Entry
ちゅるちゅる
churuchuru
Describes the sound of slurping lightly or a state of being smooth, glossy, and well-hydrated.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ちゅるちゅる describes the sound or action of lightly slurping slippery foods (like noodles) or drinks. It is also frequently used to describe a smooth, shiny, and hydrated texture, such as glossy lips or well-moisturized skin. Furthermore, it is a common word in baby talk meaning "noodles".
- Slurping sound
- Smooth and glossy
- Noodles (baby talk)
Sense Map
Slurping sound
The light sound of slurping slippery foods like noodles or drinks.
うどんをちゅるちゅるすする。
Smooth and glossy
The state of a highly smooth, hydrated, and glossy texture, like healthy lips or skin.
リップを塗って、ちゅるちゅるの唇になる。
Noodles (Baby Talk)
A word used by or to toddlers to mean noodles.
お昼はちゅるちゅる食べる？
Usage Note
How to Use
ちゅるちゅると + verb
Describes an action done with a light slurping sound (e.g., slurping/すする).
ちゅるちゅるの + noun
Modifies a noun to describe a highly smooth, glossy texture (e.g., skin/肌).
ちゅるちゅるした + noun
Similar to the "no" pattern, indicating an object is moist and slick.
ちゅるちゅるに + verb
Describes a change in state, becoming glossy or smooth (e.g., becoming/なる).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちゅるちゅるとすする
slurp lightly
ちゅるちゅるの肌
smooth and glossy skin
唇がちゅるちゅる
glossy lips
ちゅるちゅるを食べる
eat noodles (baby talk)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slurping | neutral | Indicates enjoying slippery food without sounding overly messy. |
| Beauty or Texture | positive | Very popular in modern slang to praise healthy, glossy, and plump skin or lips. |
| Baby talk | neutral | Often used by parents to coax toddlers into eating noodles. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
つるつる つるつる / similar | Used for very smooth, slippery surfaces with no friction. | Does not strictly imply a glossy, wet, or hydrated feeling like ちゅるちゅる. | 床がつるつる滑る。 |
ずるずる ずるずる / opposite | Used for heavy, loud slurping or a constantly runny nose. | Has a messier or heavier connotation compared to the light, smooth slurp of ちゅるちゅる. | 鼻水をずるずるすする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ちゅるちゅる for loud, impolite slurping noises.
Use ずるずる for heavy, messy slurping; ちゅるちゅる sounds light.
Assuming ちゅるちゅる is identical to つるつる in all contexts.
つるつる focuses on a frictionless surface (like a slippery floor), while ちゅるちゅる emphasizes a wet, glossy look (like moisturized skin or lips).
Examples
Examples
うどんをちゅるちゅるとすする。
うどんをちゅるちゅるとすする。
Slurping udon noodles with a light slurping sound.
LiteralDescribes the light sound of slurping slippery noodles.
鼻水をちゅるちゅるとすする。
はなみずをちゅるちゅるとすする。
Sniffling a runny nose lightly.
LiteralA light sniffling sound, unlike the heavier ずるずる.
リップを塗って、唇がちゅるちゅるになった。
リップをぬって、くちびるがちゅるちゅるになった。
After applying lip balm, my lips became smooth and glossy.
VisualA modern usage describing hydrated, glossy lips.
しっかり保湿して、ちゅるちゅるの肌を目指す。
しっかりほしつして、ちゅるちゅるのはだをめざす。
Moisturizing well to aim for smooth, glossy skin.
VisualDescribes skin that is plump, well-hydrated, and glowing.
今日の夜ご飯はちゅるちゅるにしよう。
きょうのよるごはんはちゅるちゅるにしよう。
Let's have noodles for dinner tonight.
FigurativeA baby talk noun for noodles, derived from the sound of slurping.
Similar Words
つるつる
tsurutsuru
Describes a surface that is exceptionally smooth, often to the point of being slick, shiny, or slippery. Both mean smooth, but つるつる focuses more on a lack of friction rather than glossiness.
ずるずる
zuruzuru
Zuruzuru describes the sound or action of dragging a heavy object, slurping noodles, sniffling, or a situation that drags on without a clear resolution. A heavier, louder, and messier slurping sound compared to the light ちゅるちゅる.
Questions
Is ちゅるちゅる acceptable in formal or business contexts?
No. It is a casual onomatopoeia and can sound childish, so it should be avoided in formal or business settings.
What does ちゅるちゅる mean in a beauty or cosmetic context?
It refers to skin or lips that are highly moisturized, glossy, and smooth, often achieved with skincare or lip gloss.
Do adults use ちゅるちゅる to mean "noodles"?
Generally no. It is strictly baby talk. Adults use words like 麺 (men), うどん (udon), or ラーメン (ramen).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2866176
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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