ぽっかり
Meanings
1
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Describes something floating, resting, or appearing lightly and gently, often with a sense of airiness.
A cloud is floating lightly in the sky.
2
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
wide open; gaping
Used for holes, openings, or mouths that are open wide and conspicuously.
A big hole was gaping open in the ground.
3
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Emphasizes the abruptness or unexpectedness of an appearance or occurrence.
He suddenly appeared.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に穴がぽっかり空くfor a hole to open up wide (in a place)
A gaping hole had opened up in the road.
- 雲がぽっかり浮かぶfor clouds to float lightly (in the sky)
White clouds floated lightly in the sky.
- 心にぽっかり穴が空くto feel a sudden emptiness in one's heart
Since he left, it feels like there's an empty hole in my heart.