Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics the sound of a strong vibration or rumble. It is most commonly associated with powerful car or motorcycle engines revving up, as well as dogs forcefully shaking water off their fur.
- engine revving
- animal shaking body
Sense Map
Engine Sounds
Describes the sound of a vehicle engine, such as a car or motorcycle, starting or revving up.
エンジンがブルルンと鳴る。
Body Shaking
Describes an animal, particularly a dog, vigorously shaking its entire body to dry off.
犬がブルルンと体を振る。
Usage Note
How to Use
ブルルンと + Verb
Acts as an adverb describing how the action, like an engine starting or a dog shaking, occurs.
ブルルンという + Noun
Used to modify a noun, typically 'sound', to describe exactly what kind of loud noise it is.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ブルルンとエンジンがかかる
engine starts with a loud vroom
体をブルルンと振る
shake one's body vigorously
バイクがブルルンと鳴る
motorcycle revs loudly
ブルルンと震える
vibrate very strongly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Engines and Vehicles | neutral | Used to emphasize the power and the sudden onset of the engine's roar. |
| Pets | neutral | Specifically highlights the full-body shaking motion to get rid of water or dirt. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶるん ぶるん / similar | Used for a shorter duration and slightly less intense vibration than ブルルン. | Does not imply the same extended, vibrating resonance. | エンジンがぶるんと震えた。 |
ぶるぶる ぶるぶる / similar | Used for continuous shivering or trembling from cold or fear in humans or animals. | Not a loud mechanical sound or a vigorous shaking-off of water. | 寒さでぶるぶる震える。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a human shivering from the cold.
Use ぶるぶる (buruburu) for shivering humans; ブルルン implies a heavier, mechanical vibration or a vigorous shake like a dog.
Using it for a quiet, subtle vibration.
ブルルン has a strong, loud nuance. For quiet vibrations, other words are more appropriate.
Examples
Examples
車のエンジンがブルルンとかかった。
くるまのエンジンがブルルンとかかった。
The car engine started with a loud vroom.
LiteralFocuses on the sound of an engine starting up.
犬が水浴びの後に体をブルルンと振った。
いぬがみずあびのあとにからだをブルルンとふった。
The dog shook its body vigorously after bathing.
VisualDescribes the highly visible shaking of the body.
彼はバイクのエンジンをブルルンと吹かした。
かれはバイクのエンジンをブルルンとふかした。
He revved his motorcycle engine with a loud vroom.
LiteralEmphasizes the powerful sound of the engine revving.
巨大な機械がブルルンと音を立てて動き出した。
きょだいなきかいがブルルンとおとをたててうごきだした。
The giant machine started moving with a loud rumbling sound.
LiteralIndicates the heavy vibrating sound of a large machine.
子犬がブルルンと頭を振って泥を落とした。
こいぬがブルルンとあたまをふってどろをおとした。
The puppy shook its head vigorously to get the mud off.
VisualFocuses on the head movement to shake off dirt.
Similar Words
ぶるん
burun
ぶるん describes the sudden sound of an engine starting (vroom) or a single, forceful shaking movement. ぶるん is used for shorter durations and slightly lighter intensity.
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. ぶるぶる is used for continuous shivering from cold or fear.
Questions
Can I use this for my phone vibrating?
No, phone vibrations are usually described as ブーブー (buubuu) or without onomatopoeia. This word implies a much louder, mechanical roar or a strong animal shake.
Is it only used for dogs?
While very common for dogs shaking off water, it can be used for other animals shaking their bodies, and it is equally common for vehicle engines.
What is the difference between this and ぶるん (burun)?
They are very similar, but this word sounds slightly longer, more sustained, and often more powerful than ぶるん.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2686480
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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