だぶだぶ

• Reading: だぶだぶ
• Romaji: dabudabu
• Pronunciation: /da.bɯ.da.bɯ/

Meaning

Loose; baggy; oversized. Describes clothing that is too large, or liquid sloshing about.

A mimetic word (擬態語) with two main uses: describing clothing that is too loose or oversized (だぶだぶのシャツ — a baggy shirt), or the sloshing sound and motion of liquid in a container. Can function as a na-adjective, adverb, or する-verb. The clothing sense is far more common in everyday conversation. Carries a casual, slightly humorous tone.

Examples

1. 兄のだぶだぶのジャケットを借りて出かけた。 I borrowed my older brother's baggy jacket and headed out.
2. ダイエットしたらズボンがだぶだぶになった。 After losing weight, my pants got all baggy.
3. バケツの水がだぶだぶ揺れている。 The water in the bucket is sloshing around.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, fashion, daily life

Tone: humorous

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic word (擬態語) imitating the loose, swaying motion of oversized fabric or sloshing liquid. The soft だ sound conveys a floppy, slack quality. Related to other textile mimetics like ぶかぶか (loose-fitting).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal