Entry
せこせこ
sekoseko
Behaving in a petty, stingy, or sly manner, often obsessing over minor gains or small details.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a lack of generosity and broad-mindedness. It refers to someone who is obsessively frugal to the point of being cheap, or someone who acts frantically and slyly to secure tiny advantages. It carries a strong derogatory and critical tone.
- Being cheap with money
- Acting small-minded or sly
Sense Map
Stingy (Money)
Being overly calculating and reluctant to spend even the smallest amount of money.
せこせこ貯金する
Petty (Action)
Acting without dignity, busying oneself to gain small advantages in an ungraceful way.
せこせこ立ち回る
Usage Note
How to Use
せこせこする
Used as a verb (suru) to state that someone is acting petty or stingy.
せこせこと + Verb
Acts as an adverb describing how an action (like working or saving) is done in a petty, small-minded way.
せこせこした + Noun
Modifies a noun, typically to describe a person, mindset, or lifestyle that is narrow-minded.
How to Use
Common Phrases
せこせこ働く
to work frantically for small pay
せこせこ貯金する
to save money stingily
せこせこした男
a petty/cheap man
せこせこ生きる
to live a petty, small-minded life
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Money management | Negative | Describes someone who refuses to lose out on even the tiniest amount, often making others uncomfortable. |
| Social behavior | Derogatory | Indicates someone who maneuvers slyly or frantically for their own minor benefit. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
けちけち けちけち / similar | Used specifically for extreme frugality or stinginess regarding money and possessions. | Unlike sekoseko, kechikechi does not usually describe frantically bustling about or acting slyly for non-material things. | けちけちしないで |
こそこそ こそこそ / similar | Used when someone is hiding their actions from others (sneaking around, whispering). | Focuses on the secrecy of the action, not on pettiness or the motivation for minor gains. | こそこそ話す |
堂々と どうどうと / opposite | Used when someone acts openly, confidently, and with dignity. | This is the direct opposite of a petty, secretive, or calculating attitude. | 堂々と意見を言う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using せこせこ to compliment someone who is good at saving money.
Use 節約する (setsuyaku suru) or 倹約家 (kenyaku-ka) for positive frugality. せこせこ is always negative (cheap/petty).
Describing yourself as せこせこ in a formal setting.
This word is derogatory. Only apply it to yourself if you are making a self-deprecating joke among close friends.
Examples
Examples
毎日スーパーの割引券を集めて、せこせこ貯金している。
まいにちスーパーのわりびきけんをあつめて、せこせこちょきんしている。
I collect discount coupons from the supermarket every day and save money stingily.
LiteralShows calculating behavior regarding money.
彼はいつもせこせこしていて、一緒にいると疲れる。
かれはいつもせこせこしていて、いっしょにいるとつかれる。
He is always being petty, so it's tiring to be with him.
FigurativeFocuses on a narrow-minded character trait.
他人の目を気にして、せこせこ立ち回るのはやめなさい。
たにんのめをきにして、せこせこたちまわるのはやめなさい。
Stop acting slyly while worrying about what others think.
FigurativeUsed for the action of seeking small advantages in an ungraceful way.
せこせこした考え方では、大きな成功は得られない。
せこせこしたかんがえかたでは、おおきなせいこうはえられない。
You cannot achieve great success with a petty way of thinking.
FigurativeDescribes a narrow mindset.
彼女は小銭をせこせこと数えていた。
かのじょはこぜにをせこせことかぞえていた。
She was calculatingly counting small coins.
VisualA visible action demonstrating stinginess.
Similar Words
けちけち
kechikechi
Focuses purely on stinginess with money/materials.
Questions
Is せこせこ only about money?
No. While often linked to stinginess, it broadly describes petty actions, thoughts, or a lifestyle overly concerned with trivial details or minor advantages.
What is the difference between せこせこ and けちけち?
けちけち (kechikechi) is almost exclusively about being stingy with money or goods. せこせこ (sekoseko) includes that stinginess but adds the nuance of bustling about and being narrow-minded for trivial gains.
Can I use this word for an older person?
It is highly unadvisable. This is a harsh criticism. Using it toward a boss or elder is considered very rude.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2866534
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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