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B1 adjective 7 Min. Lesezeit

つるつるな

tsurutsuru na
Beispiele つるつるな in 30 Sekunden
Erklärung つるつるな in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic physical meaning of 'tsurutsuru': slippery. Think of it as a warning word. When you see ice on the ground or a wet floor in a supermarket, someone might say 'tsurutsuru' to tell you to be careful. You can use it simply as 'tsurutsuru desu' (It is slippery). At this stage, don't worry too much about the 'na' or 'no' grammar; just remember the sound and the feeling of sliding. It's also helpful to associate it with noodles. If you like ramen or udon, 'tsurutsuru' is the sound of eating them. It's a fun, easy-to-remember word because the 'tsu' sound feels like something sliding. Practice saying it while imagining a penguin sliding on ice. This basic association will help you recognize it in daily life, especially in weather reports or at the dinner table.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'tsurutsuru' as a basic adjective to describe objects. You should learn the pattern 'tsurutsuru na [noun]' to describe things like a 'tsurutsuru na yuka' (a slippery floor) or 'tsurutsuru na tamago' (a smooth egg). You will also notice it used in beauty contexts. If you are looking at skincare products, you might see this word on the packaging. It means the product will make your skin smooth. You can also use it with the verb 'suru' to describe a state: 'Kono teburu wa tsurutsuru shiteiru' (This table is smooth/slick). This level is about expanding from just 'slippery' to also include 'smooth and polished.' You should also be able to distinguish it from 'itai' (painful) or 'zara-zara' (rough), which are opposites in texture. Knowing 'tsurutsuru' helps you describe the world around you in more sensory detail.
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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'tsurutsuru' and its close relatives like 'subesube.' You should recognize that 'tsurutsuru' implies a certain glossiness or a lack of friction that might lead to sliding, whereas 'subesube' is more about a soft, dry touch. You can use 'tsurutsuru' more creatively now, such as describing the texture of high-quality noodles or the shine of a bald head in a lighthearted way. You should also be comfortable using it in different grammatical forms: as an adverb ('tsurutsuru suberu'), a na-adjective ('tsurutsuru na o-hada'), and in the 'ni naru' form ('tsurutsuru ni naru' - to become smooth). At this level, you should also be aware of its use in weather forecasts to describe 'frozen road surfaces' (ro-men touketsu). Understanding the word at this level allows you to participate in conversations about food, beauty, and safety with more natural-sounding vocabulary.
At the B2 level, you can use 'tsurutsuru' to describe more abstract or technical states of smoothness. You might encounter it in literature or more descriptive essays where the author is trying to evoke a specific sensory atmosphere. You should be able to identify why a writer chose 'tsurutsuru' over 'nameraka'—usually to emphasize the raw, physical sensation rather than a conceptual smoothness. You can also use it to describe manufacturing finishes, such as a 'mirror finish' on metal or plastic. Your understanding of 'tsurutsuru' should include its role in the Japanese 'slurping culture.' You can explain to others that slurping noodles isn't just about speed; it's about the 'tsurutsuru' sensation and the 'nodogoshi' (throat-feel). You should also be able to use it in complex sentences, such as 'The road was so slippery (tsurutsuru) that even with winter tires, the car wouldn't stop,' using appropriate conjunctions and particles.
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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of all mimetic words related to texture, including the various shades of 'tsurutsuru.' You should understand how it fits into the broader category of 'gitaigo' and how its phonology (the repeated 'tsu' and 'ru') contributes to its meaning. You can use it in professional settings to describe the tactile quality of a prototype or product, while also being aware of the more colloquial or humorous uses (like baldness). You should be able to distinguish between 'tsurutsuru' (cleanly slippery), 'nurunuru' (oily/slimy), and 'beta-beta' (sticky). Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker, knowing exactly when to use 'na,' 'no,' or 'ni' to achieve the precise rhetorical effect. You might also notice its use in traditional crafts or culinary arts where the specific texture of a lacquerware surface or a hand-kneaded noodle is described with great precision.
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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly grasp of 'tsurutsuru,' including its historical development and its place within the Japanese language's unique system of sound symbolism. You can discuss the psychological effect of these words on the Japanese consumer and how 'tsurutsuru' is used as a powerful marketing tool in the multi-billion dollar beauty industry. You are sensitive to the word's ability to evoke immediate, visceral reactions in a listener. You can use it in highly sophisticated ways, perhaps even metaphorically in creative writing to describe a situation that is 'slippery' or a personality that is 'hard to grasp' (though this is rare and requires careful context). You understand the regional variations in how such mimetic words might be used and can appreciate the word in classical or modern literature as a tool for vivid imagery. Your command allows you to play with the word, perhaps even creating puns or using it in social commentary about Japanese aesthetic values.
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Beispiele

