This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #6,000 most common 9 min read

塗る

nuru Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 塗る in 30 Seconds

Explanation 塗る in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should focus on the most basic physical meanings of 塗る (nuru). This primarily involves two common daily activities: eating and simple art. You will use it to describe spreading butter or jam on bread during breakfast (pan ni bataa o nuru) or coloring in a picture in a coloring book (nurie ni iro o nuru). The most important thing to remember at this stage is the particle を (o) for the substance being spread. You don't need to worry about complex conjugations yet; just focus on the dictionary form and the polite form nurimasu. Think of nuru as the 'spread' or 'color' verb. It is a very concrete action that you can see happening. When you see a child with a crayon, they are iro o nutte iru (coloring). When you see someone making a sandwich, they are jamu o nutte iru (spreading jam). Start by associating the word with these physical, visible actions to build a strong mental connection. Avoid using it for 'putting on' clothes or accessories, as that is a different set of verbs in Japanese. Keep it simple: if it's gooey or liquid and you're spreading it, use nuru.

At the A2 level, you expand your usage of 塗る (nuru) to include personal care and home maintenance. This is where you learn to apply hiyakedome (sunscreen) or kusuri (medicine/ointment). You should also become comfortable with the -te form (nutte) for giving or following instructions. For example, "Kusuri o nutte kudasai" (Please apply the medicine). You will also encounter the word in the context of painting a house or a room (penki o nuru). At this level, pay close attention to the particle に (ni) which indicates where the substance is going. A common sentence pattern would be "Te ni kuriimu o nurimasu" (I apply cream to my hands). You should also learn the compound nuritate (freshly painted), which you might see on signs in public spaces. This level is about moving beyond just food and art into practical, everyday health and household tasks. You are now using the verb to describe self-care and helping others. It’s also a good time to notice that nuru is a Godan verb, so practice the past tense nutta and the negative nuranai.

At the B1 level, you begin to see 塗る (nuru) in more varied and slightly more abstract contexts. You might encounter it in descriptions of traditional Japanese crafts, such as urushi-nuri (lacquering), where the process of applying many layers is emphasized. You should also be able to distinguish nuru from similar verbs like tsukeru (to attach/apply) and someru (to dye). For instance, knowing that you nuru lipstick but someru your hair. You will start to hear the verb used in more complex grammar structures, like the passive voice (nurareta - was painted) or the causative voice (nuraseru - make someone paint). You might also come across the intransitive-like usage nuri-tsubusu (to paint over/smear out). At this stage, your vocabulary should include different substances like nankou (ointment), nisu (varnish), and wa-enogu (Japanese paints). You are moving from basic communication to being able to describe processes and craft-related activities. You should also be aware of the onomatopoeia associated with the action, like beta-beta (sticky) or sara-sara (smooth), which often accompany the verb nuru in descriptions of how a product feels on the skin.

