This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Japanese
Vocabulary
こってりした

A2 adjective #7,500 most common 11 min read

こってりした

Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips こってりした in 30 Seconds

Explanation こってりした in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe basic things like food. 'Kotteri shita' might feel a bit long, but you can think of it as a special label for 'strong' or 'heavy' food. At this stage, just focus on the fact that it is used for food like ramen or curry. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember: Kotteri = Heavy/Rich. Assari = Light. When you go to a Japanese restaurant, you might see these two words. If you like food with a lot of flavor and maybe some fat (like a big burger or creamy pasta), you like 'kotteri' food. If you like simple things like salad or clear soup, you like 'assari' food. Try saying 'Kotteri ramen, onegaishimasu' (Rich ramen, please). This is a great way to start using the word in real life. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand menus better and makes sure you get the kind of food you actually want to eat. It is a very 'useful' word for travelers because Japan has so many different types of ramen, and 'kotteri' is one of the most popular styles you will find in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'こってりした' (kotteri shita) to build more complete sentences. You should understand that it is a 'suru-adjective' in its past form. This means it describes a noun. For example, 'こってりしたスープ' (kotteri shita sūpu) means 'a rich soup.' You can also use the form 'こってりしている' (kotteri shite iru) to say 'It is rich.' For example, 'このラーメンはこってりしています' (This ramen is rich). At this level, you should also learn its opposite, 'あっさりした' (assari shita). Being able to compare two dishes using these words is a great way to practice your A2 grammar. You might say, 'このカレーはこってりしていますが、そのスープはあっさりしています' (This curry is rich, but that soup is light). You should also be aware that 'kotteri' is often used for Western foods that have been adapted to Japanese tastes, like 'katsu curry' or 'creamy pasta.' It is a very common word in daily life, so you will hear it in convenience stores and on TV. Using it correctly shows that you understand the basic 'mouthfeel' of Japanese food, which is a very important part of the culture.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'こってりした' in various grammatical structures and understanding its nuances compared to similar words. You should know that 'kotteri' refers to a richness that comes from fats, oils, or a high concentration of ingredients that create a 'thick' sensation. You can now start using adverbs to modify it, like 'ちょっとこってりしすぎている' (It is a little bit too rich). You should also be able to distinguish 'kotteri' from 'aburakkoi.' While 'kotteri' is often a positive description of a satisfyingly heavy meal, 'aburakkoi' is usually negative, meaning something is too greasy or oily in a way that is unpleasant. For example, a B1 learner should be able to say, 'この唐揚げは脂っこくなくて、こってりした味がして美味しいです' (This fried chicken isn't greasy; it has a rich flavor and is delicious). You can also start to see the word used in metaphorical contexts, though food remains the primary use. For instance, you might hear someone describe a very 'heavy' or 'intense' movie or book as having a 'kotteri' feel, though this is more creative usage. Your goal at B1 is to use 'kotteri' to give more detailed reviews of your meals and to express your specific culinary preferences in social situations.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of the sensory and cultural implications of 'こってりした.' You should be able to discuss the 'Kotteri-ha' (rich-flavor camp) versus the 'Assari-ha' (light-flavor camp) in Japanese food culture, particularly regarding ramen. You should also understand the word 'noko' (濃厚) and how it differs from 'kotteri.' While 'noko' is a more formal and objective term for 'concentrated' or 'rich,' 'kotteri' is more onomatopoeic and sensory, focusing on the physical experience of the food's texture and oiliness. A B2 speaker should be able to use 'kotteri' in a variety of contexts, including describing makeup or personality, while being fully aware of the potential negative connotations (cloying, over-the-top). You might say, '彼の話し方は少しこってりしすぎていて、疲れる' (His way of talking is a bit too 'heavy/intense,' and it's tiring). This level of usage shows a high degree of cultural fluency. You should also be able to understand the word when it appears in food criticism or more complex cooking instructions, where the 'thickness' of a sauce needs to be perfectly 'kotteri' to be considered authentic. Your ability to use this word correctly in both positive and slightly critical ways marks your progress toward advanced proficiency.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the subtle artistic and literary uses of 'こってりした.' Beyond its common culinary application, you can analyze how the word is used to describe aesthetics that are ornate, dense, or heavily layered. In art criticism, 'kotteri shita saishiki' (heavily applied coloring) might describe a painting with thick, rich impasto or a very busy, detailed composition. You understand that the word's onomatopoeic roots (likely from 'kote-kote,' meaning thickly applied) give it a visceral quality that more clinical words like 'noko' lack. You can use 'kotteri' to discuss the 'richness' of a theatrical performance or the 'heaviness' of a certain historical period's fashion. Furthermore, you should be able to navigate the social nuances of the word perfectly. For example, you would know when using 'kotteri' for a colleague's presentation style is an appropriate piece of casual feedback versus when it might be seen as an insult. You can also engage in high-level discussions about the evolution of the 'kotteri' trend in Japanese urban food culture and its relationship to changing Japanese palates and health consciousness. Your vocabulary is rich enough to explain 'kotteri' using other advanced terms like 'yujun' (emulsion) or 'shitsukoi' (persistent) to define its exact boundaries.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for 'こってりした.' You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from the most casual slang to sophisticated metaphorical descriptions. You understand its historical development and how its usage has shifted from a purely descriptive term for texture to a culturally loaded word that signifies a specific type of 'modern Japanese' indulgence. You can appreciate the word in classical literature or older films where it might be used to describe the 'thickness' of a summer's heat or the 'heavy' atmosphere of a tense situation. You are also capable of using the word ironically or humorously, perhaps poking fun at your own 'kotteri' tastes or describing a particularly 'thick' social interaction with a layer of sarcasm. You can explain the 'kotteri' phenomenon in Japan to others, linking it to the chemistry of 'umami' and the physics of mouthfeel. Your mastery of this word is so complete that you don't even have to think about the 'shita' or 'shite iru' distinction; it flows naturally as part of your expressive repertoire. You can even create your own metaphors using 'kotteri' that would be immediately understood and appreciated by native speakers for their wit and accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

