Entry
タプタプ
taputapu
Describes something soft and jiggly, such as flabby body fat or a stomach full of sloshing liquid.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word (gitaigo) that captures the soft, jiggly state of something moving back and forth. It is most commonly used to describe flabby flesh, like a double chin, upper arms, or a protruding belly. It also describes a container or a stomach that is so full of liquid that it sloshes around with movement.
- jiggly or flabby flesh
- sloshing liquid in a container or stomach
Sense Map
Flabby Flesh
Describes excess body fat or flesh (such as on the belly, chin, or arms) that is soft and jiggles when moving.
タプタプのお腹
Sloshing Liquid
Describes a stomach or container that is completely filled with liquid, causing a sloshing feeling or sound.
お腹がタプタプする
Usage Note
How to Use
タプタプ
Used as a verb to describe the action or state of jiggling or sloshing.
タプタプする
Used as a verb to describe the action or state of jiggling or sloshing.
タプタプしている
Used as a verb to describe the action or state of jiggling or sloshing.
タプタプの + Noun
Modifies a noun to describe it as flabby or jiggly (e.g., flabby belly, double chin).
タプタプだ
How to Use
Common Phrases
お腹がタプタプだ
belly is flabby / belly is sloshing with water
タプタプのお肉
flabby meat/fat
二重顎がタプタプ
jiggly double chin
水でタプタプ
sloshing with water
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Talking about body shape | neutral/mildly negative | Often used self-deprecatingly to complain about gaining a little fat on the belly, underarms, or chin. |
| Drinking beverages | neutral | Describes the uncomfortable but non-painful feeling of having too much liquid sloshing in one's stomach. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶよぶよ ぶよぶよ / similar | Used for things that are unpleasantly soft, flabby, and completely lacking firmness. | Has a more negative, unhealthy, or spongy connotation. 'taputapu' emphasizes the heavy, jiggly motion itself. | ブヨブヨのお腹 |
だぶだぶ だぶだぶ / nearby | Used to describe oversized, baggy clothing, or sometimes copious amounts of liquid. | Cannot be used to describe body fat or skin texture. 'taputapu' is strictly for flesh or sloshing liquid. | だぶだぶのズボン |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'taputapu' to describe soft fabrics or bread.
Use 'fuwafuwa' or 'yawarakai' for soft objects. 'taputapu' specifically requires a heavy, liquid-like, or fleshy jiggle.
Using 'taputapu' to describe baggy clothes.
Use 'dabudabu' or 'bukabuka' for loose clothing.
Examples
Examples
お腹に肉がついてタプタプしている。
おなかに にくが ついて タプタプ している。
I've gained fat on my belly and it's flabby.
VisualDescribes soft, jiggly belly fat.
水を飲みすぎて、お腹がタプタプだ。
みずを のみすぎて、 おなかが タプタプだ。
I drank too much water, and my stomach is sloshing.
LiteralUsed when liquid is sloshing inside the stomach.
コップにタプタプと水が注がれた。
コップに タプタプと みずが そそがれた。
Water was poured into the cup until it was full and sloshing.
VisualIndicates a container that is very full with liquid.
タプタプの二重顎をどうにかしたい。
タプタプの にじゅうあごを どうにか したい。
I want to do something about my flabby double chin.
VisualExample of using it as an adjective for loose flesh.
歩くたびにタプタプと揺れる。
あるく たびに タプタプと ゆれる。
It jiggles flabbily every time I walk.
VisualDescribes the movement of fat due to physical activity.
Similar Words
ブヨブヨ
buyobuyo
ブヨブヨ (buyobuyo) describes something that is overly soft, lacks firmness, or is flabby to the touch. Both mean soft, but 'buyobuyo' implies an unhealthy, flaccid softness with no muscle.
だぶだぶ
dabudabu
Describes clothing that is noticeably oversized, flabby flesh, or liquids pouring abundantly. Used for overly baggy clothes or copious liquids, not for flabby skin.
ぐにゃぐにゃ
gunyagunya
The state of being extremely soft, limp, or easily bent out of shape, like soft rubber or weak limbs.
Questions
What is the difference between タプタプ (taputapu) and ブヨブヨ (buyobuyo)?
Both describe softness, but 'buyobuyo' implies something spongy, unpleasantly flaccid, and lacking muscle. 'taputapu' focuses on the jiggly, fluid-like motion of the weight.
Can I use タプタプ to describe someone else's body?
Yes, but since it highlights flabby fat, it can easily come across as rude. It is best used for yourself, a pet's belly, or in a very close, joking relationship.
Does タプタプ only mean fat?
No, it also means a container or a stomach is full of liquid that is sloshing around, like when you drink way too much water.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2549830
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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