ぬるぬる
ぬるぬる في 30 ثانية
- Nurunuru is a Japanese mimetic word for 'slimy' or 'slippery,' typically caused by oil, soap, or biological mucus.
- It is commonly used to describe fish, mossy rocks, greasy kitchen items, or the feeling of certain hot spring waters.
- Grammatically, it functions as an adverb, a verb with 'suru,' or an adjective with 'no,' and often carries a slightly unpleasant nuance.
- It is distinct from 'tsurutsuru' (dry/smooth) and 'nebaneba' (sticky/stringy), focusing specifically on wet, low-friction textures.
The Japanese word ぬるぬる (nurunuru) is a classic example of Japanese onomatopoeia, specifically categorized as gitaigo (words that describe states or conditions). It primarily describes a surface that is slippery, slimy, or covered in a thick, viscous liquid. Imagine the sensation of holding a live eel, touching seaweed washed up on the beach, or walking on a floor covered in spilled dish soap. This word captures that specific tactile experience where there is a lack of friction caused by a moist or oily substance.
- The Sensory Core
- At its heart, ぬるぬる evokes a physical reaction. Unlike 'smooth' (tsurutsuru), which can be pleasant, ぬるぬる often carries a slight nuance of being 'gross' or 'unpleasant,' though not always. It is the definitive word for slime.
- Common Scenarios
- You will hear this word in the kitchen when cleaning greasy pans, at the beach when stepping on mossy rocks, or in a bathroom when there is soap scum on the floor. It is also used in biological contexts to describe the mucus on amphibians or fish.
石鹸で手がぬるぬるする。
(Sekken de te ga nurunuru suru.)
My hands are slimy with soap.
In Japanese culture, the sensation of ぬるぬる is frequently featured in 'variety shows' (barenti bangumi), where celebrities might have to navigate a 'nurunuru slope'—a steep ramp covered in thick lotion. This has cemented the word in the modern lexicon as something both funny and frustratingly slippery. Linguistically, the repetition of the 'nu' sound, which is soft and nasal, combined with the 'ru' liquid consonant, phonetically mimics the sliding, frictionless movement the word describes. It is a word that feels like what it means.
床が油でぬるぬるしていて危ない。
(Yuka ga abura de nurunuru shite ite abunai.)
The floor is slippery with oil, so it's dangerous.
- Emotional Nuance
- Because the word describes slime, it can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe a person who is 'slippery' or hard to catch in an argument, or someone who has a 'slimy' (unpleasant/dishonest) personality, though 'nurarihyon' or 'zuruzuru' are more common for specific personality traits. In most cases, stick to physical descriptions.
Understanding ぬるぬる is essential for navigating daily life in Japan, from describing the texture of healthy foods like okra (though nebaneba is more common for food) to warning someone about a wet mossy path in a traditional garden. It is a foundational sensory word that adds vivid color to your Japanese descriptions.
Using ぬるぬる (nurunuru) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. As a gitaigo, it can function as an adverb, a noun-modifier, or a verb when paired with suru. The key is identifying the source of the 'sliminess' and how it is affecting the subject.
- Pattern 1: [Noun] + ga + nurunuru suru
- This is the most common way to say something 'is slimy' or 'feels slippery.' The suru indicates the state of the object. For example: 'Kawa ga nurunuru suru' (The river [bed] is slimy).
- Pattern 2: nurunuru no + [Noun]
- Use this when you want to describe a noun directly. 'Nurunuru no kaeru' (A slimy frog). This emphasizes the quality of the object as its defining characteristic at that moment.
この道は苔でぬるぬるだ。
(Kono michi wa koke de nurunuru da.)
This road is all slimy with moss.
When using ぬるぬる, it is helpful to specify the cause of the sliminess using the particle de (by means of/due to). Common causes include abura (oil), sekken (soap), koke (moss), or ase (sweat). For instance, 'Ase de hada ga nurunuru suru' means 'My skin is slimy with sweat,' which is a common complaint during Japan's humid summers.
ローションで体がぬるぬるになった。
(Rooshon de karada ga nurunuru ni natta.)
My body became slimy with lotion.
- Comparison with 'Tsurutsuru'
- While both mean slippery, 'Tsurutsuru' is for dry, smooth surfaces like ice or a polished floor. 'Nurunuru' implies a liquid coating. If you slip on ice, use tsurutsuru; if you slip on a banana peel or spilled oil, use nurunuru.