こってりした in 30 Seconds

Kotteri shita describes food that is rich, heavy, and oily, like thick ramen broth or creamy sauces.
It is the direct opposite of 'assari' (light) and is a key category in Japanese dining.
Grammatically, it is a suru-verb derivative used as an adjective (shita) or a state descriptor (shite iru).
While usually positive for food, it can be slightly negative when describing intense personalities or heavy makeup.

The Japanese adjective こってりした (kotteri shita) is an essential term in the culinary world of Japan, primarily used to describe food that is rich, heavy, thick, or oily in a satisfying way. While the English word 'heavy' can sometimes carry a negative connotation, kotteri is frequently used by foodies and diners to express a craving for something deeply flavorful and substantial. It is most famously associated with Tonkotsu Ramen (pork bone broth), where the soup has been simmered for hours until the collagen and fats create a creamy, opaque, and 'heavy' texture that coats the tongue. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the Japanese love of texture in food, known as shokukan.

The Sensory Experience: When you use this word, you are describing a high fat or oil content that results in a lingering, powerful aftertaste. It is the opposite of 'assari' (light and clean).

今日はとてもお腹が空いているので、こってりしたラーメンが食べたい気分だ。(Since I am very hungry today, I am in the mood for a rich, heavy ramen.)

Beyond ramen, you might hear this word used for Western-style stews with thick cream sauces, fatty cuts of meat like chashu, or even desserts like a very dense New York cheesecake. It captures that feeling of indulgence. In recent years, the word has also seen a metaphorical shift. Occasionally, it is used to describe a person's appearance or personality—someone who is 'thick' or 'heavy' in their presentation, perhaps wearing too much makeup or having an overly intense, persistent character. However, its primary home remains in the kitchen and at the dining table.

Usage Context: Commonly used in casual dining, restaurant reviews (Tabelog), and food-themed television shows (Gourmet programs).

このソースはバターがたっぷりで、かなりこってりしていますね。(This sauce has plenty of butter and is quite rich, isn't it?)

The word is actually the past-tense form of the verb kotterisuru, used as an adjective. This indicates that the state of being 'rich' has been achieved or is a fixed quality of the item. In conversation, if you are asked what kind of flavor you prefer, you can simply say 'Kotteri-ha' (the rich-flavor group) to indicate your preference for heavy, bold tastes over light ones. This distinction is a cornerstone of Japanese culinary identity, especially in the competitive world of ramen shops where 'Kotteri' vs 'Assari' is the primary choice a customer must make.

Visualizing Kotteri: Imagine a sauce that is so thick it sticks to the back of a spoon, or a broth that leaves a slight sheen of oil on your lips after a sip. That is the essence of kotteri.

Using こってりした (kotteri shita) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a modifier. Because it ends in -shita (the past tense of suru), it functions as a noun-modifying adjective. It is almost always followed immediately by a noun, such as aji (flavor), ryori (cooking/dish), or ramen. To describe a state without a following noun, you would use こってりしている (kotteri shite iru), which means 'is rich' or 'is being heavy'. This distinction is subtle but important for natural-sounding Japanese.

Direct Modification: [Kotteri shita] + [Noun]. Example: こってりした味 (A rich flavor). This is the most common way to describe a specific type of food.

フランス料理はこってりした味付けが多いです。(French cuisine has many rich seasonings.)

When you want to emphasize the degree of richness, you can add adverbs like kanari (quite), sugoku (very), or chotto (a little). For example, chotto kotteri shisugi means 'a bit too rich.' This is useful when you are giving feedback on a meal or deciding what to order. You can also use it in the negative: kotteri shite inai (it is not rich/heavy). This is often used when a dish looks like it might be heavy but turns out to be surprisingly light.

State of Being: [Noun] + [wa] + [kotteri shite iru]. Example: このスープはこってりしている (This soup is rich). This describes the current state of the dish in front of you.

見た目よりもこってりしていなくて、食べやすいです。(It's not as heavy as it looks, so it's easy to eat.)

