Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

ぼうと Japanese meaning | Kotomora

ぼうと

ぼ

う

と

Meanings

1

adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

in a daze; absent-mindedly; vacantly

usually written using kana aloneonomatopoeic or mimetic word

Describes a mental state of being spaced out, not focusing on anything, or acting without clear thought. Often used with verbs like する, なる, 立つ, 座る.

See also: ぼーっと

彼かれは窓まどの

外そと

を

ぼうと

眺なが

め

て

い

た

。

He was staring vacantly out the window.

疲つかれてぼうとしてしまった。

I was so tired I zoned out.

2

adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

dimly; hazily; faintly

usually written using kana aloneonomatopoeic or mimetic word

Used for visual or auditory indistinctness, such as seeing something dimly or hearing a faint sound. Also used for vague awareness.

See also: ぼーっと

遠とおくに山やまがぼうと見みえる。
The mountains are dimly visible in the distance.
隣となりの部屋へやから音おん楽がくがぼうと聞きこえてきた。
I could faintly hear music from the next room.

Written forms

茫ぼうと
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form; learners should use kana.
ぼーと
- ぼうと
  Variant with long vowel mark; common in casual writing.
- ぼーと
  kana-only spelling
ボーと
- ぼうと
  Katakana variant, often used for emphasis or in manga.
- ボーと
  kana-only spelling

Kanji

茫wide, extensive

Similar words

ぼーっと
ぼーっと is a more common variant with a geminate consonant, often used for the same meanings but can feel slightly more emphatic or prolonged. ぼうと is a smoother, less abrupt version.

Etymology

Onomatopoeic/mimetic word; the exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 茫 carries a meaning of 'vast' or 'obscure', but the word is almost always written in kana.