Entry
とぼとぼ
tobotobo
Tobo-tobo describes a slow, heavy, and often dejected manner of walking, implying weariness or a lack of energy.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Tobo-tobo is an onomatopoeic word used to describe walking with very slow, heavy, and perhaps dragging steps. It often conveys a sense of sadness, tiredness, or dejection in the walker.
- Slow, heavy movement
- Expression of tiredness or sadness
Sense Map
Slow and Heavy Movement
Describes a slow, heavy, and dragging way of walking.
彼は疲れてとぼとぼ歩いていた。
Expression of Tiredness or Sadness
Conveys emotional states like sadness or weariness through the manner of walking.
失意の彼は、ただとぼとぼと駅に向かった。
Usage Note
How to Use
とぼとぼ + verb (e.g., 歩く)
Describes an action, usually walking, performed slowly and with heavy steps.
とぼとぼと + verb
The addition of 'to' emphasizes the manner or state of performing the action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
とぼとぼ歩く
to walk trudgingly
とぼとぼ帰る
to go home with heavy steps
とぼとぼ座る
to sit down dejectedly
とぼとぼと歩む
to tread slowly and heavily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| General walking | Neutral/Negative | Describes the physical sensation of slow, heavy steps. |
| Expressing sadness or tiredness | Negative | Highlights the emotional state conveyed by the movement. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ずるずる ずるずる / similar | When dragging a heavy item or moving very slowly and steadily. | Tobo-tobo focuses more on a person's weary or sad gait, rather than an object being dragged. | 荷物をずるずる引きずる。 |
ぼちぼち ぼちぼち / similar | When moving slowly or gradually, often without haste. | Tobo-tobo implies weariness or sadness that makes steps heavy, whereas bochibochi is more neutral about speed. | ぼちぼち行きましょう。 |
のろり のろり / similar | When moving very slowly and sluggishly, like a slow animal. | Similar to tobo-tobo in slowness, but tobo-tobo is more specific to a human walking style that is burdened or sad. | 亀がのろりとのっそりと歩く。 |
どしんどしん どしんどしん / similar | When walking with heavy, rhythmic steps, like the sound of heavy footsteps. | Tobo-tobo emphasizes weariness or sadness, while doshindoshin is more about the sound of heavy steps. | 兵隊がドシンドシンと行進する。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using tobo-tobo for any slow movement.
Tobo-tobo specifically implies a heavy, weary, or dejected walk, not just any slow pace.
Confusing tobo-tobo with just 'slowly'.
While it means 'slowly', it carries connotations of weariness or sadness in the steps.
Examples
Examples
疲れて、彼は家までとぼとぼ歩いた。
つかれて、かれは いえ まで とぼとぼ あるいた。
Tired, he trudged home.
LiteralEmphasizes physical tiredness.
失意の彼は、ただとぼとぼと駅に向かった。
しついの かれは、ただ とぼとぼと えき に むかった。
Dejected, he simply trudged towards the station.
LiteralHighlights negative emotional state.
荷物が重くて、子犬はとぼとぼとしか歩けなかった。
にもつが おもくて、こいぬは とぼとぼと しか あるけなかった。
The load was heavy, so the puppy could only walk with heavy steps.
LiteralEmphasizes physical burden on a small animal.
道に迷って、彼はとぼとぼと森の中を歩き続けた。
みちに まよって、かれは とぼとぼと もりの なかを あるき つづけた。
Lost, he continued to trudge through the forest.
VisualDepicts a somber mood and difficult journey.
昇進の知らせを聞き、彼女はとぼとぼと会社にやってきた。
しょうしんの しらせを きき、かのじょは とぼとぼと かいしゃに やってきた。
Hearing about the promotion, she arrived at the office with heavy steps (ironically).
LiteralEmphasizes irony or reluctance.
Similar Words
のろり
のろり
Very slow and sluggish movement, like an animal.
ドシンドシン
どしんどしん
Emphasis on the sound of heavy footsteps.
ずるずる
zuruzuru
Zuruzuru describes the sound or action of dragging a heavy object, slurping noodles, sniffling, or a situation that drags on without a clear resolution. More focused on dragging objects.
ぼちぼち
bochibochi
Slowly but steadily, or soon at a leisurely pace. Neutral slow movement.
どかっと
dokatto
Describes the action of sitting down heavily or dropping a large object with a thud.
ごろんと
goronto
Describes a heavy object tumbling over once or a person effortlessly flopping down to rest.
Questions
What does tobo-tobo mean?
Tobo-tobo describes walking slowly and heavily, often due to tiredness or sadness.
Is tobo-tobo always negative?
It usually implies negative feelings like weariness or dejection, but can sometimes be used neutrally for very slow, heavy movement.
What verb is often used with tobo-tobo?
The verb '歩く' (aruku - to walk) is very common, as in 'tobo-tobo aruku'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1008700
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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