At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of 塗る (nuru). The most famous example is "kao ni doro o nuru" (to smear mud on someone's face), which means to disgrace or shame someone. You will also see nuru used in more technical or literary descriptions. For instance, a writer might describe the sunset 'painting' the sky red (yuuyake ga sora o akaku nuru). You should be comfortable with compound verbs like nuri-kaeru (to repaint/remake) or nuri-tasu (to add another layer of paint). Your understanding of the verb should now include its role in professional fields like construction or cosmetics, where specific terms like shitaji o nuru (applying a base coat) are used. At this level, you are expected to understand the nuances of formality—when to use the simple nuru versus the more formal toso suru. You can also handle more complex sentence structures where nuru is used as a noun-modifier, such as "penki o nuru hito" (the person who paints) or "nuri-nokoshi ga aru" (there is an unpainted spot). You are now using the word not just to communicate needs, but to express complex social concepts and technical details.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical weight of 塗る (nuru). You can discuss the aesthetics of nuri in Japanese art, such as the difference between wajima-nuri and other types of lacquerware. You understand the subtle differences in texture and intent that the verb can convey in high-level literature. You are familiar with rare or archaic idioms and can use the verb in sophisticated metaphorical ways. For example, describing how a new ideology 'paints over' old traditions. You can also navigate technical documents related to chemistry or manufacturing where the properties of 'spreadability' (nuri-yasusa) are discussed. Your grasp of the verb's conjugation and its place in the Japanese lexicon is near-native, allowing you to catch puns or wordplay involving the word. You might also explore the etymology of the word, linking it to ancient Japanese concepts of surface and essence. At this level, the word is no longer just a verb; it is a gateway to understanding Japanese craftsmanship, social shame, and artistic expression. You can explain the difference between nuru and shimi-komu (to soak in) in a scientific or philosophical context.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for 塗る (nuru). You can use it with perfect precision in any context, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic or legal writing. You understand the historical evolution of the kanji and the verb itself, including its relationship to other 'n' initial verbs related to liquids and surfaces. You can effortlessly switch between the literal and the highly metaphorical, using nuru to describe the layering of history, the application of social masks, or the physical act of painting. You are also aware of regional dialects and how they might use nuru or its variants differently. In a professional setting, you could lead a discussion on the 'nuri' techniques of a specific Edo-period artist or the chemical engineering behind a new 'nuri' coating for aerospace technology. The word is completely integrated into your linguistic repertoire, and you can use it to create nuance, irony, or emphasis in your speech and writing. You are a master of the 'nuri' concept, recognizing it as a fundamental Japanese way of interacting with the physical and social world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

塗る in 30 Seconds

A versatile verb for spreading, painting, or applying liquids and pastes.
Used for food (jam), beauty (makeup), medicine (creams), and DIY (paint).
Key particle pattern: [Surface] ni [Substance] o nuru.
Commonly seen in idioms like 'smearing mud on one's face' (disgrace).

The Japanese verb 塗る (nuru) is a versatile action verb primarily meaning 'to paint,' 'to spread,' or 'to apply' a substance onto a surface. At its core, it describes the physical act of taking a liquid, paste, or semi-solid material and extending it across a target area to create a layer. This word is fundamental in daily life, appearing in contexts ranging from the breakfast table to professional construction sites and beauty routines. Whether you are spreading butter on toast, painting a bedroom wall, or applying sunscreen before heading to the beach, nuru is the essential verb to describe these actions.

Culinary Context: In the kitchen, 塗る is used for spreading condiments. If you are preparing breakfast, you might spread jam, margarine, or honey on your bread. The focus here is the thin, even distribution of the substance across the flat surface of the food. It implies a deliberate motion to cover the area effectively.
Maintenance and Art: When referring to penki (paint), 塗る is the standard term for the act of painting. This applies to artistic endeavors like coloring a canvas or practical tasks like repainting a fence or a house. It suggests the application of a coating for protection or aesthetic improvement.
Skincare and Medicine: In medical and cosmetic settings, 塗る describes applying ointments, creams, or makeup. If you have a scratch, you apply medicine; if it is sunny, you apply lotion. It covers the action of rubbing or smoothing a substance into the skin or onto the surface of the body.

パンにたっぷりジャムを塗るのが大好きです。
(Pan ni tappuri jamu o nuru no ga daisuki desu.)
I love to spread plenty of jam on my bread.

Understanding the nuance of nuru requires recognizing that it always involves a 'substance' and a 'surface.' Unlike verbs that mean 'to attach' (like tsukeru), nuru specifically emphasizes the spreading motion and the resulting layer. This distinction is crucial for learners who might want to use a more generic word for 'put on.' When the action involves creating a thin film or coating, nuru is almost always the most natural choice.

Furthermore, nuru can be used metaphorically, although this is more advanced. For instance, 'smearing mud on someone's face' is a common idiom for bringing shame to them. In this sense, the physical action of spreading something dirty is used to represent the tarnishing of a reputation. However, for most learners, focusing on the physical applications—food, paint, and medicine—will cover 95% of daily usage. It is a Godan verb, meaning its conjugation follows the standard 'u' to 'i/e/a/o' patterns, making it relatively straightforward once you master the base meanings.

Using 塗る (nuru) correctly involves understanding the relationship between the object being spread (marked by the particle を) and the surface it is being applied to (marked by the particle に). The basic sentence structure is: [Surface] に [Substance] を塗る.

壁に白いペンキを塗りました。
(Kabe ni shiroi penki o nurimashita.)
I painted the wall with white paint.

Particle usage: に vs を: The particle に indicates the target or destination. If you are putting cream on your hand, the hand is the destination: Te ni kuriimu o nuru. The particle を indicates the material being moved or spread. If you forget the ni, the sentence might sound like you are spreading the hand itself, which is nonsensical.
Conjugation Patterns: As a Godan (Group 1) verb ending in -ru, it conjugates as follows: 塗らない (nuranai - negative), 塗ります (nurimasu - polite), 塗って (nutte - te-form), 塗った (nutta - past). Note the double 't' in the te-form and past tense, which is a common feature of verbs ending in -ru, -u, or -tsu.

In polite conversation, you will often hear the -te kudasai form when receiving instructions. For example, a doctor might say, "Kono kusuri o ichinichi sankai nutte kudasai" (Please apply this medicine three times a day). In a DIY shop, a clerk might explain how to use a specific wood stain by saying, "Usuku nuru no ga kotsu desu" (The trick is to spread it thinly).

子供の背中に日焼け止めを塗ってあげた。
(Kodomo no senaka ni hiyakedome o nutte ageta.)
I applied sunscreen to my child's back.

When describing the state of something already painted, you would use the -te aru or -te iru forms. Penki ga nutte arimasu means "Paint has been applied (by someone for a purpose)." This is useful for warning people about wet paint: "Penki nuritate!" (Just painted/Wet paint!). This compound uses the stem nuri plus tate (freshly done) to create a common warning sign seen in Japan.

You will encounter 塗る (nuru) in a variety of real-world settings in Japan. It is not a formal or literary word; it is a practical, everyday verb that everyone from children to professionals uses. Understanding where you’ll hear it will help you recognize its many forms and contexts.

At the Dining Table: During breakfast, family members might ask each other, "Pan ni nani o nuru?" (What will you spread on your bread?). You’ll hear the names of various spreads: bataa (butter), jamu (jam), haanii (honey), or maagarin (margarine). It is one of the first verbs children learn when helping with simple food preparation.
In Drugstores and Hospitals: Pharmacists frequently use nuru when explaining how to use topical treatments. Phrases like "Kono nankou o kizu ni nutte kudasai" (Please apply this ointment to the wound) are standard. On product packaging for lotions, creams, or insect bite treatments, you will see instructions like "Tekiryou o nuru" (Apply an appropriate amount).
Beauty and Skincare Commercials: Television commercials for skincare products often use the word nuru to describe the smooth, pleasant sensation of applying a product. They might use the onomatopoeia suru-suru (smoothly) or nuru-nuru (slimy/slippery, though often used for oil) alongside the verb to emphasize texture.

「ペンキ塗りたて注意！」
(Penki nuritate chuui!)
Caution! Freshly painted!

You might also hear it in the context of traditional crafts. For example, urushi-nuri (lacquering) or sumi-nuri (applying ink). In these cases, it implies a high level of skill and precision. Even in modern contexts like car repair, a mechanic might talk about toso o nuru (applying a coat of paint/finish). Essentially, if there is a surface and a substance that needs to cover it, nuru is the word you will hear.

While 塗る (nuru) seems simple, English speakers often make mistakes by over-extending its meaning or confusing it with similar Japanese verbs. The most common error is using it for 'putting on' items that don't involve a spreading motion.

Confusing with 'Tsukeru' (つける): Tsukeru means 'to attach' or 'to put on' in a general sense. While you can use tsukeru for cream or perfume, nuru is more specific to the spreading action. However, you cannot use nuru for things like earrings or buttons. Use tsukeru for those. Forgetting this distinction can make your Japanese sound awkward.
Confusing with 'Kaku' (描く/書く): In English, we 'paint' a picture. In Japanese, if you are creating an image, you use kaku (to draw/paint a picture). Nuru is only used for the act of applying color to an area. So, you kaku a portrait, but you nuru the background with blue paint.
Particle Errors: As mentioned before, learners often swap ni and wo. Saying "Bataa ni pan o nuru" implies you are spreading the bread onto the butter. Always remember: [The thing that stays still] ni [The thing you move] wo nuru.

