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B1 adjective Neutre #8,000 le plus courant 2 min de lecture

つるつるした

/tsuɾɯtsuɾɯɕita̠/
Entraîne-toi

Overview

The Japanese word 'つるつるした' (tsuru-tsuru shita) is an adjective that vividly describes a surface or texture that is smooth and often slippery. It's an onomatopoeic word, meaning it imitates the sound or sensation it describes, which is quite common in the Japanese language for conveying sensory details. The repetition of 'つる' (tsuru) emphasizes the quality, making the 'smoothness' or 'slipperiness' more pronounced.

This word is frequently used to describe various things, from food to surfaces. For example, when talking about food, 'つるつるした麺' (tsuru-tsuru shita men) refers to noodles that are smooth and easy to slurp, like udon or somen. This smoothness contributes to the enjoyable eating experience. Similarly, 'つるつるした喉ごし' (tsuru-tsuru shita nodogoshi) describes a smooth texture that goes down easily, often used for drinks or certain foods.

Beyond food, 'つるつるした' can be applied to describe smooth surfaces that might be shiny or even a bit slick to the touch. Think of a highly polished floor, a smooth stone, or even skin that feels soft and unblemished. For instance, 'つるつるした肌' (tsuru-tsuru shita hada) refers to smooth skin. It can also imply a surface that is so smooth it lacks friction, making it slippery, such as '氷の上はつるつるしている' (koori no ue wa tsuru-tsuru shite iru), meaning 'the ice is slippery.'

The 'した' (shita) at the end of 'つるつるした' is a past tense form of 'する' (suru), meaning 'to do,' which functions here to create an adjective from the onomatopoeic root 'つるつる.' This grammatical construction is a common way to form adjectives from onomatopoeia in Japanese. Understanding 'つるつるした' not only enriches one's vocabulary but also provides insight into how Japanese expresses tactile sensations through sound-mimicking words.

Exemples

1

お風呂の床がつるつるしているので、気をつけてください。

風呂場

The bathroom floor is slippery, so please be careful.

2

このクリームを使うと、肌がつるつるになりますよ。

美容

If you use this cream, your skin will become smooth.

3

つるつるとした喉ごしのうどんが食べたい。

食べ物

I want to eat udon noodles with a smooth texture.

4

雨で濡れた道がつるつる滑る。

道

The road wet with rain is slippery.

5

つるつるの氷の上でスケートをするのは楽しい。

スポーツ

It's fun to skate on smooth ice.

Collocations courantes

麺がつるつるした
肌がつるつるした
氷がつるつるした
床がつるつるした

Souvent confondu avec

つるつるした vs w
80+ WORDS

Modèles grammaticaux

p1 p2 p3

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

"Tsurutsuru shita" (つるつるした) is an adjective formed from the onomatopoeia "tsurutsuru" (つるつる), which vividly describes a smooth, slippery, or slick texture. It's often used to describe food items, particularly noodles like udon, soba, or ramen, emphasizing their pleasant, easy-to-swallow quality. For example, 「つるつるしたうどん」 (tsurutsuru shita udon) means "smooth udon noodles." It can also be applied to other foods such as jelly or certain types of fish with slick skin. Beyond culinary uses, it can describe inanimate objects with a smooth surface, like polished floors, glass, or smooth skin, as in 「つるつるした肌」 (tsurutsuru shita hada - smooth skin). The intensity of the smoothness can be emphasized by repeating the "tsurutsuru" sound. It's generally used in a positive or neutral context.

Erreurs courantes

One common mistake is confusing 'tsuru-tsuru shita' with other words that describe a smooth appearance but not necessarily a slippery texture, such as 'sube-sube' (smooth to the touch, often used for skin or surfaces that are pleasant to feel). While both can describe smoothness, 'tsuru-tsuru' specifically emphasizes the slippery or slick quality. Another mistake is using it for things that are merely soft or gentle; 'tsuru-tsuru' implies a lack of friction. It's also sometimes incorrectly used for things that are shiny or glossy ('pika-pika') without being slippery. Remember, the core meaning is the smooth, often slick and slippery texture, like that of well-cooked noodles or a smooth, wet stone.

Astuces

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Onomatopoeia

つるつる (tsurutsuru) is an onomatopoeic word that describes a smooth or slippery sensation. Many Japanese adjectives are derived from onomatopoeia.
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Similar Sounds, Different Meanings

Be careful not to confuse つるつる (tsurutsuru) with ぬるぬる (nurunuru), which describes a slimy or greasy texture.
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Usage with 'suru'

つるつる can be used with する (suru) to form a verb, as in つるつるする (tsurutsuru suru), meaning 'to be smooth' or 'to slip'.

Origine du mot

200+ WORDS origin history.

Contexte culturel

The onomatopoeic word "tsurutsuru shita" (つるつるした) evokes the sensation of something smooth or slippery to the touch or in texture. In Japanese culture, this feeling is often associated with positive experiences, particularly in culinary contexts. For instance, the smooth, satisfying slide of udon or soba noodles down the throat is highly prized, and "tsurutsuru" perfectly captures this desirable characteristic. It also describes the pleasant, slick feel of mochi. Beyond food, it can refer to the smooth, unblemished surface of pottery, silk, or polished wood, reflecting an aesthetic appreciation for finely crafted and pristine objects. The tactile experience described by "tsurutsuru" is deeply embedded in everyday life and artistic expressions in Japan.

Astuce mémo

Visualize something that is 'tsuru-tsuru shita,' like a smooth, slippery noodle or a polished surface. The repeating 'tsuru-tsuru' sound itself evokes a smooth, gliding sensation.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
'つるつるした' (tsuru-tsuru shita) is a Japanese adjective that describes something as being smooth or slippery in texture. It often refers to a tactile sensation, such as the feel of certain foods or surfaces.
Certainly! You might use 'つるつるした' to describe food items like smooth noodles (e.g., ramen, udon) that slide easily, or silky tofu. It can also describe surfaces that are smooth to the touch, like polished wood, a freshly cleaned floor, or even a baby's skin. The common thread is a lack of friction and a sleek, unresisting feel.
No, it's not limited to food, although it's very commonly used in that context! While it perfectly captures the texture of smooth noodles or jelly, you can also use 'つるつるした' to describe other smooth and slippery things. For instance, you could talk about 'つるつるした肌' (tsuru-tsuru shita hada) for smooth skin, or a 'つるつるした床' (tsuru-tsuru shita yuka) for a slippery floor, especially if it's wet or polished.
Yes, there are some nuances! While English has several words for 'smooth,' 'つるつるした' specifically emphasizes the *slippery* or *slick* aspect of smoothness, often implying that something is easy to slide across or through. Other Japanese words for 'smooth' like 'なめらかな' (nameraka na) can describe a general, even smoothness without necessarily implying slipperiness, and might be used for textures like a smooth fabric or a smooth blend of flavors. 'つるつるした' really brings to mind that gliding, slick sensation.

Teste-toi

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この道の表面はとても____ので、注意して歩く必要があります。

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