Entry
ぷっくり
pukkuri
Pukkuri describes something small and soft that is noticeably swollen, puffed up, or plump.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is frequently used to describe cute or attractive facial features like full lips and chubby cheeks, as well as things that swell up naturally like dough, flower buds, or even small insect bites.
- Plump features
- Puffed dough or buds
- Small swellings
Sense Map
Plump (Features)
Describes a small part of the body that is full, round, and soft, usually giving a cute or healthy impression.
ぷっくりした唇
Puffed Up (Dough/Bites)
Describes the visual state of something expanding outward into a small round shape, like baking bread or a mosquito bite.
ぷっくりと膨らむ
Usage Note
How to Use
ぷっくりする
To become plump or puff up (used as a verb).
ぷっくりした + noun
Modifies a noun to indicate it has a plump or puffed-up shape.
ぷっくりと + verb
Modifies a verb to describe the manner of swelling or puffing out.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぷっくりと膨らむ
to swell up plumply
ぷっくりした唇
plump lips
ぷっくり腫れる
to swell up into a little bump
ほっぺたがぷっくりする
cheeks puff out / chubby cheeks
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Facial features (lips, cheeks) | positive | Conveys a sense of youth, cuteness, and attractiveness. |
| Bug bites or blisters | neutral | Describes the specific visual shape of a localized, raised bump without implying severe danger. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽっちゃり ぽっちゃり / nearby | Used to describe a person whose entire body is pleasantly chubby or pleasantly plump. | Pukkuri is only used for specific, localized parts (like lips or a single blister), not the whole body. | ぽっちゃりした体型 |
ふっくら ふっくら / nearby | Focuses on a soft, airy, and fluffy texture, such as freshly baked bread or soft bedding. | Pukkuri focuses primarily on the outward bulging shape rather than just the soft feeling inside. | ふっくら焼けたパン |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using pukkuri to describe a fat or overweight person.
Use "potchari" (chubby) or "futotte iru" (fat). Pukkuri only applies to specific small parts, like cheeks or lips.
Using pukkuri for severe, large medical swellings (like a badly sprained ankle).
Pukkuri implies a small, distinct, and sometimes cute round bump. For serious swellings, simply use "hareru" (to swell).
Examples
Examples
彼女のぷっくりした唇がとても魅力的だ。
かのじょのぷっくりしたくちびるがとてもみりょくてきだ。
Her plump lips are very attractive.
VisualDescribes the naturally full and thick shape of the lips.
蚊に刺されたところがぷっくり腫れてしまった。
かにさされたところがぷっくりはれてしまった。
The mosquito bite swelled up into a little bump.
VisualIndicates a small swelling that bulges out roundly.
オーブンの中でパンがぷっくりと膨らんできた。
オーブンのなかでパンがぷっくりとふくらんできた。
The bread in the oven is starting to puff up nicely.
VisualDescribes the bread dough puffing up perfectly while baking.
春になって、桜のつぼみがぷっくりしてきた。
はるになって、さくらのつぼみがぷっくりしてきた。
Spring has come, and the cherry blossom buds have become plump.
VisualDescribes a flower bud that has grown plump and is ready to bloom.
赤ちゃんのぷっくりしたほっぺたを触りたくなる。
あかちゃんのぷっくりしたほっぺたをさわりたくなる。
I want to touch the baby's chubby cheeks.
VisualDescribes the cute and chubby cheeks of a baby.
Similar Words
ぽっちゃり
pocchari
A cute and positive way to describe someone or something as plump or chubby. Describes a person who is pleasantly chubby overall, not just a small body part.
ふっくら
fukkura
Describes something that is soft, fluffy, and pleasantly full or plump. Focuses on a soft, fluffy, and full texture rather than the outward bulge.
Questions
What is the difference between pukkuri and potchari?
Potchari describes a person's overall chubby body shape, while pukkuri refers to a specific plump part like lips or cheeks.
Can I use pukkuri for a sprained ankle?
No, pukkuri is for small, distinct bumps like a bug bite. For a sprain, it is better to just use the standard verb hareru (to swell).
Is pukkuri used for food?
Yes, it is very common to describe dough, mochi, or baked goods that have puffed up nicely in the oven.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2793060
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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