❌ 絵を塗る (E o nuru)
This means 'to apply paint all over a picture' (possibly ruining it).
✅ 絵を描く (E o kaku)
This means 'to paint/draw a picture.'

Another subtle mistake is using nuru for 'putting on' clothes. Japanese has specific verbs for clothing depending on where it's worn (kaburu for hats, haku for shoes/pants, kiru for shirts). Nuru is strictly for substances like liquids or pastes. Finally, be careful with the onomatopoeia nuru-nuru. While it comes from the same root, it often means 'slimy' or 'greasy' in a negative way, so don't use it to describe a 'smooth' application unless you mean it's literally slippery.

To truly master 塗る (nuru), you should know how it compares to other verbs that involve applying or putting things on. Japanese is very specific about the 'how' and 'what' of an action.

塗る (Nuru) vs. つける (Tsukeru): Nuru emphasizes the spreading and layering across a surface. Tsukeru is more about 'attaching' or 'dabbing.' You nuru jam on bread (covering the surface), but you might tsukeru a small amount of soy sauce to sushi (dipping or dabbing).
塗る (Nuru) vs. 貼る (Haru): Haru means 'to stick' or 'to paste' (like a sticker or wallpaper). While both involve covering a surface, haru uses an adhesive or refers to a solid sheet being applied, whereas nuru always involves a liquid or paste-like substance.
塗る (Nuru) vs. 染める (Someru): Someru means 'to dye.' Use this for hair, clothes, or anything where the color penetrates the material. Nuru is for when the material stays on the surface, like paint on a wall.

Comparison:
1. 壁にペンキを塗る (Paint the wall)
2. 壁にポスターを貼る (Stick a poster on the wall)

Another word to consider is fuku (to wipe). Sometimes when you are 'applying' something with a cloth, the action is actually fuku. For example, waxing a car could be described as wakkusu o nuru (applying the wax) followed by fuki-ageru (wiping it to a shine). Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the most precise verb for the situation, moving your Japanese from 'understandable' to 'natural.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'nuru' (塗) contains the 'earth' (土) radical on the bottom, suggesting the historical use of clay or mud as a coating material.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nɯ.ɾɯ/

US /nu.ru/

The pitch accent is 'Atamadaka' (Type 1), meaning the first syllable is high and the second is low: NU-ru.

Rhymes With

ふる (furu) くる (kuru) する (suru) うる (uru) つる (tsuru) ぬる (nuru) ゆる (yuru) むる (muru)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ru' like the English 'r' in 'red'. It should be a tap.
Stretching the 'u' sounds too long (nuruuu). Keep them short.
Misplacing the pitch accent (nu-RU instead of NU-ru).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is common but has several strokes. Easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 3/5

Writing the kanji 塗 requires attention to the water radical and the earth radical.

Speaking 1/5

Simple pronunciation and very common usage.

Listening 1/5

Clear sound and easy to distinguish in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

パン (pan) 水 (mizu) 色 (iro) 手 (te) 壁 (kabe)

Learn Next

貼る (haru) 描く (kaku) 拭く (fuku) 洗う (arau) 磨く (migaku)

Advanced

塗装 (toso) 塗布 (tofu) 漆 (urushi) 顔料 (ganryou) 溶剤 (youzai)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Pattern

私は壁にペンキを塗る。

Te-form for Requests

薬を塗ってください。

Potential Form

一人で全部塗れます。

Causative Form

子供に色を塗らせる。

State of Being (-te aru)

ペンキが塗ってある。

Examples by Level

パンにバターを塗る。

I spread butter on the bread.

Simple present tense. Substance (butter) + を + verb.

この絵に色を塗ります。

I will color this picture.

Polite form -masu. 'Iro o nuru' is the standard phrase for coloring.

ジャムを塗ってください。

Please spread the jam.

Request form -te kudasai.

パンに何を塗りますか？

What do you spread on your bread?

Question form with 'nani' (what).

赤色を塗る。

I paint it red.

Direct object 'akairo' (red color).

ここに薬を塗る。

Apply the medicine here.

Locative 'koko ni' (here) + substance + verb.

