ちょこちょこ

Alternative writings: チョコチョコ
Frequency:
1

Describes toddling or quick, small steps — often used for children or small animals.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

子どもが芝生の上をちょこちょこ歩いている。

A child is toddling across the lawn.

小さな犬がちょこちょこ近づいてきた。

A small dog came over with quick little steps.

幼児がちょこちょこ走り回るのはよくある光景だ。

It's common to see toddlers scampering about with quick steps.

2

Describes moving about restlessly or being in constant small motion.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼は会議中に席のそばでちょこちょこ動いて落ち着かなかった。

He fidgeted restlessly by his seat during the meeting.

店員がちょこちょこと売り場を巡っている。

The shop assistant keeps moving around the sales floor.

3

Means doing something quickly and easily — used to indicate tidying up or completing tasks in short bursts.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

朝のうちにちょこちょこと家事を済ませた。

I quickly got the household chores done in the morning.

ちょこちょこメールの返信をしておくね。

I'll reply to emails quickly as I have time.

4

Can also mean 'now and then' or 'occasionally' in colloquial use.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼女はちょこちょこ店に顔を出す。

She drops by the shop now and then.

ちょこちょこ連絡が来るので対応に追われている。

I keep getting messages now and then, so I'm busy responding.