Entry
てこてこ
tekoteko
The sound or appearance of walking with light, small steps.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the sound or visual appearance of taking short, light footsteps. It is most commonly associated with toddlers, small children, or small animals, conveying a sense of cuteness and innocence.
- Toddlers walking
- Small animals walking
Sense Map
Toddler Steps
Used to describe a baby or young child taking short, light footsteps.
赤ちゃんがてこてこ歩く。
Small Animal Steps
Used to describe small animals walking with their short legs.
子犬がてこてこついてくる。
Usage Note
How to Use
てこてこ歩く
てこてこと進む
How to Use
Common Phrases
てこてこ歩く
walk with small steps
てこてこと進む
move forward with short steps
てこてこついていく
follow with small steps
てこてこ近寄る
approach with short steps
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Children | positive | Commonly used affectionately by parents or observers watching a toddler walk. |
| Adults | neutral | Only used playfully to tease someone taking unusually small or restricted steps. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
てくてく てくてく / similar | Used for a person walking steadily over a distance. | While てくてく (tekuteku) implies a steady walk by an older child or adult, てこてこ (tekoteko) focuses strictly on the tiny, light steps of toddlers or small animals. | てくてく歩く |
ぽてぽて ぽてぽて / similar | Used when the subject is plump and takes soft, slightly heavy-looking steps. | てこてこ (tekoteko) emphasizes the lightness and quickness of the small steps, whereas ぽてぽて (potepote) highlights the soft, chubby nature of the walker. | ぽてぽて歩く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for a tall adult walking to the train station.
Use てくてく (tekuteku) instead. てこてこ (tekoteko) is only for tiny, cute steps.
Using this word to describe loud, stomping footsteps.
Use words like どしんどしん (doshindoshin) for heavy steps. てこてこ (tekoteko) is for light sounds.
Examples
Examples
赤ちゃんがてこてこと歩き始めた。
あかちゃん が てこてこ と あるきはじめた。
The baby started walking with small, light steps.
VisualDescribes the visual manner of a baby taking short, light steps as they learn to walk.
子犬がてこてこついてくる。
こいぬ が てこてこ ついて くる。
The puppy follows behind with short, quick steps.
VisualFocuses on the short legs of a small animal moving quickly to keep up.
ペンギンがてこてこ歩く姿がかわいい。
ぺんぎん が てこてこ あるく すがた が かわいい。
The sight of a penguin walking with short steps is cute.
VisualDescribes the characteristic short-stepped walking manner of a penguin.
妹がてこてこと近寄ってきた。
いもうと が てこてこ と ちかよって きた。
My little sister approached me with short, light steps.
LiteralFocuses on the light, small sound of footsteps as someone approaches.
おもちゃのロボットがてこてこ進む。
おもちゃ の ろぼっと が てこてこ すすむ。
The toy robot moves forward with small, mechanical steps.
VisualDescribes a small toy moving with short, mechanical steps.
Similar Words
てくてく
tekuteku
Walking a long distance at a steady, continuous pace. Both describe walking, but tekuteku is for steady, adult walking over distance.
ぽてぽて
potepote
Describes a cute, plump body or soft, slow, and small steps. Also describes toddler steps, but potepote focuses on a chubby, soft impression.
ぼくぼく
bokuboku
Describes the soft and crumbly texture of dry soil, or the muffled sound of quiet footsteps.
Questions
Can I use this word for my own walking?
Generally no, unless you are making a joke about taking baby steps.
Does 'tekoteko' describe a loud footstep?
No, it describes a very light and soft sound, typical of a small creature taking short steps.
Does this word mean running fast?
No, it focuses on the short stride length, not high speed.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1008280
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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