Entry
すぽっと
supotto
A word describing something fitting perfectly into a space or coming out smoothly without resistance.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes something fitting perfectly and cleanly into a tight space, or conversely, coming out of one smoothly with a popping or plopping sound. It emphasizes exactness, lack of resistance, and the neatness of the insertion or extraction.
- Fitting perfectly
- Popping out smoothly
- Slipping the mind completely
Sense Map
Fitting Perfectly
Used when an object fits cleanly into a tight space or container without leaving gaps.
指にすぽっとはまる。
Smooth Extraction
Used when something tightly wedged comes out easily, often with a slight popping sound.
コルクがすぽっと抜ける。
Memory Loss
Used figuratively when a specific chunk of memory or information is completely forgotten.
記憶がすぽっと抜ける。
Usage Note
How to Use
すぽっと + verb (はまる, 抜ける, 入る)
Used directly before verbs of entering, exiting, or covering to show that the action happened cleanly and perfectly without friction.
すぽっと + verb (被る)
Used directly before verbs of entering, exiting, or covering to show that the action happened cleanly and perfectly without friction.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すぽっとはまる
to fit perfectly
すぽっと抜ける
to pop out smoothly
すぽっと入る
to slip right in
すぽっと被る
to wear snugly covering the head
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting objects together | positive | Gives a sense of satisfaction that the object fits perfectly. |
| Losing a memory | neutral | Indicates that a very specific piece of information has cleanly vanished from one's mind. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ずぼっと ずぼっと / similar | Used when something enters or exits deeply or with force, often into something soft like mud. | Not used for clean, neat, or perfect fits. | 泥にズボッと埋まる。 |
すっぽり すっぽり / similar | Used when something is completely covered, enveloped, or hidden by something else. | Focuses more on the state of being completely enveloped rather than the exactness of the fit or the popping action. | 布団にすっぽり包まる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using supotto when meaning 'completely covered' in all contexts.
Use suppori (すっぽり) if the focus is on being entirely enveloped (like wrapping oneself in a blanket). Supotto focuses on a precise fit.
Using it to describe pushing something in with force.
Supotto implies a smooth motion without friction. If you force something in, words like gyutto (ぎゅっと) are more appropriate.
Examples
Examples
指輪が指にすぽっとはまった。
ゆびわがゆびにすぽっとはまった。
The ring fit snugly on the finger.
LiteralShows an exact size fit with no gaps.
コルクが瓶からすぽっと抜けた。
こるくがびんからすぽっとぬけた。
The cork popped out of the bottle smoothly.
LiteralEmphasizes the smooth extraction from a tight spot.
帽子を頭にすぽっと被る。
ぼうしをあたまにすぽっとかぶる。
Putting on a hat that fits snugly on the head.
VisualDescribes the quick, satisfying motion of putting it on.
ゴミが穴にすぽっと入った。
ごみがあなにすぽっとはいった。
The trash slid neatly right into the hole.
VisualEntering cleanly without getting caught on the edges.
その時の記憶がすぽっと抜け落ちている。
そのときのきおくがすぽっとぬけおちている。
The memory of that time has completely dropped out.
FigurativeIllustrates a specific chunk of memory being entirely gone.
Similar Words
すぽん
supon
Represents the state of something fitting snugly into a space or the clean 'pop' sound of being swiftly pulled out.
すっぽり
suppori
すっぽり describes a state where something is completely covered, enveloped, or fits perfectly into a space without sticking out. Focuses on the state of being completely enveloped.
ズボッと
zubotto
Describes the sudden action or sound of plunging deep into a tight space, sinking into mud, or popping out of a hole. Deeper, rougher, or requires more force.
Questions
What is the difference between supotto and suppori?
Supotto focuses on a perfect fit into a space or popping out cleanly, whereas suppori focuses on being completely covered or enveloped by something.
Does supotto describe a sound?
While it can imply a slight popping or plopping sound when extracting something, it primarily describes the clean movement and fit.
Can I use it for abstract concepts?
Yes, its most common abstract use is for 'completely forgetting' something, such as 'memory dropping out' (kioku ga supotto nukeru).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2653550
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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