In more advanced usage, kotteri can be used as an adverb to describe the manner in which someone does something, though this is less common. For instance, kotteri (to) shikareru means to be scolded 'thickly' or 'heavily'—meaning a very long, thorough, and intense scolding. This shows how the 'thickness' of food translates into the 'intensity' of an action. However, for A2-B1 learners, focusing on the food-related adjective usage is the most practical path.

Comparison Patterns: Use 'yori' for comparisons: 'Kono mise no ramen wa, ano mise yori kotteri shite iru' (This shop's ramen is richer than that shop's).

If you spend any time in Japan, you will encounter こってり (kotteri) almost daily, especially if you enjoy eating out. The word is ubiquitous in the 'B-kyu gurume' (B-grade gourmet) scene—the delicious, affordable, and often greasy comfort food that fuels the Japanese workforce. Walk into any ramen shop, and you might see the menu divided into Kotteri and Assari. This isn't just a description; it's a category. Television programs featuring 'Talent' (celebrities) eating food and shouting 'Oishii!' (Delicious!) will almost certainly use kotteri to describe a glistening piece of pork belly or a thick curry sauce.

In the Ramen Shop: Waitstaff might ask: 'Kotteri to assari, dochira ni shimasu ka?' (Would you like the rich or the light one?). This is the most common real-world application.

「こちらのこってりしたスープが当店の自慢です。」("Our shop's pride is this rich, heavy soup.")

You will also see this word in convenience stores (konbini). Look at the labels on instant ramen bowls, bento boxes with fried chicken (karaage), or pasta dishes with heavy cream sauces. The marketing copy will use kotteri to appeal to hungry customers looking for a satisfying, filling meal. In advertisements, the word is often written in Katakana (コッテリ) to give it a more modern, punchy, and graphic feel. This visual style emphasizes the 'boldness' of the flavor.

On Social Media: Instagram and Twitter (X) users in Japan use the hashtag #こってり when posting photos of glistening, high-calorie meals. It is a badge of honor for food lovers.

SNSの投稿：「夜中に食べるこってりしたラーメンは最高！」(Social media post: "Rich ramen eaten in the middle of the night is the best!")

Finally, you might hear it in conversations about health or dieting. A doctor or a concerned friend might say, 'Kotteri shita mono wa hikaeta hou ga ii desu yo' (You should hold back on rich/heavy foods). In this context, the word serves as a shorthand for high-fat, high-calorie options that might not be great for one's cholesterol or waistline. Despite this, the word remains overwhelmingly positive in the context of pure culinary enjoyment. It is a word that celebrates flavor intensity and the physical satisfaction of a hearty meal.

Regional Differences: While used nationwide, it is especially common in Hakata (Kyushu) where Tonkotsu ramen originated, and in Kyoto, home to the famous 'Tenkaippin' chain.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using こってりした (kotteri shita) is confusing it with other words that also mean 'heavy' or 'oily.' In English, we might use 'greasy' to describe both a delicious burger and a poorly made, oily piece of fried fish. In Japanese, however, the distinction is much sharper. If you use the wrong word, you might accidentally insult the chef or miscommunicate your cravings. The primary word to avoid confusing with kotteri is aburakkoi.

Kotteri vs. Aburakkoi: 'Kotteri' is generally positive/neutral (rich, thick flavor). 'Aburakkoi' is usually negative (too greasy, oily, makes you feel slightly sick). Use 'kotteri' for a rich soup, but 'aburakkoi' for tempura that wasn't drained properly.

❌ 間違い: このケーキは脂っこいです。(This cake is greasy - sounds unappetizing.)
✅ 正解: このケーキはこってりしていて美味しいです。(This cake is rich and delicious.)

Another mistake is the grammatical structure. Because kotteri is a 'suru' verb derivative, you cannot just say 'kotteri na' or 'kotteri no.' You must use kotteri shita (adjective) or kotteri to shita (more formal adjective). Some learners also forget to use the 'shita' part entirely, saying just 'kotteri ramen,' which is understood in a casual setting (like a menu) but is grammatically incomplete in a full sentence. Always remember: if it modifies a noun, use shita.

Overusing for People: While you can use it for people, it's rarely a compliment. It implies the person is 'cloying' or 'too much to handle.' If you want to say someone is deep or complex, use 'shin no aru' or 'fukai'.

❌ 間違い: 彼はこってりした人です。(He is a heavy/rich person - sounds like he's annoying or oily.)

Lastly, be careful with the word shitsukoi. This word means 'persistent' or 'insistent' and is often used for flavors that are so rich they become annoying or hard to finish. While a kotteri dish can become shitsukoi if you eat too much of it, they are not synonyms. Kotteri is a description of the style, while shitsukoi is a judgment of the effect on the eater. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate Japanese food culture with the precision of a native speaker.

Summary of Nuance: Use 'kotteri' for ramen, curry, and cream. Use 'aburakkoi' for oily fried food. Use 'noko' for thick juice or high-end sauces. Use 'shitsukoi' for something that is 'too much'.

