぷっつり / contrast | Use when a tense thread snaps, or when communication is suddenly cut off. | ぷっつり is for threads or connections snapping abruptly, whereas ぽっくり is for brittle solid objects breaking or peaceful death. | 糸がぷっつり切れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a tragic or violent death.
ぽっくり implies a peaceful, pain-free passing, usually of natural causes. It is inappropriate for accidents or tragic events.
Using it for breaking soft or flexible materials.
It should only be applied to dry, brittle things like chalk or dead twigs that snap cleanly.
Examples
Examples
苦しむことなく、ぽっくりと逝くのが私の理想だ。
くるしむことなく、ぽっくりといくのがわたしのりそうだ。
Passing away suddenly and peacefully without suffering is my ideal.
FigurativeOften used to express the hope of passing away peacefully without burdening others.
乾燥した小枝を足で踏むと、ぽっくりと折れた。
かんそうしたこえだをあしでふむと、ぽっくりとおれた。
When I stepped on the dry twig, it snapped cleanly.
LiteralDescribes the crisp breaking of a dry, brittle object.
祖父は病気一つせず、ある日ぽっくり亡くなった。
そふはびょうきひとつせず、あるひぽっくりなくなった。
My grandfather never had a single illness and passed away suddenly one day.
FigurativeIndicates a sudden death without a long period of being bedridden.
力を入れすぎたら、鉛筆の芯がぽっくりと折れてしまった。
ちからをいれすぎたら、えんぴつのしんがぽっくりとおれてしまった。
When I put too much pressure, the pencil lead snapped right off.
LiteralCan also be used for thin, brittle everyday items like pencil lead.
先生が黒板に強く字を書いたら、チョークがぽっくりと折れた。
せんせいがこくばんにつよくじをかいたら、チョークがぽっくりとおれた。
When the teacher wrote strongly on the blackboard, the chalk snapped.
LiteralChalk is a perfect example of a dry, brittle object that breaks with this sound.
Similar Words
ぷっつり
puttsuri
For threads or strings snapping, not solid objects breaking.
Questions
Is it offensive to say someone died 'pokkuri'?
While it means a peaceful death, it is somewhat colloquial. Saying it directly to a grieving family could be perceived as too casual. It is mostly used when talking about one's own wishes or narrating a story.
What is the difference between ぽっくり (pokkuri) and ぽっきり (pokkiri)?
Both can mean snapping. However, 'pokkuri' uniquely refers to sudden, peaceful death. Meanwhile, 'pokkiri' can also mean 'exactly' (like a flat price).
Can I use ぽっくり for tearing paper?
No, this word is strictly for rigid, brittle items breaking in two. For tearing paper, you would use words like びりびり (biribiri).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2055890
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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