noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
Describes a round, soft, and cute plumpness, often for babies, children, or a person's face or body. Can be affectionate.
赤ちゃんのまるぽちゃなほっぺたがかわいい。
The baby's chubby cheeks are cute.
彼女はまるぽちゃしていて、親しみやすい雰囲気だ。
She is plump and has a friendly vibe.
ぽっちゃり is a more common and neutral term for slightly plump or chubby, while まるぽちゃ emphasizes roundness and is more casual/affectionate.
でぶ is a blunt, often derogatory term for fat or obese, whereas まるぽちゃ is softer and can be endearing.
Compound of 丸 (maru, 'round') and ぽちゃ (pocha), a mimetic element suggesting plumpness or softness. The exact derivation is uncertain, but it likely arose as a colloquial, affectionate term.