To truly master the vocabulary of taste in Japanese, you need to know where こってりした (kotteri shita) sits in relation to its synonyms and antonyms. The most direct antonym is あっさりした (assari shita), which means light, simple, and clean. In any ramen shop, these two are the binary stars of the menu. If kotteri is a heavy cream sauce, assari is a clear consommé. Knowing both allows you to express your preferences clearly in any dining situation.

Alternative 1: 濃厚 (Nōkō): Meaning 'rich' or 'thick,' this is the more 'elegant' version of kotteri. It's used for high-quality chocolate, expensive wine, or a sophisticated reduction sauce in a high-end restaurant. It sounds more clinical or professional than the sensory-focused 'kotteri'.

このプリンは卵の味が濃厚です。(This pudding has a rich egg flavor.)

Another similar word is コクがある (koku ga aru). This phrase means 'to have body' or 'to have depth of flavor.' While a kotteri dish usually has koku, a dish can have koku without being kotteri. For example, a well-aged miso soup might have deep koku (complexity) but still be assari (light) in texture. Kotteri specifically refers to the presence of fats and oils that create a heavy mouthfeel.

Alternative 2: 脂っこい (Aburakkoi): As mentioned before, this is the negative counterpart. If a pizza is so oily that the box turns translucent, it is 'aburakkoi.' If the cheese is high quality and thick, it is 'kotteri'.

最近、脂っこいものは胃にもたれます。(Lately, greasy things sit heavy on my stomach.)

For non-food contexts, if you want to describe a person who is 'thick' or 'intense,' you might use shitsukoi (persistent/annoying) or atsugurushii (oppressively hot/intense). Kotteri is rarely the best word for people unless you are specifically talking about their choice of heavy makeup or an overly 'rich' (gaudy) style of dress. In the world of art and design, kotteri can describe a style that is very ornate and detailed, almost to the point of being overwhelming.

Summary Table: - Kotteri: Rich/Heavy (Usually good)
- Assari: Light/Clean (Antonym)
- Noko: Concentrated (Professional)
- Aburakkoi: Greasy (Negative)
- Shitsukoi: Cloying/Too much

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'kotteri' gained massive popularity in the 1970s and 80s alongside the rise of Tonkotsu ramen chains, specifically Tenkaippin, which uses it as its signature brand.

Pronunciation Guide

UK kɒt.te.ɾi ʃi.ta

US koʊt.te.ɾi ʃi.ta

Flat (Heiban style). There is no strong accent on any syllable, but the pause at the double 't' is crucial.

Rhymes With

hakkiri (clearly) ukkari (carelessly) sukkiri (refreshed) pattiri (wide open eyes) yukkuri (slowly) shikkari (firmly) tappuri (plenty) sappari (refreshed)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kotteri' without the pause for the double 't'.
Over-stressing the 'ri' syllable.
Pronouncing 'shita' as 'shee-tah' instead of a quick 'sh'ta'.
Confusing it with 'kotari' (which is not a word).
Using an English 'r' instead of the Japanese tap 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Written in Hiragana usually, making it very easy to read once known.

Writing 2/5

Simple hiragana characters. No complex kanji required.

Speaking 3/5

The double 't' (sokuon) requires correct timing for natural speech.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in food-related conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

味 (Aji - Taste) 美味しい (Oishii - Delicious) スープ (Sūpu - Soup) 油 (Abura - Oil) する (Suru - To do)

Learn Next

あっさり (Assari - Light) 濃厚 (Noko - Concentrated) 脂っこい (Aburakkoi - Greasy) しつこい (Shitsukoi - Persistent) コク (Koku - Depth)

Advanced

油潤 (Yujun - Emulsion) 粘度 (Nendo - Viscosity) 胸焼け (Muneyake - Heartburn) 胃もたれ (Imotare - Heavy stomach) 滋味 (Jimi - Rich/nourishing taste)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verb Adjectival Use

こってりする (Verb) -> こってりした (Adjective)

State of Being with ~te iru

スープがこってりしている。

Excess with ~sugiru

こってりしすぎている。

Adverbial Use with ~to

こってりと味をつける。

Comparison with ~yori

AはBよりこってりしている。

Examples by Level

こってりしたラーメンが好きです。

I like rich ramen.

Simple [Adjective] + [Noun] pattern.

これはこってりした味です。

This is a rich flavor.

Using 'kore wa' to identify the taste.

こってりしたカレーを食べます。

I eat rich curry.

Direct object 'curry' modified by 'kotteri shita'.

スープはこってりしています。

The soup is rich.

Using the state-of-being form 'shite imasu'.

こってりした食べ物は美味しいです。

Rich food is delicious.

General statement about 'rich food'.

あまりこってりしたものは食べません。

I don't eat very rich things.

Negative sentence with 'amari'.

こってりしたソースをください。

Please give me the rich sauce.

Requesting a specific item.

この肉はこってりしていますね。

This meat is rich, isn't it?

Seeking agreement with 'ne'.

