Bocchi meaning in Japanese

What does “bocchi” in Japanese mean?

“Bocchi” (ぼっち) in Japanese is a slang term that refers to being alone or lonely. It can be used to describe someone who is without company, left out of a group, or socially isolated. The word has gained popularity in recent years, especially among young people in Japan, and is often used in conversations about relationships, friendships, and social situations.

The term “bocchi” in Japanese was originally used in conjunction with the word “hitori” (一人), which means “one person” or “alone.” Together, the phrase “hitori bocchi” (一人ぼっち) means “all alone” or “completely isolated.” This phrase is often used to describe someone who is completely without company or social support, and it can carry a sense of sadness or desperation.

The term “hitori bocchi” has been popularized in Japan through various forms of media, including anime, manga, and music. For example, there are popular anime series  such as “Bocchi the Rock” or “Hitoribocchi no Marumaruseikatsu,”.

Etymology of Hitori Bocchi

Bocchi as in Hitoti bocchi is a variant of Hoshi (法師).

The Japanese word “法師” (hoshi) refers to a Buddhist priest or monk.

In Japanese Buddhism, “hōshi” is a general term used to refer to a person who has undergone the proper training and ordination to become a member of the Buddhist clergy. They are responsible for carrying out various religious rites and ceremonies, such as performing funerals, conducting memorial services, and leading meditation practices.

Therefore the original meaning of “hitori bocchi” is a “lonely Buddhist priest” or a “lonely monk”. A lone monk is a solitary being, and the term probably originated as a figurative expression of total loneliness.

The contexts the term “bocchi” is used

Bocchi is used in typically in an expression like “bocchi meshi”. Meshi is a slang term for meal and when one have a meal without company it is describes  as “bocchi meshi”. It would be just like saying “bocchi meal” in English referring to eating without company.

Also, while people often go camping with a family or friends, nowadays some people go camping without company. Going camping alone is called “bocchi camp”.