バターを塗らないでください。

Please don't spread butter.

Negative request form -nai de kudasai.

毎日、クリームを塗ります。

I apply cream every day.

Adverb 'mainichi' (every day) + polite verb.

壁にペンキを塗りました。

I painted the wall.

Past tense -mashita. Surface (kabe) + ni.

日焼け止めを塗るのを忘れた。

I forgot to apply sunscreen.

Verb nominalization with 'no' + 'o wasureta' (forgot).

薬を塗ったら、よくなりました。

After I applied the medicine, it got better.

Conditional -tara (if/when/after).

薄くバターを塗ってください。

Please spread the butter thinly.

Adverbial use of 'usuku' (thinly).

お風呂の後に、ローションを塗る。

I apply lotion after the bath.

Time expression 'o-furo no ato ni'.

このペンキはすぐ塗れますか？

Can I paint with this paint right away?

Potential form -eru (can paint).

唇にリップを塗る。

I apply lip balm to my lips.

Specific body part 'kuchibiru' (lips) + ni.

ペンキを塗る前に、掃除をします。

Before painting, I will clean.

Verb + 'mae ni' (before doing...).

傷口に軟膏をたっぷり塗る。

Apply plenty of ointment to the wound.

Adverb 'tappuri' (plenty/liberally).

家具にニスを塗って、つやを出した。

I varnished the furniture to make it shine.

Te-form used to link actions with a result.

彼女はいつも丁寧に口紅を塗る。

She always applies her lipstick carefully.

Adverb 'teinei ni' (carefully/politely).

この壁は二回塗る必要があります。

This wall needs to be painted twice.

Noun + 'hitsuyou ga aru' (there is a need).

漆を塗る作業はとても難しい。

The task of applying lacquer is very difficult.

Verb used as a subject with 'sagyou' (work/task).

ペンキが塗ってあるので、触らないで。

Paint has been applied, so don't touch it.

State-of-being form -te aru (indicates an intentional state).

全体にむらなく塗ってください。

Please apply it evenly all over.

Adverbial phrase 'mura naku' (without unevenness/evenly).

下地を塗ってから、本番の色を塗る。

After applying the base coat, apply the final color.

-te kara (after doing...).

彼の振る舞いは親の顔に泥を塗るものだ。

His behavior brings shame to his parents.

Idiomatic expression 'kao ni doro o nuru'.

古くなった家を塗り替えることにした。

We decided to repaint our old house.

Compound verb 'nuri-kaeru' (to repaint).

夕日が地平線を黄金色に塗った。

The setting sun painted the horizon golden.

Metaphorical usage in a literary context.

ファンデーションを厚く塗りすぎた。

I applied too much foundation.

Verb stem + 'sugiru' (to do too much).

この薬は薄く広げるように塗ってください。

Please apply this medicine as if spreading it thinly.

'you ni' (in the manner of/so as to).

塗装が剥げたので、塗り直す必要がある。

The paint peeled off, so it needs to be repainted.

Compound verb 'nuri-naosu' (to do over/repaint).

彼は自分の失敗を塗り隠そうとした。

He tried to paint over (hide) his mistakes.

Metaphorical compound 'nuri-kakusu'.

伝統的な技法で漆が塗られている。

Lacquer is applied using traditional techniques.

Passive form 'nurarete iru'.

職人は一分の隙もなく漆を塗り上げた。

The craftsman finished applying the lacquer without a single flaw.

Auxiliary verb '-ageru' (to complete a task).

歴史の真実を嘘で塗り固めることはできない。

You cannot coat the truth of history with lies.

Metaphorical compound 'nuri-katameru' (to solidify with paint/lies).

その作家は言葉で情景を鮮やかに塗り分けた。

The author vividly distinguished the scenes with words (as if painting them).

Compound 'nuri-wakeru' (to paint in different colors/distinguish).

新薬の塗布による副作用が懸念されている。

Side effects from the application of the new drug are a concern.

Noun form 'tofu' (application) which is a Sino-Japanese synonym for nuru.

キャンバスを真っ黒に塗りつぶしてしまった。

I completely painted over the canvas in pitch black.

