すする

The Japanese verb すする (susuru), often written in kanji as 啜る, is a fascinating word that captures a specific auditory and physical action. At its most basic level, it means 'to slurp' or 'to sip with a sound.' However, its usage in Japanese culture is far more nuanced than the English word 'slurp,' which often carries a negative connotation of being rude or messy. In Japan, すする is an essential part of the culinary experience, particularly when consuming noodles like ramen, soba, or udon. It is the act of drawing liquid and air into the mouth simultaneously, often creating a distinct sound. This action is not merely about consumption; it is believed to enhance the flavor of the food by aerating the broth and cooling the noodles as they enter the mouth. Beyond the dinner table, すする also describes the act of sniffling or drawing in mucus through the nose, often associated with crying or having a cold.

Primary Meaning

To slurp liquid or noodles with a sound, or to sip a small amount of liquid at a time.

In a social context, using すする when eating noodles is a sign of appreciation. It signals to the chef that the meal is delicious and that you are enjoying it with gusto. This is a stark contrast to Western etiquette, where making noise while eating is generally discouraged. However, it is important to note that すする is not a license to be loud with all types of food. For instance, slurping soup from a spoon in a formal Western-style restaurant in Japan would still be considered impolite. The word is deeply tied to the specific mechanics of Japanese dining, where the bowl is often held close to the face, and the chopsticks guide the noodles into the mouth while the diner 'inhales' the flavor.

Secondary Meaning

To sniffle or draw in air through the nose (often due to tears or a runny nose).

The versatility of すする makes it a common word in daily life. Whether you are at a ramen stall in Shinjuku or watching a sentimental drama on TV, you will encounter this verb frequently. It evokes a sensory experience—the heat of the broth, the texture of the noodles, or the cold air of winter that makes one's nose run. Understanding すする is a gateway to understanding the balance between sensory enjoyment and social norms in Japan. It reflects a culture that values the visceral experience of eating and the honest expression of emotion, even through small, everyday sounds.

Register

Neutral to Informal. It is a standard verb used in both conversation and descriptive writing.

In summary, すする is more than just a sound; it is a cultural marker. It describes a way of interacting with the world—whether that's savoring a bowl of noodles or dealing with a bout of sadness. By mastering this word, you not only expand your vocabulary but also gain insight into the unique ways Japanese people express enjoyment and physical sensation. It is a word that rings with the sounds of a busy kitchen and the quiet moments of a rainy afternoon.

Using すする correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a transitive verb. This means it always takes a direct object—the thing being slurped or sipped. The particle を (wo) is typically used to connect the object to the verb. For example, 'ramen o susuru' (slurp ramen) or 'ocha o susuru' (sip tea). Because it is a Godan verb (ending in -u), its conjugations follow the standard pattern: susuru (dictionary), susurimasu (polite), susutta (past), and susuranai (negative). Mastering these forms allows you to describe actions in various timeframes and levels of politeness.

Common Objects

Noodles (ramen, soba), liquids (soup, tea, coffee), and 'hana' (nose/sniffle).

One of the most frequent uses of すする is in the progressive form ～ている (te-iru). This describes an ongoing action. If you walk into a noodle shop, you might see people susutte iru. This form is also used to describe the continuous state of sniffling. For instance, 'kaze o hiite hana o susutte iru' (I have a cold and am sniffling). This usage is very natural and helps paint a vivid picture of the scene. It emphasizes the repetitive nature of the sound, which is a key component of what すする represents.

The verb can also be used metaphorically or in more literary contexts. For example, 'naki-susuru' (泣きすすむ) means to sob or weep with sniffling. This compound verb adds a layer of emotional depth, suggesting a crying that is quiet but persistent. In literature, すする might be used to describe the way someone 'sips' at life or takes in a scene slowly. However, in everyday conversation, sticking to the literal meanings of eating and sniffling will cover 99% of your needs. It is a workhorse verb that describes a very human set of actions.

Negative Form

すすらない (susuranai). Used to describe someone who does not slurp, perhaps because they are trying to be quiet or are following different etiquette.

In summary, すする is a versatile verb that functions clearly in the transitive space. By focusing on the object (what is being slurped) and the context (eating vs. sniffling), you can use this word with confidence. Whether you are describing a comforting meal or a sad movie moment, すする provides the perfect sensory detail to make your Japanese sound more natural and descriptive.

The word すする is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, but there are specific environments where it is most prominent. The most obvious place is a noodle shop—be it a high-end soba restaurant in Ginza or a standing-room-only ramen shop under the train tracks in Ueno. In these settings, the sound of すする is the ambient soundtrack. You will hear it from salarymen, students, and tourists alike. It is a sound of efficiency and enjoyment. If you listen closely, you'll notice that the rhythm of すする changes depending on the noodle type; soba is often slurped with a quick, sharp intake, while ramen might involve a longer, more sustained slurp to carry the heavy broth.

Location: Ramen Shop

The primary place to hear 'susuru' in action. It is the sound of a meal being enjoyed properly.

Another place you will frequently encounter すする is in media, particularly in 'gourmet' dramas or anime. Creators use the sound of slurping to emphasize how delicious a dish is. There is even a famous YouTuber in Japan whose entire channel is dedicated to slurping ramen (the 'Susuru TV' channel). This highlights how the word and the action have become a part of modern Japanese pop culture. When a character in an anime takes a deep, loud slurp of their miso soup or ramen, it’s a visual and auditory shorthand for 'this is the best thing I've ever tasted.'

