Entry
ざぶざぶ
zabuzabu
ざぶざぶ describes the heavy, vigorous sound of a large amount of water splashing or sloshing.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It often conveys a sense of heaviness or forceful movement, such as when you are aggressively washing clothes by hand, wading through deep water, or when liquid sloshes around heavily in a container.
- Loud water splashing
- Vigorous washing
Sense Map
Splashing in Water
Moving through moderately deep water with a loud splashing sound.
川をざぶざぶと渡る。
Rough Washing
Washing clothes forcefully by hand using plenty of water.
服をざぶざぶ洗う。
Usage Note
How to Use
ざぶざぶと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like walking or washing) is done with a heavy splash.
ざぶざぶ + verb
A more casual form of ざぶざぶと, carrying the same meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ざぶざぶ洗う
wash vigorously
ざぶざぶと渡る
wade across splashingly
ざぶざぶ入る
enter the water splashing
ざぶざぶ歩く
walk heavily through water
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Washing clothes | neutral | Focuses on the act of rough hand-washing with plenty of water. |
| Walking in water | neutral | Implies water deep enough (e.g., knee-high), not just a thin puddle. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じゃぶじゃぶ じゃぶじゃぶ / similar | For a lighter splashing sound, like playing in the water. | ざぶざぶ implies a larger volume of water and rougher movement. | 水遊びをしてじゃぶじゃぶ音を立てる。 |
がぶがぶ がぶがぶ / similar | When drinking a large amount of liquid quickly. | Not used for water splashing outside the body. | 水をがぶがぶ飲む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ざぶざぶ for heavy rain.
Use ざあざあ for rain.
Using ざぶざぶ for stepping in small puddles.
Use ぴちゃぴちゃ for light splashing.
Examples
Examples
川をざぶざぶと歩いて渡った。
かわをざぶざぶとあるいてわたった。
I waded across the river with a splashing sound.
VisualUsed when crossing water with heavy steps.
汚れた服を水でざぶざぶ洗う。
よごれたふくをみずでざぶざぶあらう。
Washing dirty clothes vigorously in the water.
VisualShows washing with strong hand movements.
長靴を履いて水たまりをざぶざぶ歩く。
ながぐつをはいてみずたまりをざぶざぶあるく。
Walking vigorously through puddles wearing rain boots.
VisualShows active stepping in relatively deep water.
バケツの水がざぶざぶこぼれた。
バケツのみずがざぶざぶこぼれた。
The water in the bucket sloshed heavily and spilled.
VisualSound of water spilling in a large, sudden volume.
波がざぶざぶと岸に打ち寄せる。
なみがざぶざぶときしにうちよせる。
The waves splash heavily against the shore.
VisualSound of large waves hitting hard repeatedly.
Similar Words
じゃぶじゃぶ
jabujabu
Represents the loud sound of splashing water vigorously, or the reckless and generous use of liquids or money. A lighter splashing sound compared to ざぶざぶ.
がぶがぶ
gabugabu
Describes the sound or action of drinking large amounts of liquid vigorously and repeatedly. Used for gulping drinks, not external water splashing.
だぶだぶ
dabudabu
Describes clothing that is noticeably oversized, flabby flesh, or liquids pouring abundantly.
Questions
Can ざぶざぶ be used for washing machines?
Rarely. ざぶざぶ better describes the act of vigorous hand-washing.
What's the difference between ざぶざぶ and じゃぶじゃぶ?
ざぶざぶ is rougher, heavier, and implies a larger volume of water than じゃぶじゃぶ.
Can it be used for the sound of rain?
No. For rain, it is more natural to use ざあざあ.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2097030
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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