Translation guide
Describes something large, thick, or taking up a lot of space, often in a way that is inconvenient to carry or store.
Describe a physical object that is big and occupies a lot of room, often making it hard to handle.
The most common and natural way to say something is bulky. It implies the item takes up space and is often inconvenient.
このコートはかさばるから、旅行には持っていけない。
This coat is too bulky to take on the trip.
ダンボールがかさばって部屋が狭く感じる。
The cardboard boxes are bulky and make the room feel small.
Simply means 'big'. Use when the size itself is the main point, not necessarily the inconvenience.
この家具は大きいから、ドアを通らないかもしれない。
This furniture is so bulky it might not fit through the door.
A more formal or written term for bulky, emphasizing volume. Often used in logistics or technical contexts.
嵩高い荷物は別料金になります。
Bulky luggage will incur an extra charge.
Describe something that is thick and heavy, often making it feel cumbersome.
Used for thick materials like sweaters, towels, or paper. It focuses on thickness rather than overall size.
厚手のセーターを着ると動きにくい。
Wearing a bulky sweater makes it hard to move.
この本は厚手の紙を使っている。
This book uses bulky paper.
Emphasizes that something is very thick, like a book or a stack of papers. Often implies heaviness.
Describes something fluffy and bulky, like a down jacket or a stuffed animal. Casual and often used for clothing.
もこもこしたダウンジャケットを着ている。
I'm wearing a bulky down jacket.
Describe a person or animal that is big and heavily built.
Means stocky, sturdy, or heavily built. Often positive, implying strength.
彼はがっしりした体格をしている。
He has a bulky build.
Means large-framed or big-bodied. Neutral description of size.
大柄な選手がチームに加わった。
A bulky player joined the team.
Slang for muscular, macho. Often used for bodybuilders or gym-goers.
ジムでマッチョな人を見かけた。
I saw a bulky guy at the gym.
Use かさばる when the bulkiness causes inconvenience (e.g., packing, storage). Use 大きい simply for large size without the nuance of trouble.
この箱は大きいけど、かさばらない。
This box is big but not bulky.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'bulky'. Choose the word based on what makes it bulky: volume (かさばる), thickness (厚手の), or build (がっしりした).
分厚い辞書を持ち歩くのは大変だ。
Carrying a bulky dictionary is tough.