ぶつぶつ

Alternative writings: ブツブツ
JLPT:N2
Frequency:
1

Grumble; mutter; complaint — speaking in a low, discontented voice or muttering complaints.

NounAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼は遅刻した部下に向かってぶつぶつ不満を言った。

He muttered complaints at the late subordinate.

年寄りはいつもぶつぶつと昔の話をする。

Old people often mutter about the old days.

失敗してぶつぶつ文句を言うのはやめなさい。

Stop grumbling about the failure.

2

Pimples; spots; a rash — small bumps or eruptions on the skin.

NounAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'

Examples

疲れで顔にぶつぶつができてしまった。

I got pimples on my face from fatigue.

アレルギーで腕にぶつぶつが出たので皮膚科に行った。

An allergic rash appeared on my arm, so I went to dermatology.

3

Cutting into small pieces — a mimetic expression for chopping something into small chunks.

NounAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'

Examples

ウィンナーをぶつぶつに切って炒めたら香ばしかった。

I cut the sausages into small pieces and fried them; they were tasty.

4

Simmering; bubbling gently — the sound or state of something simmering with small bubbles.

NounAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'

Examples

弱火でスープがぶつぶつと煮えてきたら、蓋を開けて混ぜる。

When the soup starts simmering gently over low heat, open the lid and stir.