Meaning and Usage
"丸々" (まるまる) is an adverb and sometimes a mimetic word used to express something done completely, entirely, or something that is plump and round in shape. It can describe time periods, quantities, or physical appearance.
Common Contexts
- When referring to time or quantity, "丸々" emphasizes the entirety without omission, e.g., "丸々一日" (a whole day).
- When describing objects or people, it often conveys a sense of roundness or plumpness, giving a positive or cute nuance.
Collocations and Patterns
- 丸々一日 (まるまるいちにち): the whole day
- 丸々太る (まるまるふとる): to become plump
- 丸々使う (まるまるつかう): to use something entirely
Register and Nuance
"丸々" is informal to neutral and common in spoken and written Japanese. It can add a vivid, sometimes affectionate tone when describing appearance.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "丸々" with "まるで" which means "completely" or "as if" but is used differently grammatically. Remember "丸々" can modify nouns or verbs to emphasize entirety or fullness, while "まるで" is often used before verbs or adjectives to express similarity or emphasis.