You will also hear すする in more somber or clinical contexts. During the hay fever (kafunsho) season or the winter flu season, the sound of people hana o susuru (sniffling) is everywhere—on trains, in offices, and in classrooms. In Japanese culture, blowing your nose loudly in public is often considered more rude than sniffling, so people will often すする repeatedly until they can find a private place to use a tissue. This creates a unique auditory landscape in public spaces during certain times of the year.

Location: Public Transport

Commonly heard during allergy or cold seasons as people 'susuru' their noses quietly.

Finally, the word appears in traditional settings like the Japanese tea ceremony (Sado). While the ceremony is mostly silent and extremely formal, there is a prescribed moment where the guest must すする. After drinking the matcha, the very last sip is taken with a slurping sound called 'suikiri.' This sound informs the host that the guest has enjoyed every last drop. It is a rare example of a highly ritualized and 'polite' slurp. Hearing すする in this context shows the deep historical roots of the word and its connection to Japanese concepts of hospitality and gratitude.

For English speakers, the most common mistake with すする is a cultural one: assuming that slurping is always okay in Japan. While すする is encouraged with noodles and tea, it is considered poor manners when eating Western-style soups, drinking juice through a straw at a formal event, or eating rice. A beginner might think, 'I'm in Japan, I should slurp everything to show I like it!' This can lead to awkward situations. The key is to observe the food type—if it's traditional Japanese noodles or tea, すする is your friend. If it's a French consommé, keep it quiet.

Mistake 1: Over-Slurping

Applying 'susuru' to Western foods or non-noodle dishes in formal settings.

Linguistically, learners often confuse すする with 吸う (suu). While both verbs involve 'sucking' or 'inhaling,' they are not interchangeable. 吸う is a broad term used for breathing (iki o suu), smoking (tabako o suu), or a vacuum cleaner sucking up dust. すする is specific to the act of drawing in liquid or air with a slurping or sniffling sound. If you say you 'suu' your ramen, it sounds like you are literally trying to inhale the noodles into your lungs like a vacuum, which is quite a funny image but grammatically incorrect!

Another mistake involves the 'sniffling' meaning. Learners sometimes use かむ (kamu - to bite/blow) when they mean すする. If you want to say you are sniffling because you're sad, use 'hana o susuru.' If you are actually using a tissue to blow your nose, the phrase is 'hana o kamu.' Using the wrong one can change the meaning from 'I'm quietly sniffling' to 'I'm actively blowing my nose,' which are two different social actions. Being precise with すする helps you describe your physical state accurately.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Susuru' and 'Kamu'

Using 'susuru' when you are actually blowing your nose (kamu) or vice versa.

Finally, watch out for the conjugation of すする. Since it ends in '~ru,' some beginners mistake it for an Ichidan (ru-verb) and say 'susuremasu' or 'susurete.' Remember, it is a Godan verb, so the 'ru' changes to 'ri' before 'masu' (susurimasu) and to a small 'tsu' before 'te' (susutte). Getting the conjugation right is essential for sounding like a B1-level speaker. Practice saying 'susutte iru' (is slurping) to get the rhythm down, as it's the most common form you'll use in conversation.

While すする is the go-to word for slurping, Japanese has several other verbs that describe similar actions but with different nuances. Understanding these can help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is 吸う (suu). As mentioned before, 吸う is more about the physical act of suction or inhalation. If you are drinking a milkshake through a straw, you are 吸う, not すする. すする specifically implies the sound and the shallow, repetitive nature of the action, often from the rim of a bowl or cup.

Comparison: Susuru vs. Suu

'Susuru' focuses on the slurping sound and sipping; 'Suu' focuses on the act of inhaling or suction (like using a straw).

Another related word is 飲む (nomu), which simply means 'to drink.' This is the general term. You can 飲む soup or 飲む tea without necessarily すする. If you are drinking quietly or gulping something down, 飲む is the correct choice. Use すする only when you want to emphasize the specific 'slurping' or 'sipping with sound' aspect of the drinking. For example, 'He gulped the tea' would be 'ocha o goku-goku nonda,' whereas 'He sipped the tea noisily' would be 'ocha o susutta.'

When it comes to the 'sniffling' meaning, you might encounter 鼻水を垂らす (hanamizu o tarasu), which means 'to have a runny nose' (literally: to let nose-water hang). This is a more descriptive and slightly less polite way to talk about a runny nose. すする is the action you take to stop the running. There is also むせぶ (musebu), which means to choke or sob convulsively. While すする is a light sniffle, むせぶ is a much more intense emotional reaction.

Comparison: Susuru vs. Tarasu

'Susuru' is the act of drawing the nose-run back in; 'Tarasu' is just letting it run. 'Susuru' is more common in public settings.

Finally, for very small sips, you might use ちびちび (chibi-chibi) as an adverb with 飲む. This describes nursing a drink over a long period, like sake. While すする can be a single action, ちびちび飲む implies a slow, deliberate pace. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to focus on the sound (すする), the pace (ちびちび), or the simple fact of drinking (飲む). By knowing these alternatives, you can add precision and flavor to your Japanese descriptions.