Japanese word

こぶ

Pronunciation

Romajikobu

Meaning

  • nounbump

Example

頭にこぶができました。atama ni ko bu ga de ki ma shi ta

I got a bump on my head.

Illustration for こぶ (bump)

More examples

転んだときは、できたこぶを冷やしてください。koro n da to ki wa de ki ta ko bu o hi ya shi te ku da sa i

If you fall, cool the bump that forms.

Core concept

Refers to a localized, rounded swelling that can be felt or seen as a raised area.

Common phrases

  • こぶができるko bu ga de ki ru

    get a bump

  • 頭のこぶatama no ko bu

    bump on the head

  • こぶを冷やすko bu o hi ya su

    cool a bump

Similar words

しこりshikori: A firm, localized mass that can be felt beneath the skin.
腫れhare: A swollen part of the body resulting from injury, illness, or irritation.
ふくらみfukurami: A rounded part that projects outward from a surface or body.

Definition in Japanese

体の一部にできる、丸く盛り上がった腫れ。karada no ichi bu ni de ki ru maru ku mo ri a ga tta ha re

Word origin

こぶ (kobu, "lump") is a native Japanese noun, while 瘤 (kobu, "lump") is its conventional kanji spelling rather than a clear guide to its original formation.

Usage tips

  • For a head こぶ (kobu), English speakers usually choose bump rather than lump when the raised area clearly followed an impact.

Other meanings

  • lumpnoun
  • swellingnoun

Word lists with this word