ちょこちょこ
ちょこちょこ
adverb; suru verb
in small steps; frequently
1.
in small, quick steps
Describes movement with short, quick steps, typically of small children or animals.
子供がちょこちょこ走っている。
The child is running with small, quick steps.
子犬がちょこちょこと付いてきた。
The puppy followed along with tiny steps.
2.
frequently; often; repeatedly
Doing something many times in small amounts rather than all at once.
ちょこちょこ買い物に行くより、まとめ買いした方がいい。
It's better to buy in bulk rather than going shopping frequently.
ちょこちょこ休憩を取りながら仕事をする。
I work while taking frequent short breaks.
TYPE: Mimetic word (gitaigo) describing manner of movement or frequency.
NUANCE BY SENSE:
- Sense 1: Visual image of quick, short-legged movement. Often cute or endearing.
- Sense 2: Doing small amounts repeatedly. Can imply inefficiency.
TYPICAL SUBJECTS (Sense 1):
- Small children (toddlers)
- Small animals (puppies, kittens)
- Small birds
- People with short legs
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ちょこちょこ歩く (to walk with small steps)
- ちょこちょこ動く (to move about quickly)
- ちょこちょこ出かける (to go out frequently)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- ぱたぱた: pitter-patter (footsteps)
- とことこ: toddling along
- ひょこひょこ: with a bobbing motion
Related Words
Related:
ひょこひょこ (bobbing motion)