In professional contexts, such as a chef talking about fish or a doctor describing a biological sample, ぬるぬる is used objectively. However, in casual conversation, it often carries a tone of 'ew' or 'yuck.' If you want to sound more polite, you might describe the sensation more specifically, but ぬるぬる remains the most descriptive and widely understood term for this texture.
The word ぬるぬる (nurunuru) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, appearing in contexts ranging from domestic chores to high-energy television entertainment. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild and use it with the correct cultural nuance.
- 1. Household and Cleaning
- One of the most common places to hear ぬるぬる is in the kitchen or bathroom. Japanese commercials for dish soap or bathroom cleaners often focus on removing 'nurunuru' (the slimy residue) from drains or greasy plates. A common phrase is 'Nurunuru ga ochiru' (The sliminess comes off).
- 2. Nature and Outdoors
- Anglers and children catching frogs or crawfish will frequently use this word. 'Kono sakana, nurunuru shiteru!' (This fish is slimy!). It is also used to warn hikers about 'nurunuru no iwa' (slimy rocks) near waterfalls or rivers.
排水口のぬるぬるを掃除してください。
(Haisukou no nurunuru o souji shite kudasai.)
Please clean the slime in the drain.
Another fascinating context is in the world of Japanese onsen (hot springs). Some hot springs are famous for their 'nurunuru-kan' (slimy feeling). This is actually considered a positive attribute, as the alkaline water creates a slippery sensation on the skin that is believed to make it smooth and beautiful (bihada-no-yu). In this case, ぬるぬる is a compliment to the water quality.
ここの温泉はお湯がぬるぬるしていて気持ちいい。
(Koko no onsen wa oyu ga nurunuru shite ite kimochi ii.)
The water at this hot spring is slimy and feels good.
- 3. Skincare and Beauty
- When applying thick lotions, serums, or face masks, people describe the initial feeling as ぬるぬる. While it might sound negative in English, in Japanese skincare, it often implies a product is rich in moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or snail mucin.
Finally, you might encounter it in gaming or anime. Slime monsters are almost always described as ぬるぬる. If you play games like Dragon Quest or watch fantasy anime, the sound effects and descriptions for these creatures will heavily feature this word. It is a versatile term that bridges the gap between the mundane and the fantastic.
While ぬるぬる (nurunuru) is a common word, Japanese has a vast array of onomatopoeia for textures. Learners often mix these up, leading to slightly 'off' descriptions. The most frequent errors involve confusing ぬるぬる with words that describe stickiness or different types of slipperiness.
- Mistake 1: Nurunuru vs. Nebaneba
- This is the most common mistake. Nurunuru is slimy/slippery (like oil or soap). Nebaneba is sticky/stringy (like natto or okra). If the substance pulls apart in strings, it is nebaneba. If your hand just slides over it, it is nurunuru. For example, don't call natto 'nurunuru' unless you want to sound like you're describing its surface rather than its characteristic texture.
- Mistake 2: Nurunuru vs. Betabeta
- Betabeta refers to a 'sticky' or 'tacky' feeling, like glue, honey, or sweat that has dried a bit. Nurunuru is wet and frictionless; betabeta is high-friction and clingy. If your fingers stick together, use betabeta.
❌ 納豆がぬるぬるする。
✅ 納豆がねばねばする。
(Natto ga nebaneba suru - Natto is sticky.)
Another subtle mistake is using ぬるぬる for things that are just smooth. If you are touching a polished marble table, that is subesube (smooth to the touch) or tsurutsuru (very smooth/slippery). Using ぬるぬる implies there is some kind of liquid or slime on the table, which might offend the host!
❌ 氷の上はぬるぬる滑る。
✅ 氷の上はつるつる滑る。
(Koori no ue wa tsurutsuru suberu - It's slippery on the ice.)
- Mistake 3: Misusing the Particle 'To'
- While 'nurunuru to' is valid, it's often used for movement. Beginners sometimes use it where 'nurunuru shite iru' (state) would be more natural. Use 'shite iru' for descriptions of how something looks or feels at rest.
In summary, focus on the 'slime factor.' If it feels like an eel or liquid soap, you are safe with ぬるぬる. If it feels like tape, use betabeta. If it feels like ice, use tsurutsuru. Master these distinctions, and your Japanese will sound much more natural and precise.
To truly master ぬるぬる (nurunuru), you must see where it sits in the family of Japanese texture words. Japanese is incredibly rich in sensory language, and choosing the right synonym or alternative can change the entire meaning of your sentence.
- 1. ぬめぬめ (numenume)
- This is the closest synonym to ぬるぬる. Numenume specifically describes a surface covered in a thick, wet, often biological slime (like a slug or the inside of a shell). While ぬるぬる is more general (can include oil or soap), ぬめぬめ often feels a bit more 'organic' and sometimes even more unpleasant.
- 2. つるつる (tsurutsuru)
- As mentioned before, this means 'slippery' but usually implies a clean, smooth, or polished surface. Think of a bald head, a slide, or noodles (tsurutsuru to taberu - to slurp smooth noodles). It lacks the 'gooey' element of ぬるぬる.
- 3. べたべた (betabeta)
- This means 'sticky' or 'clammy.' Use this for things like honey on your fingers or a humid day making your skin feel gross. It is the opposite of slippery; it's where things get stuck.
なめくじがぬめぬめとはっている。
(Namekuji ga numenume to hatte iru.)
The slug is crawling slimily.
For food, you will often encounter ねばねば (nebaneba). This is the 'good' kind of slimy/sticky found in superfoods like fermented soybeans (natto), mountain yam (tororo), and okra. While ぬるぬる can be used for the surface of a fish you're about to cook, nebaneba is used for the stringy texture of the food you're about to eat.
うどんをつるつると食べる。
(Udon o tsurutsuru to taberu.)
Slurping the smooth udon noodles.
- 4. じとじと (jitojito)
- This describes a 'damp' or 'clammy' feeling, often due to humidity or sweat. It's less about being slippery and more about being unpleasantly moist. If your clothes are sticking to you because of the rain, use jitojito.
By learning these alternatives, you can describe any sensation with precision. Whether you are talking about the texture of a new skincare product, the state of your kitchen floor, or the unique feel of a Japanese hot spring, you now have the vocabulary to distinguish between these closely related but distinct feelings.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
Japanese has over 4,000 onomatopoeic words. 'Nurunuru' is part of the 'N-column' group of sounds, which often describe things that are soft, wet, or lack a solid shape.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (with curled tongue).
- Stressing the first 'nu' too heavily.
- Making the 'u' sound too long like 'oooh'.
- Failing to repeat the word twice (saying just 'nuru').
- Confusing it with 'nuru' (tepid/lukewarm).
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to read as it's usually written in hiragana.
Simple hiragana repetition.
Requires correct Japanese 'r' sound and flat pitch.
Easy to recognize due to its distinct repetitive sound.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Onomatopoeia as Verbs with 'Suru'
手がぬるぬるする。 (Hands are slimy.)
Onomatopoeia as Adjectives with 'No'
ぬるぬるの液体。 (Slimy liquid.)
Onomatopoeia as Adverbs with 'To'
ぬるぬると逃げる。 (To escape slimily.)
Causal Particle 'De'
油でぬるぬるだ。 (Slimy with oil.)
State of Being 'Shite Iru'
床がぬるぬるしている。 (The floor is slimy [right now].)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
このさかなはぬるぬるです。
This fish is slimy.
Simple [Noun] + wa + [Adverb] + desu structure.
せっけんでてがぬるぬるします。
My hands are slimy with soap.
Using 'shimasu' to show a current sensation.
あ、ぬるぬる!きをつけて。
Ah, slippery! Be careful.
Using the word as an exclamation.
このいけはぬるぬるしています。
This pond is slimy.
State of being using 'shite imasu'.
ぬるぬるのうなぎですね。
It's a slimy eel, isn't it?
Using 'no' to modify a noun.
てがぬるぬるだから、あらいます。
My hands are slimy, so I will wash them.
Using 'dakara' to show cause.
ぬるぬるはすきじゃないです。
I don't like sliminess.
Using 'nurunuru' as a noun.
ゆかがぬるぬるでこわいです。
The floor is slimy and scary.
Using 'de' to connect adjectives/states.
油でフライパンがぬるぬるしている。
The frying pan is greasy with oil.
Specifying the cause with 'de'.
ぬるぬるするから、タオルでふいて。
It's slippery, so wipe it with a towel.
Using 'kara' for reasoning.
そのカエルはぬるぬるの肌をしている。
That frog has slimy skin.
Describing an attribute with 'no hada'.
お風呂の床がぬるぬるで滑りやすい。
The bathroom floor is slimy and easy to slip on.
Compound sentence with 'yasui' (easy to).
ローションを塗ると、肌がぬるぬるになる。
When you apply lotion, your skin becomes slimy.
Using 'naru' to show change of state.
川の石が苔でぬるぬるしていた。
The river stones were slimy with moss.
Past continuous state.
ぬるぬるした感触が気持ち悪い。
The slimy feel is gross.
Using 'shita' as an adjectival phrase.
このクリームはあまりぬるぬるしない。
This cream isn't very slimy.
Negative form 'shinai' with 'amari'.
排水口のぬるぬるを洗剤で落とした。
I removed the slime in the drain with detergent.
Treating 'nurunuru' as a noun (the slime).
温泉に入ったら、肌がぬるぬるしてきた。
After entering the hot spring, my skin started to feel slimy.
Using 'te kita' to show a beginning sensation.
この魚はぬるぬるしていて、掴みにくい。
This fish is slimy and hard to grab.
Using 'nikui' (hard to).
雨の日のマンホールはぬるぬる滑るから危ない。
Manhole covers on rainy days are slimy and slippery, so they're dangerous.
Adverbial usage describing the action of slipping.
化粧水がぬるぬるしすぎるのは好きじゃない。
I don't like it when toner is too slimy.
Using 'sugiru' (too much).
泥で靴の底がぬるぬるになった。
The soles of my shoes became slimy with mud.
Change of state with 'ni natta'.
ぬるぬるした液体が床にこぼれている。
A slimy liquid is spilled on the floor.
Descriptive relative clause.
洗ってもぬるぬるがなかなか取れない。
Even if I wash it, the sliminess won't come off easily.
Using 'nakanaka... nai' (not easily).
そのウナギはぬるぬると手からすり抜けていった。
The eel slipped slimily through my hands.
Adverbial 'to' describing the manner of movement.
アルカリ性の温泉特有のぬるぬる感がある。
It has that slimy feeling characteristic of alkaline hot springs.
Using 'kan' (feeling/sense) as a suffix.
彼はぬるぬるとした言い訳をして責任を逃れた。
He made slimy excuses and escaped responsibility.
Metaphorical use for 'slippery' behavior.
階段にローションが塗ってあって、ぬるぬるで登れない。
Lotion is spread on the stairs, and it's so slimy I can't climb them.
Expressing impossibility due to state.
海藻のぬるぬる成分には健康に良い効果があるらしい。
It seems the slimy components of seaweed have health benefits.
Using 'seibun' (component/ingredient).
手のぬるぬるが取れるまで、何度も石鹸で洗った。
I washed with soap many times until the sliminess on my hands was gone.
Using 'made' (until).
この美容液は、ぬるぬるするけれど浸透が早い。
This serum is slimy, but it absorbs quickly.
Contrastive 'keredo' (but).
ぬるぬるした感触を嫌がる子供は多い。
Many children dislike slimy textures.
Using 'iyagaru' (to show dislike).
その軟体動物は、乾燥を防ぐために体をぬるぬるとした粘液で覆っている。
That mollusk covers its body with slimy mucus to prevent drying.
Biological/Technical context.
不快なぬるぬるを除去するために、強力な洗浄剤が必要だ。
A powerful cleaning agent is needed to remove that unpleasant slime.
Using 'fukai na' (unpleasant) to add nuance.
小説の中で、彼はその地下道の壁を「ぬるぬるとした闇」と表現した。
In the novel, he described the walls of the tunnel as 'slimy darkness'.
Literary/Metaphorical usage.
潤滑油が漏れて、機械の表面がぬるぬるになっている。
Lubricating oil is leaking, and the machine surface has become slimy.
Describing industrial malfunction.
この温泉のぬるぬる度は、全国でもトップクラスだ。
The level of sliminess of this hot spring is among the best in the country.
Using 'do' (degree/level) as a suffix.
足元がぬるぬるするので、一歩一歩慎重に進まなければならない。
Because the ground is slimy, I must proceed carefully step by step.
Formal 'nakereba naranai' (must).
その政治家は、ぬるぬると質問をかわす術に長けている。
That politician is skilled at the art of slimily dodging questions.
Sophisticated metaphorical use.
ぬるぬるとした触感が、生理的な嫌悪感を呼び起こす。
The slimy tactile sensation evokes a physiological sense of revulsion.
