Entry
ずぼり
zubori
Zubori describes the action of plunging deeply into something or throwing yourself vigorously into an activity.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a strong sense of sinking deeply into a substance like mud or snow, or figuratively diving deep into a task, hobby, or work with intense focus and vigor.
- plunging into a soft substance
- diving vigorously into an activity
Sense Map
Sinking deeply (Physical)
Describes an object or person plunging deeply into a soft substance like mud, snow, or sand.
泥にずぼりと足がはまる。
Getting stuck into (Figurative)
Describes getting deeply absorbed or vigorously stuck into a task, work, or hobby.
仕事にずぼりとのめり込む。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずぼりと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like sinking, plunging, or diving in) happens deeply and vigorously.
ずぼり + verb
Used without the particle と in more casual speech to describe the same plunging or sinking motion.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずぼりとはまる
to sink deeply into / get completely hooked
ずぼりとめり込む
to plunge deeply into
ずぼりと刺さる
to pierce deeply
ずぼりのめり込む
to plunge deeply into (an activity)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical sinking | neutral | Used for feet sinking into mud, snow, or sharp objects piercing deeply. |
| Engaging in tasks | neutral | Highlights a deep, intense focus or getting heavily involved in work. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もりもり もりもり / nearby | Use to describe doing an activity with energetic enthusiasm, like eating or working. | Does not have the physical meaning of sinking or plunging deeply into a substance. | もりもり働く。 |
ばりばり ばりばり / nearby | Use to describe someone working hard with speed and efficiency. | Focuses on the speed and efficiency of working, rather than plunging or sinking into something. | バリバリ働く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for gently placing something into water.
Zubori implies a vigorous, deep plunge or getting stuck, not a gentle or shallow action.
Using it to describe someone just being busy.
It must imply diving deeply or getting deeply engrossed into the activity, not just having a lot to do.
Examples
Examples
雪道で足がずぼりとはまった。
ゆきみちで あしが ずぼりと はまった。
My foot sank deeply into the snow on the snowy road.
VisualDescribes the physical action of a foot plunging into a soft substance.
釘が板にずぼりと刺さる。
くぎが いたに ずぼりと ささる。
The nail pierces deeply into the board.
VisualEmphasizes a sharp object plunging deeply.
彼は仕事にずぼりとのめり込む。
かれは しごとに ずぼりと のめりこむ。
He plunges vigorously into his work.
FigurativeFigurative use for intense focus on a task.
ぬかるみにタイヤがずぼりとめり込んだ。
ぬかるみに タイヤが ずぼりと めりこんだ。
The tire sank deeply into the mud.
VisualGetting deeply stuck or sinking into a muddy surface.
新しい趣味にずぼりとはまっている。
あたらしい しゅみに ずぼりと はまっている。
I am completely engrossed in my new hobby.
FigurativeShows how deeply involved someone is in a hobby.
Similar Words
もりもり
morimori
This word describes doing something with great physical vitality, such as eating heartily with a big appetite, working energetically, or having bulging muscles. Both can mean doing something vigorously, but this lacks the sinking nuance.
バリバリ
baribari
バリバリ describes doing something with intense energy and force, such as working highly effectively, tearing things roughly, or eating hard food with a loud crunch. Focuses on working hard and efficiently, without the plunging connotation.
Questions
Can zubori be used for both positive and negative situations?
Yes, getting stuck in mud is usually negative, but diving deeply into a hobby can be positive.
Is zubori commonly used in daily conversation?
It is used in expressive speech, though you might also hear related words like 'zubutto' or 'zuburi' for plunging.
Do I always need to use 'to' after zubori?
No, but 'zubori to' is very common when modifying a following verb.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2727120
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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