つるつるな in 30 Sekunden

  • Tsurutsuru means smooth, slippery, or polished.
  • It is a gitaigo (mimetic word) used for skin, ice, and noodles.
  • It functions as a na-adjective, adverb, or with 'suru'.
  • Commonly heard in beauty ads, weather reports, and restaurants.

The Japanese word つるつる (tsurutsuru) is a quintessential example of gitaigo (mimetic words) that describe textures and states. At its core, it represents a surface that is incredibly smooth, polished, or slippery. Unlike English, which might use different words for 'slippery ice' and 'smooth skin,' Japanese employs this onomatopoeic expression to capture the essence of a lack of friction. It evokes the visual of light reflecting off a polished surface and the tactile sensation of a hand gliding effortlessly across it.

Tactile Smoothness
This refers to surfaces that feel sleek to the touch, such as a polished marble floor, a new smartphone screen, or well-conditioned skin. It implies a high degree of refinement and cleanliness.

この床は磨き上げられて、つるつるな手触りだ。 (This floor has been polished to a smooth, slick touch.)

Slippery Conditions
In a more cautionary context, it describes surfaces that are dangerously slippery. You will frequently hear this during winter in Japan to describe frozen roads (frozen 'ro-men') or wet bathroom tiles.

Beyond physical surfaces, the word is famously used to describe the texture of noodles. When you eat udon or soba, the sensation of the noodles sliding down your throat is 'tsurutsuru.' This is considered a desirable quality in Japanese cuisine, representing freshness and proper cooking. It is also the standard descriptor for a completely bald head, often used in a lighthearted or self-deprecating manner. The repetition of the 'tsu' sound mimics the repetitive motion of sliding or the sleekness of the object being described.

うどんの麺がつるつるなので、喉越しがいい。 (Because the udon noodles are smooth/slippery, they go down the throat easily.)

In a broader cultural sense, 'tsurutsuru' reflects the Japanese appreciation for 'bihada' (beautiful skin). Skincare products often promise to make your face 'tsurutsuru,' implying that all bumps, pores, and roughness have been eliminated. In manufacturing, it describes a 'mirror finish.' Whether it is a safety warning on a rainy day or a compliment for a chef's noodles, this word is deeply embedded in the sensory vocabulary of daily life in Japan.

Grammatically, つるつる is versatile. It can function as a na-adjective (つるつるな), a no-adjective (つるつるの), an adverb (つるつる滑る), or even a verb with 'suru' (つるつるしている). Understanding which form to use depends on the emphasis you want to place on the state versus the action.

As a Na-Adjective
When modifying a noun directly, 'na' is used. This emphasizes the inherent property of the object. For example, 'tsurutsuru na hada' (smooth skin) focuses on the quality of the skin itself.

赤ちゃんの肌はつるつるなので、触り心地がとても良い。 (A baby's skin is smooth and slippery, so it feels very good to touch.)

As an Adverb
When describing an action, like sliding or eating noodles, the 'na' is dropped. 'Tsurutsuru suberu' means to slide smoothly or uncontrollably. 'Tsurutsuru taberu' means to slurp noodles smoothly.

