Entry
ズブズブ
zubuzubu
Zubuzubu describes sinking deeply into something soft or wet, becoming thoroughly soaked, or being heavily involved in a corrupt relationship.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It physically represents a heavy, wet sensation of sinking completely into mud or snow, or something sharp thrusting into a soft object. Metaphorically, it is frequently used to describe being deeply and inextricably involved in shady or collusive relationships.
- sinking deeply into mud/snow
- being totally soaked
- deeply involved in shady relationships
Sense Map
Sinking Deeply
Sinking entirely into something soft, wet, and heavy like mud, snow, or a swamp.
泥にずぶずぶ沈む
Corrupt Ties
Being completely entangled in a suspicious, collusive, or inappropriately close relationship.
ズブズブの関係
Soaked to the Bone
Getting completely drenched or soaked by water, rain, or other liquids.
ズブズブに濡れる
Usage Note
How to Use
ズブズブと + verb
Describes the manner of sinking deeply or thrusting into something.
ズブズブに + verb
Used to describe the state of becoming thoroughly soaked or deeply entangled.
ズブズブの + noun
Modifies a noun, often "relationship" (関係), to show deep, collusive ties.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ズブズブの関係
collusive relationship / overly close ties
泥にずぶずぶと
deeply into the mud
水でずぶずぶになる
to become completely soaked with water
沼にずぶずぶ沈む
to sink deeply into a swamp
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mud or snow | neutral | Describes the physical sensation of sinking deeply into a thick, yielding substance. |
| Politics and business ties | negative | Implies shady, backroom dealings or inappropriate financial/political ties. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ずぼずぼ ずぼずぼ / nearby | Use to describe stepping in and out of mud with a squelching sound, focusing on the hollow sinking action. | Zubuzubu focuses more on the wetness and the state of being completely sunk or entangled, including metaphorical relationships. | 泥にズボズボ足を取られる |
びしょびしょ びしょびしょ / nearby | Use specifically for being thoroughly wet or drenched. | Zubuzubu includes sinking deeply into mud or corrupt relationships, whereas bishobisho is only about getting wet. | 雨でびしょびしょに濡れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a close, loving friendship.
"Zubuzubu" implies collusive, corrupt, or inappropriate ties. Do not use it for healthy, positive relationships.
Using it for sinking into a hard surface or clear water.
It is specifically for sinking into thick, soft, or messy substances like mud, snow, or a swamp.
Examples
Examples
足が泥の中にずぶずぶと沈んでいった。
あしがどろのなかにずぶずぶとしずんでいった。
My feet sank deeply into the mud.
LiteralSinking into a soft, wet substance.
あの政治家とその会社はズブズブの関係だ。
あのせいじかとそのかいしゃはずぶずぶのかんけいだ。
That politician and the company are in a collusive relationship.
FigurativeMetaphorical usage for an inappropriately close, collusive tie.
突然の雨で服がずぶずぶに濡れてしまった。
とつぜんのあめでふくがずぶずぶにぬれてしまった。
My clothes got completely soaked by the sudden rain.
LiteralGetting drenched so that clothes hold heavy water.
棒が雪の中にずぶずぶと刺さっていく。
ぼうがゆきのなかにずぶずぶとささっていく。
The stick thrusts deeply into the snow.
LiteralThrusting deeply into a soft object.
車のタイヤが沼にずぶずぶ沈んで動けない。
くるまのたいやがぬまにずぶずぶしずんでうごけない。
The car tires sank deeply into the swamp and cannot move.
LiteralBeing trapped in a heavy, soft surface.
Similar Words
ズボズボ
zubozubo
Describes the heavy, repeated action of plunging deeply into something soft and yielding, like walking through thick mud or deep snow. Similar for footsteps in mud, but zubuzubu focuses more on being entirely sunk or deeply entangled.
びしょびしょ
bishobisho
Bishobisho describes a state of being completely soaked or thoroughly drenched. Both mean soaked, but zubuzubu implies a much heavier, deeply waterlogged state.
Questions
Can I use "zubuzubu" to describe two best friends?
No. It implies a shady, inappropriate, or corrupt connection. Use standard positive phrases for close friends.
What is the difference between "zubuzubu" and "bishobisho" for getting wet?
"Bishobisho" is the standard word for being completely drenched. "Zubuzubu" implies a heavier, deeply waterlogged state, and is less common for just describing rain.
Is "zubuzubu" formal or casual?
It is a casual, descriptive word, but it frequently appears in formal news media when reporting on political or corporate scandals.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2828231
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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