ぼそぼそ

ぼそぼそ
adverb, onomatopoeia
in a mumbling voice; dry and crumbly
spokenonomatopoeia
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(はな)
To speak in a mumbling voice.
He started mumbling excuses.
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.
ぼそぼそ食感(しょっかん)
A dry, crumbly texture.
パンぼそぼそになった。
The bread became dry and crumbly.
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 + verb (adverbially)
  • ぼそぼそした/している + noun (adjectivally)
  • ぼそぼそ + noun (descriptive)

Related words