Academic/Psychological description.
深海の生物たちが放つぬるぬるとした光沢は、地上では見られない異様な美しさだ。
The slimy luster emitted by deep-sea creatures is an eerie beauty not seen on land.
Highly descriptive, evocative language.
言葉の端々に、ぬるぬるとした悪意が潜んでいるのを感じ取った。
I sensed a slimy malice lurking in the corners of his words.
Abstract literary metaphor.
この素材のぬるぬる感を解消するために、界面活性剤の配合を見直す必要がある。
To resolve the slimy feel of this material, it is necessary to review the surfactant formulation.
Professional chemical engineering context.
彼はぬるぬるとした処世術で、厳しい競争社会を生き抜いてきた。
He has survived the harsh competitive society with a slippery/slimy way of navigating life.
Idiomatic 'shoseijutsu' (way of life/social skills).
湿地帯のぬるぬるとした泥土が、旅人の行く手を阻む。
The slimy mud of the wetlands blocked the traveler's path.
Epic/Narrative descriptive style.
その感触は、単なる濡れを超えて、ぬるぬるとした生命の根源を想起させた。
The sensation went beyond mere wetness, evoking the slimy roots of life itself.
Philosophical/Existential reflection.
表面のぬるぬるを拭い去ると、そこには美しい真珠のような輝きが現れた。
When the slime on the surface was wiped away, a beautiful pearl-like brilliance appeared.
Contrastive narrative structure.
ぬるぬるとした執着心が、彼の判断を狂わせていった。
A slimy, persistent obsession began to warp his judgment.
Psychological metaphor.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— Because my hands are slimy. Often used as an excuse for dropping something.
手がぬるぬるで、コップを落とした。
— The sliminess won't come off. Used when washing greasy or soapy things.
何度洗ってもぬるぬるが取れない。
— A hot spring with 'slippery' water. Often considered good for the skin.
この辺りはぬるぬるの温泉が多い。
— Slimy stairs. A common trope in Japanese variety shows.
バラエティ番組でぬるぬる階段を見た。
— A slimy fellow. Can refer to a literal slimy creature or a 'slippery' person.
あのぬるぬるしたやつは何だ?
— Slimy with moss. A warning for hikers or people near water.
岩が苔でぬるぬるしているから気を付けて。
— A slimy/thick beauty serum. Implies high moisture content.
このぬるぬるの美容液は保湿力が高い。
— A plate greasy with oil. A common household complaint.
油でぬるぬるの皿を洗うのは大変だ。
— To slip away slimily. Used for fish or metaphorically for people dodging questions.
彼はぬるぬると追求から逃げた。
— A slimy tactile sensation. Used to describe the feeling of touching something viscous.
そのぬるぬるの感触に驚いた。
يُخلط عادةً مع
Nebaneba is sticky/stringy (natto). Nurunuru is slippery/oily (soap).
Tsurutsuru is smooth/slippery but dry (ice). Nurunuru is wet/slimy (oil).
Nurui means lukewarm (temperature). Nurunuru means slimy (texture).
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— A 'slippery' way of getting through life, avoiding conflict or responsibility.
彼はぬるぬるとした処世術で出世した。
Metaphorical— Slippery or elusive excuses that are hard to pin down.
そんなぬるぬるの言い訳は通用しない。
Informal— While not using 'nurunuru,' it shares the 'nuru' root, meaning to be in a comfortable, tepid situation and lose ambition.
ぬるま湯に浸かってばかりでは成長しない。
Common Idiom— Related to the 'nuru' sensation; to be elusive, slippery, or vague in one's actions or speech.
質問にぬらりくらりと答える。
Neutral— Often used in the context of comedy or adult entertainment to describe industrial lubricants.
ぬるぬるローションで滑る。
Slang/Niche— A phrase sometimes used to describe the fresh, oily sheen of a saury fish.
今年の秋刀魚はぬるぬるして脂が乗っている。
Culinary— Being completely immersed in sliminess, often used jokingly for hot springs or variety shows.
今日は温泉でぬるぬる三昧だ。
Informal— A humorous 'slippery warning' used among friends or on TV.
ここからはぬるぬる注意報だぞ!
Playful— A 'slimy hell,' referring to a situation where everything is unpleasantly slippery.
掃除をサボったら排水口がぬるぬる地獄になった。
Informal— A nickname for something or someone slippery and bald/smooth.
あのぬるぬる坊主を捕まえろ!
Child-friendly/Slangسهل الخلط
Both mean slimy.
Numenume is more often used for biological mucus (slugs, internal organs). Nurunuru is broader and includes oil and soap.
なめくじはぬめぬめしている。
Both describe an unpleasant surface feeling.
Betabeta is sticky/tacky (glue). Nurunuru is slippery (lotion).
糊で手がべたべたする。
Both involve moisture.
Jitojito is damp/clammy (humidity). Nurunuru is actually slippery.
湿気で服がじとじとする。
Both describe a smooth feeling.
Sarasara is dry and silky (hair). Nurunuru is wet and slimy.
洗った髪がさらさらだ。
Both relate to sliding.
Zuruzuru is the sound of dragging or a situation dragging on. Nurunuru is the texture that causes sliding.
重い袋をずるずる引く。
أنماط الجُمل
[Noun] は ぬるぬる です。
うなぎはぬるぬるです。
[Noun] が [Cause] で ぬるぬる する。
手が油でぬるぬるする。
ぬるぬる の [Noun] が [Verb]。
ぬるぬるの石が滑った。
[Noun] が ぬるぬる と [Verb]。
魚がぬるぬると逃げた。
ぬるぬる とした [Noun] が [Adjective]。
ぬるぬるとした感触が不快だ。
[Noun] に ぬるぬる が [Verb]。
言葉にぬるぬるした悪意が潜む。
ぬるぬる を [Verb]。
ぬるぬるをきれいに落とす。
ぬるぬる に なる。
床がぬるぬるになった。
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
High in daily life, especially regarding cleaning, food prep, and bathing.
-
Using 'nurunuru' for natto.
→
Use 'nebaneba'.
Natto is stringy/sticky, not just oily/slippery.
-
Using 'nurunuru' for ice.
→
Use 'tsurutsuru'.
Ice is smooth and dry-slippery, not slimy.
-
Saying 'nurunuru na'.
→
Say 'nurunuru no' or 'nurunuru shita'.
It's not a 'na-adjective'; it's an adverbial noun.
-
Using 'nurunuru' for a dry smooth table.
→
Use 'subesube'.
Nurunuru implies a liquid coating which shouldn't be on a clean table.
-
Confusing 'nurunuru' with 'nurui'.
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Check if you mean texture or temperature.
Nurui is lukewarm; nurunuru is slimy.
نصائح
Use with 'Suru'
Remember to add 'suru' to make it a verb. 'Nurunuru suru' is the most natural way to describe a feeling.
Context Matters
In an onsen, 'nurunuru' is a compliment. In a kitchen, it's a complaint. Always look at the environment.
Cause with 'De'
Always specify what made it slimy using 'de'. Example: 'Abura de nurunuru' (Slimy with oil).
Keep it Flat
Don't put stress on any specific syllable. Japanese is a pitch-accent language, and this word is usually flat.
Learn the Pair
Learn 'nurunuru' and 'nebaneba' together so you don't confuse slippery with sticky.
Polite Warning
Use it to warn others: 'Ashi-moto ga nurunuru shite imasu yo' (Watch your step, it's slippery).
The Drain Word
In Japan, 'haisukou no nurunuru' (drain slime) is a specific category of grime everyone knows.
Moisture Indicator
High-end Japanese lotions often boast a 'nurunuru' feel as proof of their moisturizing power.
Angler's Essential
If you go fishing in Japan, you will use this word every time you catch something!
The 'Nu-Ru' Slide
Imagine a 'Nude' 'Runner' sliding on a wet floor. Nu-Ru. It's slippery!
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'New-Roo, New-Roo.' Imagine a 'New Kangaroo' that just came out of a slimy lake and is slipping everywhere.
ربط بصري
Picture a shiny, wet eel trying to escape from a pair of hands. The eel is 'nurunuru.'
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Go to your kitchen or bathroom and find three things that are 'nurunuru.' Say 'Kore wa nurunuru shite iru' for each one.
أصل الكلمة
Derived from the classical Japanese root 'nuru,' which relates to being wet or damp. This root is shared with 'nureru' (to get wet) and 'nurui' (lukewarm).
المعنى الأصلي: The original sense was likely just 'wetness,' but through reduplication (nurunuru), it evolved into a mimetic word for the specific sensation of slime.
Japonic (Onomatopoeic/Mimetic origin).السياق الثقافي
Be careful when using it to describe people; calling someone 'nurunuru' is generally an insult implying they are untrustworthy or 'creepy'.
English speakers often use 'slimy' negatively, but in Japanese, it can be positive (skincare) or neutral (describing a fish).
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Cleaning the Kitchen
- 排水口のぬるぬる
- 油でぬるぬるの皿
- 洗剤で洗う
- ぬるぬるを落とす
At a Hot Spring (Onsen)
- お湯がぬるぬるする
- 美肌の湯
- ぬるぬる感がある
- 肌に良い
Fishing/Nature
- ぬるぬるの魚
- 苔で滑る
- 掴みにくい
- ぬるぬるして逃げた
Skincare/Cosmetics
- ぬるぬるの化粧水
- 保湿成分
- よく伸びる
- 肌がぬるぬるになる
Watching TV
- ぬるぬる階段
- ローションまみれ
- 滑って転ぶ
- 面白い
بدايات محادثة
"この温泉、お湯がすごくぬるぬるしていて驚きました! (This hot spring water is so slimy, I was surprised!)"
"排水口のぬるぬるを簡単に落とす方法はありますか? (Is there an easy way to get rid of the slime in the drain?)"
"この魚、ぬるぬるしていて全然掴めないんですけど。 (This fish is so slimy I can't grab it at all.)"
"昨日、テレビでぬるぬる階段の番組を見ましたか? (Did you see the program with the slimy stairs on TV yesterday?)"
"このハンドクリーム、ちょっとぬるぬるしすぎませんか? (Isn't this hand cream a bit too slimy?)"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
今日、ぬるぬるしたものを触りましたか?それは何でしたか? (Did you touch anything slimy today? What was it?)
ぬるぬるした食べ物は好きですか、嫌いですか?その理由も書いてください。 (Do you like or dislike slimy foods? Write the reason too.)
日本の「ぬるぬる温泉」についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about Japan's 'slimy hot springs'?)
ぬるぬるしたものを掃除した時の経験を詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about an experience cleaning something slimy.)
もし自分が「ぬるぬるのモンスター」だったら、どんなことをしますか? (If you were a 'slimy monster,' what would you do?)
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot always! While it often describes gross slime, it is used positively for 'nurunuru' hot springs which are great for the skin, and for moisturizing skincare products.
Yes, but be careful. For the stringy texture of natto or okra, 'nebaneba' is the standard word. Use 'nurunuru' for the surface of a raw fish or something oily.
Tsurutsuru is smooth and slippery like ice or a bald head (dry). Nurunuru is slippery because of a liquid like oil or soap (wet).
You can say 'Te ga nurunuru shimasu' or 'Te ga nurunuru desu'.
It is a standard word used in daily life, but like most onomatopoeia, it is considered more descriptive and casual. In very formal writing, you might use 'numeri' or 'nensei'.
Yes, metaphorically. It implies the person is 'slippery' or hard to pin down in an argument, or has a 'slimy' personality. It's usually an insult.
It's a famous Japanese game show challenge where people try to climb stairs covered in thick lubricant.
Because it comes from the same root as 'nureru' (to get wet). Most words starting with 'nu' in Japanese relate to wetness or softness.
Yes, if the road is slippery due to oil, moss, or mud. If it's just rain, you usually just say 'suberiyasui' (easy to slip).
Very often! It's the standard sound effect and description for slime monsters or anything gooey.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
Write a sentence using 'nurunuru' to describe your hands after using soap.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a fish using 'nurunuru'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Warn someone about a slippery floor using 'nurunuru'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a hot spring with 'nurunuru' water.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'nurunuru' metaphorically to describe a person's excuse.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a kitchen drain using 'nurunuru'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about an eel escaping.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain that a cream is too slimy.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a muddy shoe sole.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'nurunuru' to describe a snail's path.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the noun form 'nurunuru-kan'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a greasy plate.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe mossy rocks in a river.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain how to remove 'nurunuru' from a pan.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a slimy monster in a game.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe how lotion feels on the skin.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'nurunuru' variety show challenge.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'nurunuru' as an adverb with 'to'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'slimy' feeling you hate.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a slippery manhole on a rainy day.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'nurunuru' with a flat pitch.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say 'My hands are slimy' in Japanese.
