ぼつぼつ

JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

Gradually; little by little — doing something at a leisurely or steady pace.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

ぼつぼつ仕事を始めようか。

Shall I start working little by little?

春になって畑の準備をぼつぼつ始めた。

With spring, I gradually began preparing the fields.

彼はぼつぼつと計画を進めている。

He is proceeding with the plan step by step.

2

Soon; before long — used conversationally to mean 'it's about time' or 'shortly'.

AdverbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

ぼつぼつ帰ろうか。

Shall we head home soon?

会議もぼつぼつ終わりにしましょう。

Let's wrap up the meeting soon.

3

Here and there; scattered or occurring in spots.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

野原に花がぼつぼつ咲いている。

Flowers are blooming here and there in the field.

壁にぼつぼつと汚れが目立ってきた。

Some stains have started to show up here and there on the wall.

4

Spots; dots; pimples; a rash — noun usage referring to small spots or eruptions on the skin.

Noun

Examples

夏になると首にぼつぼつができることがある。

In summer, sometimes I get little spots on my neck.

アレルギーで顔にぼつぼつが広がった。

An allergic reaction caused spots to spread over my face.