昨日の夜、こってりしたラーメンを食べすぎました。

Last night, I ate too much rich ramen.

Combining 'kotteri shita' with the verb 'tabesugiru' (eat too much).

この店にはこってりしたメニューが多いです。

This shop has many rich items on the menu.

Describing the variety of a menu.

こってりした料理よりも、あっさりした料理が好きです。

I like light dishes more than rich dishes.

Using 'yori' for comparison.

バターを使うと、こってりした味になります。

If you use butter, it becomes a rich flavor.

Cause and effect with '~to' and 'naru'.

このスープは少しこってりしすぎています。

This soup is a little too rich.

Using 'shisugite iru' to express excess.

こってりしたものが食べたい気分です。

I'm in the mood to eat something rich.

The phrase 'kibun desu' (in the mood).

彼はこってりした味付けが大好きです。

He loves rich seasoning.

Describing someone else's preference.

こってりしたソースがパスタによく合います。

The rich sauce goes well with the pasta.

The verb 'au' (to suit/fit).

疲れている時は、こってりしたものが欲しくなります。

When I'm tired, I find myself wanting something rich.

Using the conditional 'toki' and the change of state 'hoshiku naru'.

このラーメンは見た目ほどこってりしていません。

This ramen isn't as rich as it looks.

Comparison using 'hodo...nai' (not as...as).

健康のために、こってりした食事は控えるようにしています。

For my health, I'm trying to cut back on rich meals.

Using 'hikaeru you ni shite iru' to show an ongoing effort.

チーズをたっぷり入れると、こってりした風味が増します。

Adding plenty of cheese increases the rich flavor.

Using 'masu' (to increase).

こってりした味に飽きたら、お酢を入れてみてください。

If you get tired of the rich flavor, try adding some vinegar.

Using 'akiru' (to get tired of) and 'te miru' (try doing).

そのソースはこってりしていて、パンにつけて食べると最高です。

That sauce is rich, and it's the best when eaten on bread.

Connecting clauses with the 'te' form.

和食はあっさりしていますが、中にはこってりしたものもあります。

Japanese food is light, but there are some rich dishes too.

Contrasting two facts with 'ga' (but).

こってりした味付けは、ご飯が進みますね。

Rich seasoning really makes you want to eat more rice, doesn't it?

The idiom 'gohan ga susumu' (to go well with rice).

この店のスープは、豚骨を三日間煮込んだこってりした濃厚な味わいです。

This shop's soup has a rich, concentrated flavor from simmering pork bones for three days.

Combining 'kotteri shita' and 'noko na' for emphasis.

彼はこってりした性格なので、たまに付き合うのが大変です。

He has such an intense personality that it's sometimes hard to deal with him.

Metaphorical use for personality.

この絵画は、油絵の具を厚く塗ったこってりした質感が特徴です。

This painting is characterized by a thick, rich texture from heavily applied oil paints.

Using it to describe artistic texture.

脂っこいものとこってりしたものの違いを説明するのは難しいですね。

It's difficult to explain the difference between 'greasy' and 'rich,' isn't it?

Nominalizing the adjectives with 'mono'.

最近の若者は、よりこってりした味を好む傾向があるようです。

It seems that young people these days tend to prefer richer flavors.

Using 'keiko ga aru' (tendency to).

こってりした料理には、渋いお茶がよく合います。

Astringent tea goes very well with rich dishes.

Pairing flavors for balance.

あまりにこってりしすぎていて、最後まで食べきれませんでした。

It was so rich that I couldn't finish eating it all.

Using 'tabekirenai' (cannot finish eating).

彼女のメイクはいつもこってりしていて、少し派手すぎる印象です。

Her makeup is always heavy, giving a slightly too gaudy impression.

Describing appearance.

その演出は、観客の感情を揺さぶるようなこってりした表現が多用されていた。

That production made heavy use of intense expressions intended to stir the audience's emotions.

Metaphorical use in arts/theater.

バブル時代の建築には、装飾がこってりした派手なものが少なくない。

Architecture from the bubble era often features heavily decorated and gaudy designs.

Describing architectural style.

彼は上司から一時間以上もこってりとお説教を食らってしまった。

He received a thorough and heavy scolding from his boss for over an hour.

Using the adverbial 'kotteri to' for an intense action.

このワインは、オーク樽の香りがこってりと移っていて、非常に力強い。

This wine has a thick, rich scent from the oak barrels and is very powerful.

Describing complex sensory transfer.

デミグラスソースを何日も煮詰めることで、こってりとしたコクが生まれる。

By boiling down the demi-glace sauce for days, a rich, heavy depth is born.

Describing a culinary process.

彼の文章スタイルはこってりしすぎていて、要点がどこにあるのか分かりにくい。

His writing style is so dense and wordy that it's hard to tell what the main point is.

Critiquing writing style.

夏の京都の、あのこってりとした蒸し暑さは独特のものだ。

That thick, heavy humidity of Kyoto in the summer is something unique.

Describing atmospheric conditions.

伝統的な油絵の技法を駆使して、こってりとした画面を作り上げている。

Using traditional oil painting techniques to the fullest, they create a rich, dense visual surface.