氷の上をつるつる滑って転んでしまった。 (I slipped and fell while sliding on the ice.)

When describing a bald head, it is common to use it as a predicate: 'Atama ga tsurutsuru da' (His head is smooth/bald). In technical or descriptive writing, 'tsurutsuru no' might be used to describe a specific surface type, like 'tsurutsuru no kami' (glossy paper). The choice between 'na' and 'no' can be subtle, but 'na' often implies a more subjective, sensory experience, whereas 'no' can feel slightly more categorical. For learners, mastering the 'na' form and the 'suru' form will cover 90% of daily situations.

この石鹸を使うと、顔がつるつるになります。 (If you use this soap, your face will become smooth.)

You will encounter つるつる in several specific domains of Japanese life. One of the most common is in beauty and cosmetics commercials. Brands often use the phrase 'tsurutsuru tamago hada' (smooth egg-like skin) to describe the ideal complexion—poreless, bright, and perfectly smooth. This imagery is powerful in Japan, where skin texture is a major focus of aesthetic standards.

Winter Weather Reports
Meteorologists use 'tsurutsuru' to warn drivers and pedestrians about 'black ice' or packed snow that has become slick. Hearing 'douro ga tsurutsuru desu' (the roads are slippery) is a signal to walk with caution and drive slowly.

明日の朝は路面がつるつるに凍結する恐れがあります。 (There is a risk that the road surface will freeze and become slippery tomorrow morning.)

Gourmet Shows and Restaurants
In the world of 'shoku-repo' (food reporting), 'tsurutsuru' is a high compliment for noodles. It describes the 'nodogoshi' (the feeling of food passing through the throat). A reporter might say, 'Kono udon, tsurutsuru de oishii!' to emphasize how effortlessly the noodles can be eaten.

You will also hear it in hardware stores or when discussing interior design. If you are looking for a glossy finish on furniture or a non-slip treatment for a 'tsurutsuru na yuka' (slippery floor), this is the word you need. Finally, in anime or comedy, a character with a shiny bald head is often teased with the sound effect 'tsuru-tsuru' accompanied by a glint of light. It is a word that appeals to the senses, making it incredibly common in both marketing and casual conversation.

お父さんの頭、つるつるだね！ (Dad's head is so smooth and shiny, isn't it!)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing つるつる (tsurutsuru) with すべすべ (subesube). While both translate to 'smooth' in English, their nuances are quite distinct in Japanese. 'Tsurutsuru' implies a surface that is so smooth it might be slippery or wet, often with a glossy or reflective quality. 'Subesube,' on the other hand, describes a dry, silky, or velvety smoothness, like high-quality paper or healthy, dry skin.

Mistake: Using Tsurutsuru for Dry Skin
If you describe a baby's dry, soft cheek as 'tsurutsuru,' it sounds like their skin is made of plastic or is covered in oil. 'Subesube' is the correct choice for soft, dry textures.

❌ この紙はつるつるな手触りだ。 (This paper feels slippery/slick.)
✅ この紙はすべすべな手触りだ。 (This paper feels silky smooth.)

Mistake: Confusing with Nurunuru
Another pitfall is 'nurunuru.' While 'tsurutsuru' can mean slippery, it is usually a clean slipperiness (like ice). 'Nurunuru' means slimy or oily (like an eel or mud). Using 'nurunuru' for your skin would imply you are covered in slime!

Another error is grammatical. Because it is a gitaigo, learners often forget whether to use 'na,' 'ni,' or 'shiteiru.' Remember: 'na' to describe a noun (tsurutsuru na yuka), 'ni' to describe a change (tsurutsuru ni naru), and 'shiteiru' to describe a current state (yuka ga tsurutsuru shiteiru). Using 'tsurutsuru no' is also common but usually refers to the type of material rather than its immediate sensory state.

