Entry
トコトコ
tokotoko
トコトコ (tokotoko) describes the action or sound of walking briskly with small, quick steps, often used for children or small animals.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word expresses a light, energetic movement. It is typically used to depict the footsteps of a toddler, a small animal walking, or anyone walking with short, rhythmic steps. The nuance is often adorable and lighthearted.
- Walking briskly with small steps
- Rhythmic short steps
Sense Map
Small Steps (Animals/Children)
Describes walking with short, quick steps, like a toddler or a small animal.
子犬がトコトコ歩く。
Brisk Walking
Walking rhythmically with small, brisk steps.
駅へトコトコ向かう。
Usage Note
How to Use
トコトコ + Verb
Used directly before verbs of motion like 歩く (to walk) or 走る (to run) to describe the manner of movement.
トコトコと + Verb
Adding the particle と (to) emphasizes the rhythmic and distinct nature of the small footsteps.
How to Use
Common Phrases
トコトコ歩く
walk with small quick steps
トコトコ走る
trot along
トコトコと近づく
approach with small steps
トコトコとついていく
follow behind with small steps
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Children and Toddlers | Positive | Conveys a very adorable image of a young child walking steadily. |
| Small Animals | Neutral/Positive | Often used to describe small dogs, cats, or birds moving on the ground. |
| Adults | Neutral | Can be used for adults if they are taking noticeably small, quick steps, sometimes giving a humorous impression. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちょこちょこ ちょこちょこ / similar | Use ちょこちょこ when the small steps are restless, busy, or pacing around. | トコトコ focuses on a steady forward rhythmic movement, whereas ちょこちょこ feels busier and sometimes lacks a single direction. | ちょこちょこ動き回る。 |
とぼとぼ とぼとぼ / opposite | Use とぼとぼ when someone is trudging slowly and heavily, appearing tired or sad. | トコトコ indicates light, energetic steps, which is the direct opposite of the heavy, dragging steps of とぼとぼ. | とぼとぼ歩く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a normal adult walking pace.
トコトコ implies specifically small, quick steps. It feels unnatural for a regular adult stride.
Confusing it with walking slowly due to exhaustion.
Use とぼとぼ (tobotobo) for tired walking. トコトコ sounds light and energetic.
Examples
Examples
公園で小さな犬がトコトコと歩いている。
こうえんでちいさないぬがトコトコとあるいている。
A small dog is trotting along in the park.
VisualDescribes the small, rhythmic, and light steps of the dog.
男の子が母親の後ろをトコトコついていく。
おとこのこがははおやのうしろをトコトコついていく。
The boy follows behind his mother with small, quick steps.
VisualDepicts the scene of a young child taking stable and cute steps.
おばあさんは毎日、近所のスーパーまでトコトコ歩く。
おばあさんはまいにち、きんじょのスーパーまでトコトコあるく。
The old woman walks with short, brisk steps to the neighborhood supermarket every day.
LiteralDescribes an elderly person walking with a constant, short stride.
ペンギンが氷の上をトコトコ走る姿が可愛い。
ペンギンがこおりのうえをトコトコはしるすがたがかわいい。
The sight of the penguin trotting on the ice is cute.
VisualEmphasizes the cuteness of an animal's short footsteps.
彼は少し怒ったように、部屋からとことこと出て行った。
かれはすこしおこったように、へやからとことことでていった。
He walked out of the room with quick, short steps as if slightly angry.
FigurativeThese quick small steps add a humorous touch to an emotional situation.
Similar Words
ちょこちょこ
chokochoko
Describes moving with small, quick steps like a toddler, or doing something frequently in small amounts. Busy, restless small steps.
とぼとぼ
tobotobo
Tobo-tobo describes a slow, heavy, and often dejected manner of walking, implying weariness or a lack of energy. Heavy, slow, and tired steps.
ヨチヨチ
yochiyochi
Yochiyochi describes the unsteady, tottering steps of a baby or a small animal just learning to walk.
Questions
Is トコトコ always written in Katakana?
No, it can also be written in Hiragana (とことこ). Both are common in everyday Japanese.
Can I use トコトコ for sprinting or running fast?
No. It refers to a light trot or jogging with small steps, not a full-speed sprint.
What is the difference between トコトコ and ヨチヨチ (yochiyochi)?
ヨチヨチ describes the unsteady, tottering steps of a baby who is just learning to walk. トコトコ steps are much more stable and rhythmic.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2526880
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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