Entry
ぶるっと
burutto
A sudden, brief, and involuntary shudder or shiver, usually caused by cold, fear, or disgust.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents the momentary physical reaction of shivering or shuddering once. The '-tto' ending emphasizes that the movement is abrupt and finishes quickly, unlike a continuous shake. It is commonly triggered by a sudden blast of cold air, a creepy sensation, or a feeling of disgust.
- A sudden shiver from cold
- A momentary shudder from fear or disgust
Sense Map
Cold
A brief shiver caused by a sudden drop in temperature or a cold draft.
寒風にぶるっと震える
Emotion & Reflex
An involuntary shudder caused by feeling creeped out, disgusted, or scared.
虫を見てぶるっとなる
Usage Note
How to Use
ぶるっと + する (burutto suru)
ぶるっと + 震える (burutto furueru)
ぶるっと + くる (burutto kuru)
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぶるっと震える
to give a sudden shiver
ぶるっとする
to shudder / feel a chill
寒さでぶるっとくる
to get hit by a sudden cold chill
体がぶるっとする
one's body gives a shudder
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weather & Cold | neutral | Implies a sudden change, like a gust of wind, that makes the body react momentarily. |
| Seeing Something Gross | negative | Indicates a reflex of disgust, often accompanied by physically pulling the shoulders back. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶるぶる ぶるぶる / similar | When the shivering or trembling is continuous. | ぶるっと is strictly for a single, momentary shudder. | 寒くてぶるぶる震える |
ぞくっと ぞくっと / similar | When emphasizing the internal sensation of a chill running through the body (often down the spine). | ぶるっと emphasizes the actual visible jerk or physical shudder of the body. | 背中がぞくっとする |
ぞわぞわ ぞわぞわ / similar | When describing a continuous, unpleasant skin-crawling sensation or goosebumps. | ぶるっと is a sudden physical movement, while ゾワゾワ is an ongoing creepy feeling on the skin. | 虫を見てゾワゾワする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぶるっと for an earthquake or a vibrating machine.
Only use it for the physical reactions of living beings. For inanimate objects shaking, use 'ぐらっ' or 'がたっ'.
Using ぶるっと to describe someone visibly trembling continuously outside in a blizzard.
This word only covers brief moments. For continuous shivering, use 'ぶるぶる'.
Examples
Examples
寒風が吹いて、ぶるっと震えた。
かんぷうがふいて、ぶるっとふるえた。
A cold wind blew, and I gave a sudden shiver.
LiteralIndicates a brief shiver due to the cold temperature.
ゴキブリを見て、思わずぶるっとした。
ゴキブリをみて、おもわずぶるっとした。
I saw a cockroach and involuntarily shuddered.
FigurativeDescribes an involuntary shudder reflex caused by disgust.
トイレの便座が冷たくてぶるっときた。
トイレのべんざがつめたくてぶるっときた。
The toilet seat was cold, which gave me a sudden shiver.
LiteralUses 'burutto kuru' for a sudden chilling sensation that hits you.
嫌な予感がして、体がぶるっと震えた。
いやなよかんがして、からだがぶるっとふるえた。
Having a bad premonition, my body gave a sudden shudder.
FigurativeIndicates a bodily shudder resulting from fear or an uneasy feeling.
犬が寒そうに体をぶるっとさせた。
いぬがさむそうにからだをぶるっとさせた。
The dog looked cold and gave its body a quick shudder.
VisualCan be used for animals reacting to the cold with a brief physical movement.
Similar Words
ゾワゾワ
zowazowa
ゾワゾワ describes the physical or psychological sensation of getting goosebumps, shivering, or feeling creeped out. For an ongoing, unpleasant skin-crawling sensation or goosebumps.
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. For trembling or shivering that is continuous.
ゾクッと
zokutto
A sudden, sharp chill or shiver running down the spine caused by fear, a blast of cold air, or emotional thrill. Emphasizes the internal chilling sensation, like a shiver down the spine.
Questions
What is the difference between ぶるぶる (buruburu) and ぶるっと (burutto)?
Both mean shaking, but 'buruburu' is continuous shivering, whereas 'burutto' is a sudden, brief shudder that ends immediately.
Can I use ぶるっと when I get scared?
Yes. It is very natural to use when you involuntarily shudder from seeing or hearing something creepy or scary.
Can I use ぶるっと for my phone vibrating?
No. This word is specifically for the biological reaction of living creatures. For a phone, use the verb '振動する' (shindou suru) or mimetic words like 'ブーブー'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2684520
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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