❌ 道路がつるつるだ歩く。 (Incorrect grammar for 'walking on a slippery road')
✅ つるつるの道路を歩く。 (Walking on a slippery road.)

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for textures. If つるつる doesn't quite fit, one of these alternatives might be better suited for your context. Understanding the subtle differences between these mimetic words will significantly elevate your Japanese fluency.

すべすべ (Subesube)
Focuses on a dry, velvety smoothness. Ideal for skin, fine fabrics, or high-quality wood. It lacks the 'slippery' or 'glossy' connotation of tsurutsuru.
さらさら (Sarasara)
Describes things that are dry and smooth, often flowing. Used for silky hair, dry sand, or a light breeze. It suggests a lack of stickiness.
てかてか (Tekateka)
Describes a shiny, greasy, or oily gloss. While 'tsurutsuru' can be glossy, 'tekateka' implies an excessive or perhaps unwanted shine, like an oily forehead or a cheap plastic surface.

彼女の髪はさらさらしている。 (Her hair is silky and smooth.)

In formal contexts, you might use 滑らか (nameraka). This is a standard adjective rather than a mimetic word. It is used for smooth transitions, smooth speech, or a smooth surface in a more professional or literary way. For example, 'nameraka na hatsuon' (smooth pronunciation) is more appropriate than 'tsurutsuru na hatsuon,' which would sound strange. Similarly, 平滑 (heikatsu) is a technical term for 'level and smooth' used in engineering or mathematics.

交渉は滑らかに進んだ。 (The negotiations proceeded smoothly.)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

このゆかはつるつるです。

This floor is slippery.

Simple [Noun] wa [Adjective] desu structure.

2

こおりがつるつるしています。

The ice is slippery.

Using 'shiteiru' to describe a current state.

3

うどんを、つるつるたべます。

I eat udon (slurping it) smoothly.

Adverbial use describing the action of eating.

4

このいしはつるつるだ。

This stone is smooth.

Informal 'da' ending.

5

つるつる、きをつけて！

It's slippery, be careful!

Used as an exclamation/warning.

6

あかちゃんのほっぺはつるつる。

The baby's cheeks are smooth.

Noun modification (implied).

7

たまごのからはつるつるしている。

The eggshell is smooth.

Describing a physical property.

8

ゆきのみちはつるつるだ。

The snowy road is slippery.

Simple descriptive sentence.

1

つるつるな床で滑りそうになった。

I almost slipped on the smooth floor.

Na-adjective modifying 'yuka' (floor).

2

この石鹸は肌をつるつるにする。

This soap makes the skin smooth.

Using 'ni suru' to mean 'to make something [adjective]'.

3

つるつるの麺が好きです。

I like smooth noodles.

Using 'no' as a genitive adjective.

4

雨の日は階段がつるつるして危ない。

On rainy days, the stairs are slippery and dangerous.

Compound sentence with 'shite' form.

5

磨いた靴がつるつるに光っている。

The polished shoes are shining smoothly.

Adverbial use 'tsurutsuru ni' with 'hikaru'.

6

このおもちゃはつるつるなプラスチックでできている。

This toy is made of smooth plastic.

Na-adjective describing a material.

7

つるつる滑るから、手すりを持って。

It's slippery, so hold the handrail.

Adverbial use with a reason clause.

8

お皿がつるつるになるまで洗った。

I washed the plate until it became smooth.

Resultative 'ni naru'.

1

温泉に入ったら、肌がつるつるになった。

After entering the hot spring, my skin became smooth.

Using the conditional 'tara' with 'ni naru'.

2

つるつるな路面での運転は非常に危険だ。

Driving on a slippery road surface is very dangerous.

Formal na-adjective usage.

3

このうどんはつるつるとしていて喉越しが良い。

This udon is smooth and has a good 'throat-feel'.

Using 'to shiteite' for descriptive emphasis.

