Entry
ぷくり
pukuri
Describes a single bubble popping up or something swelling/puffing up slightly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word used to describe the sudden appearance of a single small bubble, or a small, distinct swelling. It is often used for flower buds forming, a mosquito bite swelling, or someone puffing out their cheeks.
- A single bubble
- A small puff or swelling
Sense Map
Bubbling
Describes a single bubble rising to the surface or suddenly appearing.
泡がぷくりと浮かぶ
Swelling
Describes a small, localized swelling or puffing up, such as puffed cheeks, a bud, or an insect bite.
頬をぷくりと膨らませる
Usage Note
How to Use
ぷくりと + Verb
Used as an adverb to describe how something swells or bubbles (e.g., ぷくりと膨らむ).
ぷくりとする
Used to describe the state of being slightly puffed up.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぷくりと膨らむ
to puff up slightly
泡がぷくりと
a bubble (rises)
頬がぷくりと
cheeks puffing out
蕾がぷくりと
a bud swelling
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Water surface | Neutral | Highlights a single distinct bubble breaking the surface. |
| Facial expressions | Light/Positive | Often used for a cute pout where someone puffs out their cheeks. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷくぷく ぷくぷく / similar | Use when many bubbles are rising continuously, or to describe something broadly chubby/plump. | Not for a single occurrence; implies repetition or an overall state. | 泡がぷくぷく出る |
ぷっくり ぷっくり / similar | Use when the swelling is more pronounced, plump, or firm. | Has a stronger sense of fullness and permanence compared to the lighter ぷくり. | ぷっくりした唇 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぷくり for a pot of vigorously boiling water.
Use ぷくぷく (pukupuku) or ぐつぐつ (gutsugutsu) for many bubbles. ぷくり is for just one or an isolated bubble.
Using it for a serious, painful medical swelling.
It implies a small, cute, or harmless bump (like a mosquito bite). Use 腫れる (hareru) for serious swellings.
Examples
Examples
水面に泡がぷくりと浮かんだ。
すいめんに あわが ぷくりと うかんだ。
A single bubble popped up on the surface of the water.
VisualShows a single bubble suddenly appearing.
彼女は怒って頬をぷくりと膨らませた。
かのじょは おこって ほおを ぷくりと ふくらませた。
She got angry and puffed out her cheeks slightly.
VisualA slight, cute pouting expression.
蚊に刺された所がぷくりと腫れている。
かに さされた ところが ぷくりと はれている。
The spot bitten by the mosquito has swollen up into a small bump.
VisualDescribes a small bump on the skin.
春になって、枝に蕾がぷくりとできた。
はるに なって、えだに つぼみが ぷくりと できた。
Spring came, and a bud swelled up on the branch.
VisualFocuses on the small, round shape of a new bud.
鍋の底から気泡がぷくりと上がってきた。
なべの そこから きほうが ぷくりと あがってきた。
A bubble rose up from the bottom of the pot.
VisualBefore a full boil, when just a single bubble escapes.
Similar Words
ぷくぷく
pukupuku
Use for many continuous bubbles.
ぷっくり
pukkuri
Pukkuri describes something small and soft that is noticeably swollen, puffed up, or plump. Use for a larger, more distinct swelling or plumpness.
ぷくっと
pukutto
Describes something visibly and suddenly puffing out or swelling up, such as puffed cheeks or a small blister.
Questions
Can ぷくり (pukuri) be used for severe swellings?
No, this word is only used for small, slight swellings or bumps, like a mosquito bite or slightly puffed cheeks.
Can I use ぷくり for solid, hard objects swelling?
No, it is generally reserved for soft, elastic things containing air or liquid, like skin, buds, or water.
Do I always need the particle と?
Yes, when modifying a verb, it is almost always used as ぷくりと (pukuri to).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2734670
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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