Entry
ぶるん
burun
ぶるん describes the sudden sound of an engine starting (vroom) or a single, forceful shaking movement.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ぶるん (and its variant ぶるり) captures the energetic sound of an engine turning over, like a car or motorcycle roaring to life. It also describes a sudden, heavy physical shake, such as a person shuddering or a large dog shaking off water.
- Engine starting
- Single physical shake
Sense Map
Engine Starting
Represents the forceful sound and vibration when a machine, especially a car or motorcycle engine, is suddenly started.
エンジンがぶるんとかかる
Sudden Shaking
Describes a sudden, single, and forceful shaking movement of a body or object, like shuddering or violently shaking one's head.
大きくぶるりと身震いする
Usage Note
How to Use
ぶるんと + verb (にかかる, 震わせる)
This pattern links ぶるん with an action verb like かかる (to start an engine) or 震わせる (to shake something).
ぶるりとする
Uses the variant ぶるり with する to express the sudden physical or emotional action of shuddering.
ぶるんと + verb (音を立てる)
This pattern links ぶるん with an action verb like かかる (to start an engine) or 震わせる (to shake something).
How to Use
Common Phrases
エンジンがぶるんとかかる
The engine starts with a vroom
ぶるんとエンジンを吹かす
To rev the engine
ぶるんと身震いする
To shudder suddenly
首をぶるりと振る
To shake one's head suddenly
体をぶるんと震わせる
To give one's body a forceful shake
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles & Engines | neutral | Highly common with vehicles (cars, motorcycles, heavy machinery). Often paired with the verb かかる. |
| Physical Reaction | neutral | Used for animals shaking off water, or a person shuddering from a sudden chill or a strong thought. The variant ぶるり gives a slightly more literary or dramatic feel. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶるぶる ぶるぶる / nearby | Used for continuous trembling from cold, fear, or vibration. | ぶるん is a single, momentary action (one shake or start), whereas ぶるぶる is continuous. | 寒くてぶるぶる震える |
ぶるるん ぶるるん / similar | Used for a longer, more energetic engine roar ("va-va-vroom") or a more exaggerated physical shake. | It emphasizes a continuing reverberation compared to the short burst of ぶるん. | バイクがブルルンと音を立てる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぶるん for continuous shivering from the cold.
Use ぶるぶる for shivering; ぶるん is just one sudden jolt or shake.
Using it for subtle or tiny vibrations.
ぶるん implies high intensity, heavy mass, or forceful energy, making it unsuitable for light or small items.
Examples
Examples
車のエンジンがぶるんとかかった。
くるまのエンジンがぶるんとかかった。
The car engine started with a vroom.
LiteralDescribes the sudden sound of a car engine starting.
彼はぶるりと身震いして、嫌な予感を振り払った。
かれはぶるりとみぶるいして、いやなよかんをふりはらった。
He shuddered suddenly, shaking off the bad premonition.
VisualThe variant ぶるり here emphasizes a single, strong physical shudder.
バイクがぶるんと音を立てて走り出した。
バイクがぶるんとおとをたててはしりだした。
The motorcycle let out a vroom and took off.
LiteralIndicates the initial loud sound of a motorcycle engine before moving.
大きな犬が体をぶるんと震わせて水気を飛ばした。
おおきないぬがからだをぶるんとふるわせてみずけをとばした。
The big dog gave its body a forceful shake to get rid of the water.
VisualUsed for a forceful physical shake like a dog shaking its body.
彼女は首をぶるりと横に振って、その提案を断った。
かのじょはくびをぶるりとよこにふって、そのていあんをことわった。
She gave her head a sudden shake and refused the proposal.
VisualDescribes a quick, decisive movement of shaking the head.
Similar Words
ぶるぶる
buruburu
This word describes a continuous, rapid trembling or shivering of the body or an object, usually due to cold, fear, or mechanical vibration. Used for continuous trembling from cold, fear, or vibration.
ブルルン
bururun
ブルルン is an onomatopoeia for the loud rumbling of a revving engine or an animal vigorously shaking its body. Used for a longer, more energetic engine roar ("va-va-vroom") or a more exaggerated physical shake.
Questions
What is the difference between ぶるん and ぶるぶる?
ぶるん is a single, heavy shake or the sudden sound of an engine starting. ぶるぶる describes continuous trembling or shivering from cold or fear.
When should I use the variant ぶるり?
ぶるり has the same basic meaning but sounds a bit more literary or descriptive. It is frequently used for physical movements, like a sudden shudder or forcefully shaking the head.
Can ぶるん describe small, quiet vibrations?
No, ぶるん implies a heavy mass or a strong burst of energy. It is not suitable for light, tiny, or subtle vibrations like a phone buzzing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2608740
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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