Entry
ぷつぷつ
putsuputsu
Small bumps or a fine pimply rash, or the state of thin threads and strings snapping easily and repeatedly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A word that describes a surface covered in tiny, fine bumps, such as a mild skin rash or small pimples. It is also used to describe the state of thin, fragile objects like threads or strings snapping easily and repeatedly without much force.
- Tiny pimples or fine rash on the skin
- Thin threads snapping repeatedly
Sense Map
Bumps and Rash
Fine bumps or tiny pimples that appear on the skin surface due to irritation, sweat, or allergies.
腕に赤いぷつぷつができる。
Snapping Easily
The state of a thin, fragile item like a thread or rubber band snapping repeatedly without resistance.
古い糸がぷつぷつと切れる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぷつぷつ + が + できる
ぷつぷつ + している
ぷつぷつ（と） + 切れる
Acts as an adverb describing how something thin tears or snaps in rapid succession.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぷつぷつができる
get small bumps or pimples
糸がぷつぷつ切れる
thread snaps repeatedly
肌がぷつぷつする
skin feels bumpy or rough
ぷつぷつとちぎれる
tearing off easily into small pieces
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Skin condition | neutral | Objectively describes the physical texture of skin affected by a mild rash or fine sweat pimples. |
| Fragile items | neutral | Shows the brittleness of thin materials like old thread or aged rubber breaking with almost no force. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶつぶつ ぶつぶつ / contrast | Used for larger, more prominent bumps, severe acne, or a heavy rash. | ぷつぷつ focuses specifically on very small, fine, and closely packed bumps. | 顔にぶつぶつができる |
ぼつぼつ ぼつぼつ / similar | Used for scattered spots or holes, or when starting something gradually. | ぷつぷつ describes a dense texture of fine bumps rather than scattered spots. | ぼつぼつと穴が開く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for a thick rope breaking.
The word ぷつぷつ implies thin strings. Use ぶちっ (buchi) for thick items breaking.
Using it to describe a loud boiling sound.
For boiling liquids, use ふつふつ (futsu-futsu) or ぐつぐつ (gutsu-gutsu).
Examples
Examples
腕に赤いぷつぷつができた。
うでにあかいぷつぷつができた。
Red bumps appeared on my arm.
VisualFocuses on the visual appearance of fine red bumps on the skin.
乾燥で肌がぷつぷつしている。
かんそうではだがぷつぷつしている。
My skin feels bumpy due to dryness.
VisualDescribes the physical sensation and appearance of rough, bumpy skin.
古い糸がぷつぷつと切れてしまった。
ふるいいとがぷつぷつときれてしまった。
The old thread snapped repeatedly with ease.
LiteralDescribes the fragile state of an old thread breaking multiple times.
引っ張ると、ゴムがぷつぷつちぎれる。
ひっぱると、ごむがぷつぷつちぎれる。
If you pull it, the rubber tears easily into pieces.
LiteralCaptures the weak, brittle snapping of a rubber band into smaller pieces.
額の小さなぷつぷつが治らない。
ひたいのちいさなぷつぷつがなおらない。
The tiny pimples on my forehead won't go away.
VisualRefers to tiny pimples or acne that are small and densely packed.
Similar Words
ぶつぶつ
butsubutsu
Butsubutsu describes the low sound of someone grumbling, the appearance of a skin rash or pimples, the gentle bubbling of simmering liquid, or the act of chopping something into pieces. Used for larger, more noticeable bumps like acne or bug bites.
ぼつぼつ
botsubotsu
Indicates starting an action gradually or that it is time to do something soon, and also describes scattered spots or pimples. Describes scattered spots or holes, or starting something gradually.
Questions
What is the difference between putsu-putsu and butsu-butsu?
Putsu-putsu refers to very small, fine bumps like a mild rash. Butsu-butsu is used for larger, more noticeable bumps or acne.
Can I use putsu-putsu for a thick rope breaking?
No, it is specifically used for thin, fragile strings or threads that snap easily.
Is putsu-putsu used for sounds?
While it can occasionally describe tiny bubbles popping, its primary usage is visual for skin bumps or physical for fragile threads snapping.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2658950
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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