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Say 'It's slippery with oil' in Japanese.
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Warn someone: 'Be careful, the floor is slimy.'
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Describe the feeling of an eel: 'The eel is slimy.'
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Ask: 'How do you remove this slime?'
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Say: 'This hot spring feels slimy and good.'
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Explain: 'I don't like slimy textures.'
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Say: 'The fish slipped away slimily.'
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Describe a slimy drain in a formal way.
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Say: 'My shoes became slimy with mud.'
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Say: 'The mossy rocks were slippery.'
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Ask: 'Is this lotion slimy?'
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Say: 'Wash the sliminess off with soap.'
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Say: 'Wait, my hands are slimy right now.'
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Say: 'The floor was slimy and I fell.'
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Describe the texture of a moisturizing mask.
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Say: 'That guy is slippery (untrustworthy).'
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Say: 'The drain is a slimy hell.'
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Say: 'It has a unique slimy feeling.'
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Identify the word: 'ぬるぬる'
Is the speaker happy or disgusted? 'うわ、これぬるぬるする!'
What is the cause of the sliminess? '油でぬるぬるだ。'
What is being cleaned? '排水口のぬるぬるを落とす。'
Is the water 'nurunuru' or 'nurui'? 'お湯がぬるぬるしています。'
Identify the object: 'この魚、ぬるぬるだ。'
Does the speaker like the lotion? 'このぬるぬる感がたまらない。'
What happened on the stairs? 'ぬるぬる階段で滑った。'
Identify the animal: 'うなぎがぬるぬる逃げた。'
Is it 'nurunuru' or 'nebaneba'? '納豆がねばねばする。'
What is on the floor? '石鹸で床がぬるぬるだ。'
Is the skin 'nurunuru' or 'sarasara'? '肌がさらさらになった。'
What did the politician do? 'ぬるぬると質問をかわした。'
Is the mud 'nurunuru' or 'zarazara'? '泥がぬるぬるしている。'
Is the machine surface 'nurunuru'? '機械の表面が油でぬるぬるだ。'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Nurunuru (ぬるぬる) is the go-to word for anything slimy or slippery due to a liquid coating. Use it when you encounter something 'gross' like a drain or something 'beneficial' like moisturizing lotion. Example: 'Sekken de te ga nurunuru suru' (My hands are slimy with soap).
- Nurunuru is a Japanese mimetic word for 'slimy' or 'slippery,' typically caused by oil, soap, or biological mucus.
- It is commonly used to describe fish, mossy rocks, greasy kitchen items, or the feeling of certain hot spring waters.
- Grammatically, it functions as an adverb, a verb with 'suru,' or an adjective with 'no,' and often carries a slightly unpleasant nuance.
- It is distinct from 'tsurutsuru' (dry/smooth) and 'nebaneba' (sticky/stringy), focusing specifically on wet, low-friction textures.
Use with 'Suru'
Remember to add 'suru' to make it a verb. 'Nurunuru suru' is the most natural way to describe a feeling.
Context Matters
In an onsen, 'nurunuru' is a compliment. In a kitchen, it's a complaint. Always look at the environment.
Cause with 'De'
Always specify what made it slimy using 'de'. Example: 'Abura de nurunuru' (Slimy with oil).
Keep it Flat
Don't put stress on any specific syllable. Japanese is a pitch-accent language, and this word is usually flat.
مثال
魚の体がぬるぬるしていて掴みにくい。
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات nature
~上
B1كلمة 'ue' تعني 'فوق' أو 'على'.
〜の上
A2فوق أو على شيء ما. 'الكتاب على الطاولة' تقال 'Hon wa tsukue no ue ni arimasu'.
豊か
B1وافر؛ غني. طبيعة غنية (طبيعة يوتاكا).
〜に従って
B1وفقاً للتعليمات، تم إغلاق الباب.
酸性雨
B1المطر الحمضي هو مطر يحتوي على مستويات عالية من الأحماض بسبب التلوث الجوي.
営み
B1نشاط؛ الحياة اليومية؛ مشروع (على سبيل المثال، أنشطة الحياة).
順応する
B1التكيف مع بيئة جديدة أو ظروف جديدة.
~を背景に
B1على خلفية...؛ مع... كخلفية.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1تلوث الهواء هو وجود مواد ضارة في الغلاف الجوي. 'يعد تلوث الهواء مشكلة كبيرة في المدن الصناعية.'