Entry
チュッ
chu
The sound of a light, quick kiss or a soft smacking of the lips.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Represents the sound of a quick peck or lightly smacking one's lips. It typically conveys affection in a cute, playful, or endearing manner, often used with babies or partners.
- Light peck
- Smacking lips
Sense Map
Light Kiss
The sound of a quick and light kiss on the cheek or lips.
赤ちゃんのほっぺたにチュッとする。
Smacking Lips
The sound of lightly smacking one's lips, often as a signal or a playful gesture.
唇をチュッと鳴らす。
Usage Note
How to Use
チュッとする
Used as a verb to mean 'to give a quick kiss' or 'to peck'.
チュッと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like kissing or making a sound) is performed lightly and quickly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
チュッとする
to give a peck
チュッとキスする
to give a quick kiss
ほっぺにチュッ
a peck on the cheek
唇をチュッと鳴らす
to smack one's lips lightly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Babies and Pets | positive | Highly endearing. Used constantly by parents or pet owners to show gentle affection. |
| Between Couples | positive | Shows lighthearted, playful affection. Not typically used for serious romantic moments. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷちゅっ ぷちゅっ / nearby | When the kiss is slightly wetter, juicier, or softer. | チュッ is a dry, light peck, whereas プチュッ sounds a bit softer and wetter. | ほっぺにプチュッとキスする。 |
ちぇっ ちぇっ / contrast | Used for the 'tsk' or 'tut' sound made with the tongue to show annoyance. | チュッ is a smacking sound of the lips usually for affection, while チェッ is a tongue click showing irritation. | チェッと舌打ちをする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a passionate or serious romantic kiss.
Use the word 'キス' (kisu) instead. 'チュッ' is strictly for a light, playful peck.
Assuming it can be used formally.
It is extremely casual and baby-like. Do not use it in professional or serious contexts.
Examples
Examples
赤ちゃんのほっぺたにチュッとする。
あかちゃんのほっぺたにチュッとする。
I give a quick kiss on the baby's cheek.
LiteralThe most common use to show gentle affection to a baby.
彼氏の頬にチュッとキスをした。
かれしのほおにチュッとキスをした。
She gave a quick peck on her boyfriend's cheek.
LiteralIndicates a light, sweet peck, not a deep kiss.
唇をチュッと鳴らして合図を送る。
くちびるをチュッとならしてあいずをおくる。
I smack my lips lightly to send a signal.
LiteralUsage focusing on the sound of the lips rather than the act of kissing.
指先にチュッとしてから、空へ向かって投げキッスをした。
ゆびさきにチュッとしてから、そらへむかって投げキッスをした。
After kissing my fingertips, I blew a kiss into the sky.
VisualDepicts a dramatic but playful action.
手紙の最後に「チュッ」とスタンプを押した。
てがみのさいごに「チュッ」とスタンプをおした。
I placed a 'smooch' stamp at the end of the letter.
FigurativeUsed figuratively as a symbol of love or a kiss in a written message.
Similar Words
プチュッ
puchu
A wetter or louder kiss.
Questions
Can I use 'チュッ' for a deep, romantic kiss?
No, it is strictly for a light, quick peck. For a deeper kiss, use the word 'キス' (kisu).
Do adults use this word?
Yes, adults use it playfully with their partners, but it is most heavily used with babies and pets.
Is it only a kissing sound?
Usually yes, but it can also represent the soft smacking sound of lips, even when not kissing someone.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2255640
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- ぽてぽて (potepote)
- Next entry
- むっくり (mukkuri)