深々

• Reading: ふかぶか
• Romaji: fukabuka
• Kanji breakdown: 深 (shin/fuka) — deep, profound (repeated for emphasis)
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.ka.bɯ.ka/

Meaning

Very deeply; profoundly. Emphasises the depth or thoroughness of an action, most often bowing.

An adverbial expression formed by repeating the adjective stem 深 (fuka, deep). Most commonly used with bowing: 深々とお辞儀をする (bow very deeply). Also describes sinking deeply into something or a sensation penetrating deeply. The repetition intensifies the sense of depth. Used with と to form 深々と.

Examples

1. 彼女は深々とお辞儀をして会場を去った。 She bowed very deeply and left the venue.
2. 疲れた体で深々とソファに沈んだ。 Exhausted, I sank deep into the couch.
3. 冬の冷気が深々と身にしみる。 The winter cold seeps deep into your bones.

Usage Guide

Context: greetings, literature, description

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Formed by reduplication of 深 (fuka, deep). Reduplication in Japanese often serves as intensification, turning 'deep' into 'very deeply/profoundly.'

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal