雪だるま
yukidaruma[jɯ̟kʲida̠ɾɯ̟ma̠]
The English word snowman is translated into Japanese as 雪だるま (yukidaruma).
The term is used to describe a figure made of snow. In some humorous contexts, you might hear the term yukibouzu, which translates to 'snow monk'.
Meaning: figure made of snow (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
yukidaruma
Did you know?
- While 雪だるま is the standard term, the phrase 雪男 (snow man) refers specifically to the mythical Yeti or Abominable Snowman, not a figure made of snow.
- The second half of 雪だるま refers to 'Daruma', a famous round, red hollow doll representing the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. Because both the doll and the snowman are round and lack limbs, they share the same name.
- In Japan, だるま dolls are often sold with blank eyes. You paint one eye when making a wish and the second eye only after the wish comes true.
Examples in context
- 雪だるまを作りたい？Do you want to make a snowman?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to make a 雪だるま.Tatoeba #6532858 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #5663362 by Hybrid
- 後で雪だるま作ろうよ。Let's make a snowman later.This sentence is useful for suggesting that you make a 雪だるま later.Tatoeba #8593140 by small_snow, translation #5942682 by nicholas_martin
- トムは雪だるまを描いた。Tom drew a snowman.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 雪だるま as the object of a drawing verb.Tatoeba #8593139 by small_snow, translation #7576906 by Hybrid
- Watashi-tachi wa yukidaruma o tsukurimashita. (私たちは雪だるまを作りました。)We made a snowman.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are playing in a park during winter.
- 健太 Kenta大きな雪だるまを作ろう。Ookina yukidaruma o tsukurou.Let's make a big snowman.
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ、手伝うね。Ii yo, tetsudau ne.Okay, I will help you.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、帽子を付けてあげよう。Misaki, boushi o tsukete ageyou.Misaki, let's give him a hat.
- 美咲 Misakiかわいい雪だるまになったね。Kawaii yukidaruma ni natta ne.It became a cute snowman.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snowman” translations and entries 雪だるま, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 雪だるま, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
