Entry
ちゅう
chuu
A mimetic word representing the sound of a light kiss, a mouse's squeak, or slurping liquid.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ちゅう (chuu) is a Japanese onomatopoeia that mimics short, high-pitched, or suction-like sounds. It is most commonly used for a light, affectionate kiss (a peck), the squeaking sound of a mouse, or the sound of sucking up liquid through a straw.
- Light kiss
- Mouse squeak
- Slurping liquid
Sense Map
Light Kiss
Describes a light, affectionate kiss (a peck). It is very casual and commonly used with children, pets, or between close partners.
ほっぺにチューする
Mouse Squeak
A high-pitched sound made by mice. This is the standard cultural representation of a mouse sound in Japan.
ネズミがチューと鳴く
Slurping Sound
The sound of sucking or slurping a liquid, particularly when using a straw.
ストローでチューと吸う
Usage Note
How to Use
チューする
Used as a verb meaning to give a peck or a light kiss.
チューと + verb
Acts as an adverb describing how a sound is made, typically followed by verbs like 鳴く (to squeak/cry) or 吸う (to slurp/suck).
How to Use
Common Phrases
チューする
to give a kiss
ほっぺにチューする
to kiss on the cheek
チューと鳴く
to squeak (as a mouse)
チューと吸う
to suck / to slurp up
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Showing physical affection | Warm and positive | Very common in family contexts, implying an innocent and endearing action. |
| Describing animal noises | Neutral | Universally recognized in Japan as the definitive sound a mouse makes. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちゅーちゅー ちゅーちゅー / similar | Use when the sucking or squeaking action is continuous and repetitive. | ちゅう is a single, short sound or action, while チューチュー implies an ongoing action like continuously drinking from a juice box or a mouse squeaking multiple times. | ジュースをチューチュー飲む |
ちゅるちゅる ちゅるちゅる / similar | Use for the sound of slurping long, slippery things like noodles. | ちゅう focuses on the suction of liquid through a narrow opening, whereas ちゅるちゅる focuses on the smooth, slippery texture of food being slurped. | うどんをちゅるちゅるすする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for a deep or passionate romantic kiss.
This word specifically means a light, casual peck. For a deeper kiss, use キス.
Using this word for bird sounds.
This sound is reserved for mice and similar rodents. Birds chirp with ちゅんちゅん.
Examples
Examples
子供が母親のほっぺにチューした。
こどもがははおやのほっぺにチューした。
The child gave a peck on their mother's cheek.
LiteralDemonstrates a light action of affection.
ネズミが天井裏でチューと鳴いている。
ネズミがてんじょううらでチューとないている。
A mouse is squeaking in the attic.
LiteralStandard usage for a mouse's squeak.
彼女はジュースをストローでチューと吸った。
かのじょはジュースをストローでチューとすった。
She slurped the juice through a straw.
LiteralThe sound of liquid being sucked through a narrow space.
可愛い赤ちゃんを見て、思わずチューしたくなった。
かわいいあかちゃんをみて、おもわずチューしたくなった。
Seeing the cute baby, I couldn't help but want to give them a kiss.
LiteralShows the verb usage for giving a quick peck.
彼は残りのスープをチューと吸い込んだ。
かれはのこりのスープをチューとすいこんだ。
He slurped up the rest of the soup.
LiteralThe word can be used for any slurping sound, not just juice.
Similar Words
ちゅるちゅる
churuchuru
Focuses on a smooth, slippery texture.
Questions
Can I use this word with my romantic partner?
Yes, but it carries a cute, playful tone and refers to a quick peck rather than a serious or intimate kiss.
What animals make this sound?
In Japanese convention, this word is exclusively used for the squeaking of mice and rats.
Is it better to write it in hiragana or katakana?
Katakana (チュー) is generally preferred, especially for kissing, as it helps prevent confusion with kanji that share the chuu reading.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1007750
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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