4

彼は頭がつるつるなので、帽子が似合う。

Since his head is perfectly bald/smooth, hats look good on him.

Describing physical appearance with a reason.

5

廊下をワックスでつるつるに磨き上げた。

I polished the hallway with wax until it was slick.

Action leading to a state change.

6

つるつるな表面には、テープが貼りつきにくい。

Tape doesn't stick easily to smooth surfaces.

Stating a physical fact.

7

冬の朝、玄関の前がつるつるに凍っていた。

On winter mornings, the area in front of the entrance was frozen slick.

Adverbial modification of 'kooru' (freeze).

8

このパックを使うと、鼻がつつるつるになりますよ。

If you use this face mask, your nose will become smooth.

Polite 'desu/masu' with 'ni naru'.

1

大理石の床はつるつるなだけでなく、冷たくて気持ちいい。

Marble floors are not only smooth but also cool and pleasant.

Using 'dake de naku' (not only...).

2

つるつるした舌触りのデザートがこの店の自慢だ。

This shop's pride is a dessert with a smooth mouthfeel.

Using 'shita' as an attributive adjective.

3

路面がつるつるに凍結しているため、チェーンが必要です。

Because the road surface is frozen slick, tire chains are required.

Formal 'tame' reason clause.

4

その彫刻は、つるつるになるまで丁寧に磨かれていた。

The sculpture had been carefully polished until it was perfectly smooth.

Passive voice 'migakareteita'.

5

つるつるな素材は、汚れが落ちやすくて手入れが楽だ。

Smooth materials are easy to clean as dirt comes off easily.

Compound adjective 'ochi-yasui'.

6

彼女の肌は、まるで陶器のようにつるつるしている。

Her skin is as smooth as porcelain.

Using 'marude... no you ni' simile.

7

スキー板の裏をつるつるに手入れして、滑りを良くする。

Maintenance the bottom of the skis to be slick to improve sliding.

Purpose clause 'shite... yoku suru'.

8

つるつるな斜面を登るのは、想像以上に困難だった。

Climbing the smooth slope was more difficult than imagined.

Comparative 'souzou ijou ni'.

1

職人は、表面がつるつるになるまで漆を塗り重ねた。

The craftsman repeatedly applied lacquer until the surface became perfectly smooth.

Describing a meticulous process.

2

つるつるな摩擦のない空間を想定した物理学の実験。

A physics experiment assuming a smooth, frictionless space.

Technical/Academic context.

3

その政治家は、つるつるとした弁舌で反対派を煙に巻いた。

The politician confused the opposition with his smooth (slick) eloquence.

Metaphorical use for speech/eloquence.

4

最新のナノテクノロジーにより、つるつるな撥水加工が可能になった。

Latest nanotechnology has made smooth water-repellent coating possible.

Scientific/Technological context.

5

つるつるに磨き抜かれた廊下には、歴史の重みが感じられる。

In the hallway, polished to a high shine, one can feel the weight of history.

Literary/Atmospheric description.

6

氷点下で路面がつるつるの状態では、スタッドレスタイヤでも限界がある。

When the road is slick at sub-zero temperatures, even studless tires have their limits.

Nuanced cautionary statement.

7

つるつるな触感は、製品の高級感を演出する重要な要素だ。

A smooth tactile feel is an important element in creating a sense of luxury in a product.

Marketing/Design terminology.

8

その川底の石は、長い年月をかけて水に洗われ、つるつるになっていた。

The stones on the riverbed had become smooth, washed by the water over many years.

Describing natural erosion.

1

つるつるとした質感がもたらす視覚的効果を、建築家は巧みに利用した。

The architect skillfully utilized the visual effects brought by smooth textures.

Abstract architectural analysis.

2

言語学的に見れば、「つるつる」という音象徴は滑走の滑らかさを想起させる。

Linguistically speaking, the sound symbolism of 'tsurutsuru' evokes the smoothness of sliding.

