Entry
ずぶり
zuburi
This word describes a single forceful action of sinking, stabbing, or plunging deeply into a yielding surface.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Zuburi is a mimetic word representing the state of something penetrating, stabbing, or sinking deeply into a medium like mud, water, or flesh. It emphasizes a single, forceful motion rather than a continuous sinking action.
- Stabbing deeply with a sharp object.
- Sinking heavily into a soft medium like mud.
Sense Map
Stabbing / Piercing
Used when an object, often a blade or sharp tool, thrusts deep into a yielding solid medium in a single motion.
刃物がずぶりと刺さる。
Sinking / Plunging
Used when something sinks deeply and heavily into a soft medium like mud, wet ground, or a swamp.
泥にずぶりと沈む。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずぶりと + verb
The standard way to use this word to describe the manner in which a verb (like to stab or to sink) is performed.
ずぶり + verb
A slightly more casual or direct variation without the 'to' particle, functioning exactly the same as an adverb.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずぶりと刺さる
to pierce deeply
泥にずぶりと沈む
to sink deeply into the mud
刃物をずぶりと突き刺す
to thrust a blade deeply
ずぶりと入り込む
to go deeply into
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Combat or weaponry | neutral to negative | Common in novels or manga to show a blade penetrating deeply, carrying a visceral feel of impact. |
| Walking in nature | neutral | Describes stepping into mud or snow and having your leg go down deep in one step. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ずぶずぶ ずぶずぶ / similar | When something sinks or penetrates continuously or repeatedly. | Different from zuburi, which is a single deep and forceful plunging motion. Zubuzubu focuses on the ongoing, steady process of sinking. | 足が沼にズブズブと沈む。 |
ずぼっと ずぼっと / similar | When something pops into or out of a tight space suddenly in a single motion. | Zubotto focuses on entering or exiting a pre-existing hole or tight enclosure, while zuburi focuses on piercing into a solid or soft medium. | ズボッと穴にはまる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using zuburi for minor scratches or shallow cuts.
Zuburi inherently implies a very deep, penetrating wound or action. It cannot be used for a shallow scrape.
Using zuburi to describe slowly sinking in quicksand over a long period.
Zuburi indicates a single, instantaneous, deep plunge. Continuous sinking requires zubuzubu.
Examples
Examples
泥の中に足がずぶりと沈んだ。
どろ の なか に あし が ずぶり と しずんだ。
My foot sank deeply into the mud.
VisualShows the foot going deep in a single step.
厚い肉にナイフがずぶりと刺さる。
あつい にく に ないふ が ずぶり と ささる。
The knife plunged deeply into the thick meat.
LiteralThe thrust is described as penetrating a resisting medium.
大雨で地面が柔らかくなり、杖がずぶりと入り込んだ。
おおあめ で じめん が やわらかくなり、 つえ が ずぶり と いりこんだ。
The heavy rain softened the ground, and the walking stick sank in deeply.
VisualAn example showing penetration without aggressive intent (using a cane/stick).
剣をずぶりと地面に突き刺した。
けん を ずぶり と じめん に つきさした。
He thrust the sword deeply into the ground.
LiteralCommonly used in fantasy or action story contexts.
沼地を歩くと、靴がずぶりと埋まる。
ぬまち を あるく と、 くつ が ずぶり と うまる。
When walking in the swamp, the shoes sink in deeply.
VisualOften used to describe terrain that is difficult to pass through.
Similar Words
ズブズブ
zubuzubu
For something sinking slowly or repeatedly.
ズボッと
zubotto
For something entering or exiting a tight space.
Questions
Can I use zuburi for diving into a swimming pool?
No. Zuburi implies plunging into a medium that provides significant resistance, like mud or flesh. Diving into clear water is better described by words like dobun or zabuun.
What's the difference between zuburi and zubuzubu?
Zuburi is a single, deep, forceful plunge. Zubuzubu is a continuous or repeated sinking action over time.
Is this word commonly used in daily conversation?
It is less common in casual everyday talk unless you step in deep mud. It is more frequently encountered in writing, storytelling, and manga.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2024620
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- おっとり (ottori)
- Next entry
- しょぼん (shobon)