Japanese word

かさばる

Pronunciation

Romajikasabaru

Meaning

  • verbbulky

Example

冬の服はかさばります。fuyu no fuku wa ka sa ba ri ma su

Winter clothes are bulky.

Illustration for かさばる (bulky)

More examples

この箱は、見た目よりかさばります。ko no bako wa mi ta me yo ri ka sa ba ri ma su

This box is bulkier than it looks.

Core concept

Describes something that takes up more physical space than its practical use or amount might suggest.

Common phrases

  • かさばる荷物ka sa ba ru ni motsu

    bulky luggage

  • かさばる家具ka sa ba ru ka gu

    bulky furniture

  • かさばる毛布ka sa ba ru mō fu

    bulky blankets

Definition in Japanese

物の体積が大きく、持ち運びや収納に多くの場所を必要とする。mono no tai seki ga ō ki ku mo chi hako bi ya shū nō ni ō ku no ba sho o hitsu yō to su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 嵩張る (kasabaru) combines 嵩 (kasa, "bulk") with 張る (haru, "to spread or extend").

Usage tips

  • The verb かさばる (kasabaru) often describes winter clothing, bedding, or luggage because these items occupy much storage space even when they are not especially heavy.

Other meanings

  • take up a lot of spaceverb
  • be unwieldyverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word