Compound 'nuri-tsubusu' (to paint over entirely).

表面に特殊なコーティングを塗ることで耐久性を高める。

By applying a special coating to the surface, durability is increased.

Technical usage involving 'taikyousei' (durability).

彼は世間の目を気にして、自分を塗り繕っている。

He is glossing over his true self, worrying about public perception.

Metaphorical 'nuri-tsukurou' (to gloss over/patch up).

何層にも塗り重ねられた色彩が深みを生んでいる。

The colors, applied in many layers, create a sense of depth.

Compound 'nuri-kasaneru' (to layer paint).

言論の自由を弾圧し、社会を沈黙の色で塗りつぶす。

To suppress freedom of speech and paint society in the color of silence.

Highly abstract/literary usage.

和島塗の極致は、その塗りの厚みと堅牢さにある。

The height of Wajima lacquerware lies in the thickness and robustness of its application.

Cultural/Technical expertise context.

過去の過ちを美辞麗句で塗り隠すことは許されない。

Hiding past mistakes with flowery language is inexcusable.

Metaphorical 'nuri-kakusu' with 'biji-reiku' (flowery language).

細胞の表面にタンパク質を塗布し、その反応を観察する。

Apply protein to the cell surface and observe the reaction.

Academic/Scientific context using 'tofu' (formal 'nuru').

都会の喧騒が、夜の帳をネオンの色で塗り替えていく。

The city's bustle repaints the veil of night with neon colors.

Poetic usage of 'nuri-kaeru'.

権力者が歴史を自分たちに都合よく塗り替えるのは世の常だ。

It is the way of the world for those in power to rewrite (repaint) history for their own convenience.

Sociopolitical commentary.

彼の心象風景は、常に孤独という灰色で塗られていた。

His mental landscape was always painted in the grey of loneliness.

Psychological/Literary metaphor.

この塗料は、塗布後の乾燥過程で分子構造が変化する。

The molecular structure of this paint changes during the drying process after application.

Advanced technical/chemical explanation.

Common Collocations

ペンキを塗る

バターを塗る

薬を塗る

口紅を塗る

色を塗る

ニスを塗る

日焼け止めを塗る

漆を塗る

ハンドクリームを塗る

ワックスを塗る

Common Phrases

塗りたて

— Freshly painted or applied. Often seen on warning signs.

ペンキ塗りたて注意！

塗り絵

— A coloring book or a picture meant to be colored in.

子供と塗り絵をして遊ぶ。

二度塗り

— Applying a second coat of paint or substance.

二度塗りで色を濃くする。

塗りつぶす

— To paint over something completely, often to hide it.

間違いを黒いペンで塗りつぶす。

塗り薬

— Topical medicine, like an ointment or cream.

病院で塗り薬をもらった。

塗り替え

— Repainting or renewing a surface coating.

家の外壁の塗り替え時期だ。

塗り残し

— An unpainted spot or a missed area.

隅の方に塗り残しがある。

薄塗り

— Applying a thin layer.

ファンデーションは薄塗りがいい。

厚塗り

— Applying a thick layer, often used for heavy makeup.

彼女はいつも厚塗りだ。

上塗り

— Applying a top coat or adding another layer on top.

仕上げにニスを上塗りする。

Often Confused With

塗る vs 描く (kaku)

English speakers say 'paint a picture,' but Japanese uses 'kaku' for creating an image and 'nuru' for applying color.

塗る vs つける (tsukeru)

Generic 'put on.' Use 'nuru' specifically for spreading actions.

塗る vs 貼る (haru)

Use 'haru' for stickers/posters, 'nuru' for liquids/pastes.

Idioms & Expressions

"顔に泥を塗る"

— To bring shame or disgrace to someone (literally: to smear mud on their face).

親の顔に泥を塗るようなことはするな。

Common

"猫の額に紅を塗る"

— Something very small or insignificant (literally: putting rouge on a cat's forehead).

そんな小さな庭は、猫の額に紅を塗るようなものだ。

Rare/Literary

"漆を塗る"

— Used metaphorically to describe a process that is slow, repetitive, and deep.

彼の修行は、漆を塗るように丁寧だ。

Literary

"化けの皮を剥ぐ"

— To reveal one's true colors (related to 'nuru' because makeup/paint is the 'disguise').

ついに彼の化けの皮が剥がれた。

Common

"地金が出る"

— One's true nature shows through (when the 'nuru' layer wears off).

苦労して、彼の地金が出た。

Common

"おしろいを塗る"

— To gloss over or prettify a situation (literally: to apply face powder).

失敗をおしろいで塗るような報告書だ。

Metaphorical

"メッキが剥げる"

— One's true (inferior) nature is revealed (when the plating wears off).

化けの皮が剥がれてメッキが剥げた。

Common

"紅をさす"

— A more poetic way to say 'applying rouge/lipstick'.

彼女は鏡の前で静かに紅をさした。

Poetic

"黒白を塗り分ける"

— To clearly distinguish between right and wrong.

善悪をはっきりと塗り分けるべきだ。

Literary

"一筆塗る"

— To apply a quick stroke of paint or ink.

仕上げに一筆塗って完成だ。

Artistic

Easily Confused

塗る vs 染める (someru)

Both change the color of a surface.

Someru is for dyeing (soaking in); Nuru is for painting (sitting on top).

髪を染める vs 壁を塗る

塗る vs 敷く (shiku)

Both involve covering an area.

Shiku is for flat objects like rugs or futons; Nuru is for liquids/pastes.

布団を敷く vs ペンキを塗る

塗る vs 被る (kaburu)

Both involve covering the self.

Kaburu is for hats or pouring water over oneself; Nuru is for spreading a substance.

帽子を被る vs クリームを塗る

塗る vs 覆う (oou)

Both mean to cover.

Oou is a general term for covering (often with a cloth or hands); Nuru is specific to spreading media.

手で顔を覆う vs 顔に泥を塗る

塗る vs 詰める (tsumeru)

Both involve substances on surfaces.

Tsumeru is stuffing or filling a gap; Nuru is spreading across a surface.

穴を詰める vs 穴の周りを塗る

Sentence Patterns

[Substance] を塗る

バターを塗る。

[Surface] に [Substance] を塗る

壁にペンキを塗る。

[Substance] を塗ってください

薬を塗ってください。

[Substance] を塗ってから、~

ニスを塗ってから、乾かします。

[Substance] が塗ってある

ペンキが塗ってある。

[Noun] の顔に泥を塗る

学校の顔に泥を塗る。

[Substance] を塗りつぶす

黒で塗りつぶす。

[Abstract Noun] で塗り固める

嘘で塗り固める。

Word Family

Nouns

塗り (nuri - the act of painting/lacquering)

塗り絵 (nurie - coloring book)

塗り薬 (nurigusuri - ointment)

Verbs

塗り替える (nurikaeru - to repaint)

塗りつぶす (nuritsubusu - to paint over)

塗り直す (nurinaosu - to repaint/fix)

Adjectives

塗りたて (nuritate - freshly painted)

ペンキ (penki - paint)

絵の具 (enogu - paints)

筆 (fude - brush)

刷毛 (hake - brush)

パレット (paretto - palette)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, cooking, and health contexts.

Common Mistakes

パンをバターに塗る → パンにバターを塗る
You spread the butter ON the bread, not the bread on the butter.
絵を塗る → 絵を描く / 色を塗る
In Japanese, you 'draw' a picture (kaku) or 'apply color' (iro o nuru). 'E o nuru' sounds like you are covering the whole picture with one color.
帽子を塗る → 帽子を被る
You don't spread a hat on your head; you wear it (kaburu).
髪を塗る → 髪を染める
Unless you are literally painting your hair with a brush for a costume, changing hair color is 'someru' (dye).
ペンキをぬる → ペンキを塗る
Make sure to use the correct kanji; ぬる is the reading, but 塗 is the character.

Tips

Particle Order

Always remember: [Surface] NI [Substance] WO Nuru. If you mix them up, you're spreading the surface on the substance!

Art vs. DIY

Use 'kaku' for drawing the lines of a picture, but 'nuru' for filling in the colors.

Lacquerware

The word 'nuri' is often found in the names of famous Japanese lacquerware styles, like 'Wajima-nuri'.