Linguistic/Academic analysis.

3

つるつるに仕上げられた鏡面体は、周囲の風景を歪みなく映し出している。

The mirror-finished body reflected the surrounding scenery without distortion.

High-level descriptive prose.

4

その論文は、つるつるとした論理展開で一見非の打ち所がないように見えた。

The paper seemed flawless at first glance due to its smooth (slick) logical progression.

Metaphorical/Critical usage.

5

日本の食文化における「つるつる」という擬音語は、喉越しの美学と不可分である。

The onomatopoeia 'tsurutsuru' in Japanese food culture is inseparable from the aesthetics of 'throat-feel'.

Cultural/Sociological observation.

6

極限まで摩擦を低減したつるつるな表面処理が、エンジンの効率を飛躍的に高める。

Surface treatment that reduces friction to the limit drastically increases engine efficiency.

Engineering/Technical mastery.

7

彼女の奏でる旋律は、つるつるとした絹糸のように途切れることなく流れていった。

The melody she played flowed uninterrupted like a smooth silk thread.

Poetic/Artistic simile.

8

都市の喧騒を離れ、つるつるに磨かれた古寺の床に座ると、心が洗われるようだ。

Leaving the city bustle and sitting on the polished floor of an old temple, my soul feels cleansed.

Sophisticated narrative style.

Häufige Kollokationen

つるつるな肌
つるつる滑る
つるつるの麺
つるつるに磨く
路面がつるつる
頭がつるつる
つるつるの石
つるつる卵肌
つるつると食べる
つるつるした手触り

Häufige Phrasen

お肌つるつる

— Smooth skin. Often used in commercials or after a bath.

温泉でお肌つるつる！

つるつる路面

— Slippery road surface due to ice.

つるつる路面に注意してください。

つるつる一杯

— Filled to the brim (so full it looks smooth).

お酒をつるつる一杯に注ぐ。

喉越しつるつる

— Going down the throat smoothly (noodles).

この冷やし中華は喉越しつるつるだ。

つるつるのハゲ

— A perfectly bald head (casual/blunt).

彼はつるつるのハゲだ。

つるつるピカピカ

— Smooth and shiny.

廊下をつるつるピカピカにする。

つるつる滑って歩けない

— So slippery that one cannot walk.

道がつるつる滑って歩けないよ。

つるつるした質感

— A smooth/slick texture.

つるつるした質感が好きだ。

つるつる卵

— A smooth, peeled egg.

ゆで卵がつるつるに剥けた。

つるつるになるまで

— Until it becomes smooth.

つるつるになるまで磨いて。

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"つるつる一杯"

— Filling a liquid until the surface tension creates a smooth dome.

コップにつるつる一杯まで水を注いだ。

Casual
"頭がつるつるになる"

— To go completely bald.

将来は頭がつるつるになりそうだ。

Informal
"つるつる滑るように進む"

— To progress very smoothly without hitches (metaphorical).

仕事がつるつる滑るように進んだ。

Casual
"つるつるのたまご肌"

— Skin as smooth as a peeled boiled egg.

彼女はつるつるのたまご肌の持ち主だ。

Beauty
"麺をつるつるいわせる"

— To slurp noodles loudly/vividly.

ラーメンをつるつるいわせて食べる。

Casual
"つるつる滑って捕まえられない"

— Elusive or hard to catch (physically or metaphorically).

犯人はつるつる滑って捕まえられない。

Informal
"喉をつるつると通る"

— Easy to swallow (refreshing food).

ゼリーが喉をつるつると通る。

Casual
"つるつるの鏡面仕上げ"

— A mirror-like smooth finish.

この車はつるつるの鏡面仕上げだ。

Technical
"足元がつるつるする"

— The ground is slippery.

雪道で足元がつるつるする。

Neutral
"つるつるの坊主頭"

— A smooth shaven head.

彼はつるつるの坊主頭にした。

Neutral
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