(ぶかっこう)

ぶかっこう
adjective-na
awkward-looking; ungainly; clumsy
1. awkward-looking; ungainly; clumsy; misshapen
Describes something that looks awkward, unshapely, or lacking in grace. Can refer to physical appearance, posture, movements, or the shape of objects. Often used affectionately or self-deprecatingly rather than harshly.
不格好(ぶかっこう)だけど(こころ)()めて(つく)った。
It's clumsy-looking, but I made it with all my heart.
不格好(ぶかっこう)(かたち)のおにぎりを子供(こども)(にぎ)ってくれた。
The child made me a misshapen rice ball.
(はじ)めてスケートをした(とき)不格好(ぶかっこう)(すべ)(かた)()ずかしかった。
The first time I went skating, my ungainly way of skating was embarrassing.

USAGE:
A な-adjective. The () prefix negates 格好(かっこう) (appearance, shape), literally meaning 'not good-looking.' Often used with a warm, endearing tone — a 不格好(ぶかっこう) handmade gift or effort is typically seen as charming rather than ugly.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 不格好(ぶかっこう)(かたち) (an awkward shape)
  • 不格好(ぶかっこう)(ある)(かた) (a clumsy way of walking)
  • 不格好(ぶかっこう)でも (even if it's clumsy-looking)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 不器用(ぶきよう): clumsy, unskillful — describes a person's lack of dexterity or social grace, not appearance
  • ダサい: uncool, unfashionable — informal; focused on style and trendiness