New-Roo

Think of painting a 'New Roo-f'. Nuru = New Roo.

The Small 'Tsu'

Make sure to pause for the double 't' in 'nutte'. It's not 'nute', it's 'nut-te'.

Medicine

When a doctor says 'nutte kudasai', they want you to apply the ointment to your skin.

Even Spreading

Use 'mura naku' (without unevenness) with 'nuru' to sound like a pro chef.

Wet Paint

If you see a sign with '塗' on a bench, don't sit down!

Shame

Remember 'kao ni doro o nuru' is a very strong way to say someone caused a big disgrace.

Makeup Texture

If someone says your makeup is 'atsunuri', it's usually a critique that it's too thick.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **NEW ROO**f (Nuru) that you are **painting** bright red.

Visual Association

Visualize a knife spreading a thick layer of yellow butter across a golden piece of toast.

Word Web

Paint Spread Butter Jam Cream Wall Medicine Color

Challenge

Try to say 'nuru' every time you spread something today (butter, soap, lotion) to lock it in your memory.

Word Origin

The word originates from Old Japanese and is believed to be related to the word 'nuru' meaning 'lukewarm' or 'slimy' (as in 'nurunuru').

Original meaning: The root concept involves the application of a moist or liquid substance to a surface.

Japonic family.

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'kao ni doro o nuru' as it is a strong expression of shame and could be offensive if used lightly.

In English, we use different verbs: 'spread' for food, 'paint' for walls, and 'apply' for medicine. In Japanese, 'nuru' covers all of these.

Wajima-nuri (famous lacquerware) Nurie (popular Japanese coloring books) Kabuki face painting

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Breakfast

ジャムを塗る
バターを塗る
トーストに塗る
たっぷり塗る

Skincare

クリームを塗る
日焼け止めを塗る
薄く塗る
全身に塗る

Art

色を塗る
ペンキを塗る
塗り絵をする
はみ出さないように塗る

Medicine

薬を塗る
傷口に塗る
一日三回塗る
塗り薬を使う

DIY

ニスを塗る
壁を塗る
塗り替える
塗りたて注意

Conversation Starters

"パンには何を塗るのが好きですか？ (What do you like to spread on your bread?)"

"この壁、何色に塗ったらいいと思う？ (What color do you think we should paint this wall?)"

"日焼け止め、もう塗った？ (Did you already apply sunscreen?)"

"子供の頃、塗り絵は好きだった？ (Did you like coloring books when you were a kid?)"

"この傷、何の薬を塗ればいいかな？ (What medicine should I apply to this scratch?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、パンに何を塗って食べましたか？ (What did you spread on your bread and eat today?)

自分の部屋を塗り替えるなら、何色にしますか？その理由も書いてください。 (If you were to repaint your room, what color would it be? Write the reason too.)

最近、何か新しいスキンケアクリームを塗りましたか？ (Have you applied any new skincare creams lately?)

「顔に泥を塗る」という経験をしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever had an experience that 'smeared mud on your face'?)

漆塗りの美しさについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the beauty of lacquerware?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for shirts you must use 'kiru'. 'Nuru' is only for liquids, pastes, or powders that you spread.

'Nuru' means you are spreading it over an area. 'Tsukeru' is more general and could mean just dabbing it on one spot. Both are often interchangeable for medicine, but 'nuru' is more descriptive of the action.

You use 'iro o nuru' (apply color). The book itself is called a 'nurie'.

Yes, for items like lipstick, foundation, or eye shadow, you can use 'nuru'. However, 'tsukeru' or 'suru' are also very common for general makeup application.

It means 'freshly painted.' You will see it on signs like 'Penki Nuritate' (Wet Paint).

No, for spreading rumors you use 'hiromeru' or 'nagashite iru'. 'Nuru' is for physical substances.

It is a transitive verb (ta-doushi). You spread 'something' (object) onto 'something' (surface).

The polite form is 'nurimasu'.

Because it is a Godan verb ending in 'ru', the te-form is 'nutte' (with a small tsu).

Yes, 'furaipan ni abura o nuru' (spread oil/grease on a frying pan) is a common phrase.