Describing the result of artistic technique.

その政治家の演説は、美辞麗句をこってりと塗りたくったような、中身のないものだった。

The politician's speech was a hollow affair, thickly smeared with flowery rhetoric.

Highly metaphorical and critical usage.

都会の喧騒と排気ガスが混ざり合った、こってりとした空気感に息が詰まる。

I feel suffocated by the thick, heavy atmosphere where city noise and exhaust fumes mingle.

Describing a complex psychological/environmental state.

彼は、自身の失敗をこってりとしたユーモアを交えて自虐的に語った。

He talked about his own failures self-deprecatingly, interlaced with a thick layer of humor.

Describing the 'flavor' of a personality or story.

その老舗料亭の出汁は、何十年も継ぎ足されてきたこってりとした歴史の重みを感じさせる。

The broth of that long-established restaurant makes you feel the rich, heavy weight of history added to over decades.

Abstract usage connecting flavor to history.

彼女の演技には、人生の悲哀がこってりと染み付いているような深みがあった。

There was a depth in her acting as if the sorrows of life were thickly ingrained in it.

Describing emotional depth.

バロック音楽の、あのこってりとした装飾過多な響きが、かえって心地よい。

That rich, overly-ornamented sound of Baroque music is, on the contrary, quite pleasant.

Describing musical aesthetics.

彼は、こってりとした情念を込めてその詩を朗読した。

He recited the poem with thick, heavy passion.

Describing the emotional delivery of speech.

都会の夜景は、光の粒子がこってりと堆積したような、不思議な実体感を持っている。

The city night view has a strange sense of substance, as if particles of light have thickly accumulated.

Poetic/Literary description.

Common Collocations

こってりした味

こってりしたスープ

こってりした料理

こってりしたラーメン

こってりしたソース

こってりした味付け

こってりした性格

こってりしたメイク

こってりした色使い

こってりしすぎる

Common Phrases

こってり派 (Kotteri-ha)

— The group of people who prefer rich/heavy flavors. Use this to describe your food preference.

私は完全にこってり派です。

こってり系 (Kotteri-kei)

— The 'rich-style' category of food. Often used for ramen shops.

ここはこってり系の店だ。

こってり仕上げる (Kotteri shiageru)

— To finish a dish in a rich/heavy style. Common in recipes.

ソースをこってり仕上げる。

こってりラーメン (Kotteri ramen)

— Rich ramen. A standard term on menus.

こってりラーメンを一杯お願いします。

こってりスープ (Kotteri sūpu)

— Rich soup. Used to describe the base of a dish.

こってりスープが麺に絡む。

こってりお肉 (Kotteri oniku)

— Rich/fatty meat. Often used for marbled beef or pork belly.

こってりお肉を堪能する。

こってり甘い (Kotteri amai)

— Heavily sweet. Used for very rich desserts.

こってり甘いチョコレート。

こってり脂身 (Kotteri aburami)

— Rich fat. Refers to the fatty parts of meat.

こってり脂身がとろける。

こってり中華 (Kotteri chūka)

— Rich Chinese food. Refers to oily, flavorful stir-fries.

今日はこってり中華の気分だ。

こってり洋食 (Kotteri yōshoku)

— Rich Western-style Japanese food. Refers to stews and cream dishes.

こってり洋食をランチに食べる。

Often Confused With

こってりした vs 脂っこい (Aburakkoi)

Aburakkoi is usually negative (too oily), while kotteri is often positive (rich/satisfying).

こってりした vs 濃厚 (Noko)

Noko is more formal and refers to concentration; kotteri is more about oily thickness.

こってりした vs しつこい (Shitsukoi)

Shitsukoi means a flavor is annoying or cloying; kotteri is just the style of flavor.

Idioms & Expressions

"こってりと絞られる (Kotteri to shiborareu)"

— To be severely scolded or given a hard time. Literally 'to be squeezed thickly'.

遅刻して先生にこってりと絞られた。

Casual/Idiomatic

"こってりと油を売る (Kotteri to abuara o uru)"

— A variation of 'to loaf around' or 'to waste time,' implying doing so excessively.

仕事中にこってりと油を売る。

Slangy

"こってりした油（脂）の乗り (Kotteri shita abura no nori)"

— Used for fish or meat to describe a perfect, rich fat content.

このブリはこってりと脂が乗っている。

Neutral

"こってりとお説教する (Kotteri to ossekkyō suru)"

— To give a long, thorough, and heavy lecture/scolding.

父にこってりとお説教された。

Neutral

"こってりした人間関係 (Kotteri shita ningen kankei)"

— A heavy, intense, or cloying social relationship.

こってりした人間関係は苦手だ。

Metaphorical

"こってりと色をつける (Kotteri to iro o tsukeru)"

— To color something thickly or, metaphorically, to add a lot of extra detail/exaggeration.

話にこってりと色をつける。

Metaphorical

"こってりと味が染みる (Kotteri to aji ga shimiru)"

— For a flavor to soak in deeply and richly.

大根にこってりと味が染みている。

Neutral

"こってりした演出 (Kotteri shita enshutsu)"

— A very dramatic or 'heavy' direction/production style in theater or film.

こってりした演出の舞台。

Artistic

"こってりと塗りたくる (Kotteri to nuritakuru)"

— To smear something on thickly (makeup, paint, or even lies).

壁にペンキをこってりと塗りたくる。

Informal

"こってりとした余韻 (Kotteri to shita yoin)"

— A lingering, heavy aftertaste or after-impression.

こってりとした余韻が残るワイン。

Sophisticated

Easily Confused

こってりした vs あっさり (Assari)

They are direct opposites often mentioned together.

Kotteri is heavy/rich; Assari is light/simple. You must choose one at many ramen shops.

こってりかあっさりか選んでください。

こってりした vs さっぱり (Sappari)

Both describe the 'feeling' of food.

Sappari is refreshing (like lemon or vinegar); Kotteri is heavy (like fat or cream).

食後はこってりしたものよりさっぱりしたものがいい。

こってりした vs コク (Koku)

Both describe 'strong' flavors.

Koku is depth/complexity (can be in light soup); Kotteri is physical richness/oiliness.

このスープはあっさりしているがコクがある。

こってりした vs どろどろ (Dorodoro)

Both describe thick liquids.

Dorodoro is more about viscosity (like mud or thick lava); Kotteri is about flavor richness.

カレーがどろどろになるまで煮込む。

こってりした vs ぎとぎと (Gitogito)

Both describe oil content.

Gitogito is very negative, describing something unpleasantly shiny with grease.

皿が油でぎとぎとしている。

Sentence Patterns

[Food] はこってりしています。

このラーメンはこってりしています。

こってりした [Food] が食べたいです。

こってりしたカレーが食べたいです。

こってりした [Food] より [Food] のほうが好きです。

こってりした肉より魚のほうが好きです。

あまりこってりしていません。

このスープはあまりこってりしていません。

こってりしすぎて胃が痛い。

[Noun] はこってりした味わいが特徴だ。

この料理はこってりした味わいが特徴だ。

こってりと [Verb-Passive]。

部長にこってりと絞られた。

こってりとした [Abstract Noun]。

こってりとした情念を感じる演技。

Word Family

Nouns

こってり感 (Kotteri-kan - the sense of richness)

Verbs

こってりする (Kotteri suru - to be rich/heavy)

Adjectives

こってりした (Kotteri shita - rich/heavy)

脂っこい (Aburakkoi)

濃厚 (Noko)

こてこて (Kotekote)

あっさり (Assari)

しつこい (Shitsukoi)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in culinary contexts, medium in general daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kotteri na' instead of 'kotteri shita'. → こってりしたラーメン
Kotteri is a suru-verb derivative, so it requires 'shita' to modify a noun, not 'na'.
Using 'kotteri' for a greasy, bad-tasting fried food. → 脂っこい天ぷら
If the oiliness is unpleasant or poorly prepared, 'aburakkoi' is the correct (negative) term.
Using 'kotteri' to mean 'expensive'. → 高い料理 / 高級な料理
While many kotteri foods are rich, the word only refers to the flavor/texture, not the price.
Calling a person 'kotteri' as a compliment for their deep thoughts. → 深い考えを持っている人
Calling a person 'kotteri' usually implies they are cloying or have an annoying intensity.
Using 'kotteri' for plain water or black coffee. → 濃いコーヒー
'Kotteri' requires an oily or thick mouthfeel. For strong coffee, use 'koi'.

Tips

The Ramen Choice

When you enter a ramen shop in Japan, look for 'こってり' and 'あっさり' on the menu. If you want a heavy, creamy meal that will keep you full for hours, choose 'こってり'. If you want something light, choose 'あっさり'.

Using 'Shita'

Always remember the 'shita' part when using it as an adjective. 'Kotteri ramen' is okay for a sign, but in a sentence, say 'Kotteri shita ramen ga suki desu'.

Digestive Warning

If you have a weak stomach (i-yowa), be careful with 'kotteri' foods. They are high in fat and can cause 'imotare' (a heavy feeling in the stomach) or heartburn.

Describing People

Avoid calling your friends 'kotteri'. It sounds like you are saying they are 'oily' or 'too much'. Use it for food, art, or makeup instead.

Level Up to Noko

If you want to sound more sophisticated, use 'noko' (濃厚) for high-end foods like fine chocolate or gourmet sauces. Save 'kotteri' for ramen and casual dining.

TV Food Shows

Watch Japanese gourmet shows. You will hear the 'Talent' say 'Kotteri shitemasu ne!' whenever they eat something with a thick sauce. It's great listening practice.

Konbini Labels

Look for the characters こってり on instant noodle cups in convenience stores. It usually indicates a pork-bone or heavy miso flavor.

Adding Richness

To make a dish more 'kotteri' at home, Japanese cooks often add a bit of lard, butter, or even a spoonful of peanut butter or cream to their sauces.

Positive Grease

Remember that unlike 'greasy' in English, 'kotteri' is often a positive word. It implies the richness is intentional and delicious.

Koku vs Kotteri

A dish can have 'koku' (depth) without being 'kotteri' (oily). Think of a well-made dashi—it has deep flavor (koku) but is very light (assari).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'COAT' of oil. 'KOT-teri' sounds like 'COAT-ery'. A kotteri soup COATS your tongue with rich flavor.

Visual Association

Imagine a thick, creamy white ramen broth that is so dense you can't see the bottom of the bowl. That is 'kotteri'.

Word Web

Ramen Tonkotsu Butter Cream Heavy Rich Oily Satisfying

Challenge

Go to a Japanese restaurant menu online and try to find three items that could be described as 'kotteri shita'. Write them down in a sentence.

Word Origin

Derived from the onomatopoeic base 'kote-kote', which describes a thick coating or a state where something is heavily applied. It has been used in Japanese for centuries to describe physical textures.

Original meaning: To be thickly coated or to have a viscous, heavy surface.

Japanese onomatopoeia (Gitaigo).

Cultural Context

Be careful using it to describe people; it can imply they are 'oily' or 'annoying' (cloying).

In English, 'heavy' or 'oily' can be negative, but in Japan, 'kotteri' is often a high compliment for comfort food.

Tenkaippin Ramen's signature 'Kotteri' soup. Gourmet manga like 'Oishinbo' frequently debate kotteri flavors. The 'Ramen Jiro' style is the ultimate example of kotteri.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Ramen Shop

こってりラーメンを一つ。
こってりとあっさり、どっちがいい？
こってりスープが麺に合う。
ここはこってり系で有名だ。

Cooking at Home

バターを入れてこってりさせる。
こってりした味付けにする。
少しこってりしすぎたかな？
こってりしたソースを作る。

Health and Diet

こってりしたものは控える。
最近こってりしたのが重い。
ダイエット中だからこってりはダメ。
こってり料理はカロリーが高い。

Food Reviews

こってりしているが、しつこくない。
見た目よりこってりしている。
こってり好きにはたまらない。
後味がこってりしている。

Describing People (Metaphor)

こってりした顔立ち。
彼の性格はこってりしている。
こってりと怒られた。
話がこってりしすぎている。

Conversation Starters

"「こってりした」ラーメンと「あっさりした」ラーメン、どちらが好きですか？"

"最近食べた中で、一番「こってりした」料理は何でしたか？"

"フランス料理は「こってりした」イメージがありますが、どう思いますか？"

"「こってりした」ものを食べたい時、どこのお店に行きますか？"

"疲れている時、「こってりした」ものが食べたくなりませんか？"

Journal Prompts

今日食べた「こってりした」料理について、その味や食感を詳しく書いてみましょう。

あなたが「こってり派」か「あっさり派」か、その理由を含めて日本語で説明してください。

「こってりした」ものを食べすぎて後悔した時のエピソードを書いてください。

自分の周りに「こってりした」性格の人はいますか？その人の特徴を書いてみましょう。

理想の「こってりした」ハンバーガーの具材をリストアップしてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily, but in the context of food like ramen, it is usually used positively by those who enjoy bold, rich flavors. However, if someone is on a diet or has a sensitive stomach, they might use it as a warning. It depends on the speaker's preference.

Yes! You can use it for very rich desserts like a dense cheesecake, a heavy chocolate mousse, or a cake with thick buttercream frosting. It describes the 'heavy' and 'rich' feeling of the sugar and fat combined.

'Kotteri shita' is used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., kotteri shita ramen). 'Kotteri shite iru' is used at the end of a sentence to describe the state of something (e.g., Kono ramen wa kotteri shite iru).

You can, but be careful. It usually means they have an 'intense' or 'cloying' personality that might be a bit much to handle. It can also describe someone wearing very heavy, thick makeup. It is rarely a pure compliment for a person.

It is somewhat casual and sensory. In formal food writing or academic contexts, words like 'noko' (濃厚) or 'yujun' (emulsion) are preferred. However, it is perfectly fine in restaurant reviews or food blogs.

Tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen is the most famous 'kotteri' style. Some 'Miso' ramen can also be kotteri if they use a lot of lard or fatty pork. Clear 'Shio' (salt) or 'Shoyu' (soy sauce) ramen are usually 'assari'.

You can say 'kotteri shisugite inai' (not too rich) or 'chotto kotteri shite iru kedo, sappari shite iru' (it's a bit rich but also refreshing). This shows a balance of flavors.

Yes, it is considered a 'gitaigo' (mimetic word). It comes from 'kote-kote,' which mimics the sound or feeling of something being spread thickly. This is why it uses the 'shita' or 'shite iru' structure.

It is rarely used for simple drinks like water or tea. However, you might use it for a very thick, rich milkshake, a heavy lassi, or a thick cream-based cocktail.

The most common opposite is 'assari' (あっさり), which means light and clean. Another common one is 'sappari' (さっぱり), which means refreshing.