Onomatopoeia
Japanese meaning of こつこつ
Voice sample:
こつこつ (kotsukotsu)
English Translation:
steadily, little by little
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Describes working steadily, little by little, without giving up.
日本語で読む
少しずつ、休まずにまじめに努力を続ける様子。
Cultural Context:
Used for saving money, studying or practice. It is a positive word for patient effort.
日本語で読む
貯金や勉強、練習など、地道な努力に使うよい意味の言葉。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Used as an adverb: 「こつこつ貯める」「こつこつ努力する」.
日本語で読む
「こつこつ貯める」「こつこつ努力する」のように使う。
Trap for English Speakers
It can also be the sound of tapping or footsteps (コツコツ), but as a mimetic word it means steady effort.
日本語で読む
かたいものをたたく音や足音（コツコツ）にも使うが、様子を表すときは地道な努力の意味。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
毎日こつこつ貯金して、自転車を買った。
I saved money little by little every day and bought a bike.
Example 2Applied Example
祖父は三十年こつこつ盆栽を育てている。
Grandpa has been steadily growing bonsai for thirty years.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「こつこつ」 mean?