塊(かたまり)

塊(かたまり) means a solid mass or lump of material. Figuratively, it describes someone who is the embodiment of a particular quality.

Literal usage

• 肉(にく)の塊(かたまり) (chunk of meat)
• 雪(ゆき)の塊(かたまり) (lump of snow)
• 粘土(ねんど)の塊(かたまり) (lump of clay)
• 氷(こおり)の塊(かたまり) (block of ice)
• 塊(かたまり)になる (to form a lump)

Usage

〜の塊(かたまり) means "the embodiment of ~" or "a bundle of ~":

• 正義感(せいぎかん)の塊(かたまり) (the embodiment of justice)
• 好奇心(こうきしん)の塊(かたまり) (a bundle of curiosity)
• 元気(げんき)の塊(かたまり) (a bundle of energy)

This figurative use is always positive or neutral, never negative.

Etymology

From the verb 固(かた)まる (to harden, to clump together).

Counter

Counted with つ: 塊(かたまり)一(ひと)つ (one lump).