ぼそぼそ
ぼそぼそ
adverb, onomatopoeia
in a mumbling voice; dry and crumbly
1.
in a mumbling voice, muttering
Speaking in a low, unclear voice that is difficult to hear or understand, often conveying shyness, reluctance, or lack of energy.
ぼそぼそと話す。
To speak in a mumbling voice.
彼はぼそぼそと言い訳を始めた。
He started mumbling excuses.
もっと大きな声で言って。ぼそぼそ言われても聞こえない。
Speak up. I can't hear you when you mumble.
2.
dry and crumbly, lacking moisture
Describes the texture of food or other materials that are dry, rough, and tend to fall apart, lacking smoothness or moisture.
ぼそぼその食感。
A dry, crumbly texture.
パンがぼそぼそになった。
The bread became dry and crumbly.
このケーキ、ぼそぼそして美味しくない。
This cake is dry and crumbly - it's not tasty.
ぼそぼそ is a mimetic word (オノマトペ) with two related but distinct meanings.
**Sense 1: Speech**
Describes unclear, low-volume speech. Often implies:
- Lack of confidence
- Reluctance to speak
- Low energy or depression
**Sense 2: Texture**
Describes unpleasantly dry food that lacks moisture or smoothness. Opposite of {もちもち} (chewy) or {しっとり} (moist).
Grammatical patterns:
- ぼそぼそと + verb (adverbially)
- ぼそぼそした/している + noun (adjectivally)
- ぼそぼその + noun (descriptive)
Related words:
- ぶつぶつ: muttering, grumbling (with more complaint)
- 小声で: in a low voice
- パサパサ: dry, flaky (similar texture meaning)