Entry
ずんぐりむっくり
zungurimukkuri
ずんぐりむっくり describes a body shape or object that is noticeably short, thick, and stout.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to describe physiques or shapes that are distinctly short and wide. It often carries a slightly comical, colloquial, or endearing tone.
- stout body of living things
- short and wide objects
Sense Map
People and Animals (Short & Stout)
A human or animal physique that is short, thick, and heavily built.
彼はずんぐりむっくりした体型だ。
Objects (Wide & Short)
An object's shape that lacks height but is wide, round, and thick.
ずんぐりむっくりした形の急須。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずんぐりむっくりしている
Used as a verb phrase to describe that someone or something is currently short and stout.
ずんぐりむっくりした + Noun
Used to modify a noun, meaning a short and stout noun.
ずんぐりむっくりの + Noun
An alternative way to modify a noun, slightly more descriptive of the inherent characteristic.
ずんぐりむっくりだ
Used at the end of a sentence to directly state that something is short and stout.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずんぐりむっくりしている
is short and stout
ずんぐりむっくりした体型
short and stout figure
ずんぐりむっくりの指
stubby fingers
ずんぐりむっくりした犬
short and stout dog
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing pets or toys. | positive | Adds a cute and endearing charm to animals like pugs or bulldogs. |
| Describing people directly. | negative | Can be considered offensive as it points out that they are stubby and awkwardly proportioned. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ずんぐり ずんぐり / similar | Use to describe something short and thick in a more objective, neutral way without extra emphasis. | ずんぐりむっくり is much more emphatic and often sounds intentionally comical. | ずんぐりした体型 |
でっぷり でっぷり / similar | Use for someone who is very fat with a heavy, protruding belly. | でっぷり does not imply being short; it solely focuses on being heavily built with excess fat. | でっぷり太った猫 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for tall, overweight people.
The word strictly requires the subject to be proportionally short in stature.
Using it as a polite compliment for an adult.
It usually sounds comical or insulting if said directly to someone's face regarding their body.
Examples
Examples
彼はずんぐりむっくりした体型で、とても力持ちだ。
かれはずんぐりむっくりしたたいけいで、とてもちからもちだ。
He has a short, stout figure and is very strong.
VisualDescribes a stocky and robust body.
その子犬はずんぐりむっくりしていて、歩く姿が愛らしい。
そのこいぬはずんぐりむっくりしていて、あるくすがたがあいらしい。
The puppy is short and stout, and looks adorable when walking.
VisualGives a cute and endearing impression to a pet.
お土産に、ずんぐりむっくりした形の急須を買った。
おみやげに、ずんぐりむっくりしたかたちのきゅうすをかった。
I bought a short, stout teapot as a souvenir.
VisualCan be used for inanimate objects with a wide, rounded shape.
私の指はずんぐりむっくりしているので、指輪が似合わない。
わたしのゆびはずんぐりむっくりしているので、ゆびわがにあわない。
My fingers are stubby, so rings don't look good on me.
VisualOften used to describe body parts that are short and thick.
あの木はずんぐりむっくりしていて、どこかユーモラスだ。
あのきはずんぐりむっくりしていて、どこかユーモラスだ。
That tree is short and thick, and somehow looks humorous.
VisualIndicates a natural shape that is wider in proportion to its height.
Similar Words
ずんぐり
zunguri
ずんぐり describes a physical shape that is disproportionately short and thick or wide. The base form of zungurimukkuri.
でっぷり
deppuri
Deppuri describes a figure or body that looks noticeably fat, portly, or stout due to carrying a lot of soft fat. Used for a protruding belly and excess fat.
Questions
What kind of body shape does this word describe?
It describes a physique that is noticeably short, thick, and stout.
Can I use this word for objects?
Yes, it is often used for thick, short objects like teapots, vases, or certain round cars.
Is it rude to call someone ずんぐりむっくり?
Yes, it can be offensive because it highlights that they are short and wide. It is better to avoid saying it directly to them.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121360
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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