Entry
じわっと
jiwatto
Jiwatto describes something spreading, seeping, or progressing slowly but steadily, such as sweat, heat, or emotion.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Jiwatto is an adverb used when something slowly but steadily spreads, seeps out, or progresses. It is commonly used for physical sensations like sweat or tears slowly coming out, heat or pain spreading, as well as emotions that gradually swell up inside.
- sweat or tears seeping
- emotions welling up
- slow and steady effect
Sense Map
Physical Seeping
Describes liquids like sweat or tears, or sensations like heat and pain, slowly oozing or spreading out.
汗がじわっと出る。
Emotional Welling
Expresses emotions such as joy, sadness, or realization slowly and steadily swelling up inside.
喜びがじわっと湧いてきた。
Gradual Effect
Indicates that an effect, progress, or change is happening slowly but surely over time.
効果がじわっと現れる。
Usage Note
How to Use
じわっと + verb
Used to describe how an action or state (like spreading or oozing) unfolds slowly and steadily.
じわっとくる
A common expression meaning that an emotion, realization, or feeling slowly hits you or wells up, often after a delay.
じわっとする
Describes a physical sensation that slowly spreads, such as a dull, lingering pain or warmth.
How to Use
Common Phrases
汗がじわっとにじむ
sweat slowly oozes out
涙がじわっと溢れる
tears slowly well up
じわっとくる
slowly hits you / slowly touches your heart
痛みがじわっと広がる
pain spreads slowly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat or Tears | neutral | Focuses on the slow, steady emergence of the liquid rather than a sudden, heavy flow. |
| Emotions or Realization | positive/neutral | Often used when feeling moved by something or when a realization slowly sets in after the fact. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じわじわ じわじわ / similar | When emphasizing a continuous, ongoing, or repetitive creeping progression. | Jiwatto often describes a single steady instance of spreading or welling up, while jiwajiwa feels more like a continuous, prolonged creeping process. | 水がじわじわと染み込む。 |
じんわり じんわり / similar | When describing a softer, gentler, or more comforting spread of warmth or emotion. | Jinwari has a milder, warmer nuance, whereas jiwatto can be neutral or apply to discomfort like pain. | 心がじんわり温かくなる。 |
じっくり じっくり / contrast | When taking deliberate time and care to do something. | Jikkuri implies intentional care (like thinking or cooking slowly), while jiwatto is usually an involuntary natural spread or reaction. | じっくり考える。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for deliberate slow actions like walking or reading.
Use 'yukkuri' (ゆっくり) for slow actions. 'Jiwatto' is for natural spreading, seeping, or welling up.
Confusing it with sudden bursts of emotion.
Jiwatto implies a slow, steady build-up. For sudden emotions, use words like 'hatto' (はっと) or 'katto' (かっと).
Examples
Examples
額に汗がじわっとにじんだ。
ひたいにあせが じわっと にじんだ。
Sweat slowly oozed on my forehead.
VisualShows sweat appearing slowly, rather than pouring heavily.
映画のラストシーンで、涙がじわっと溢れてきた。
えいがの ラストシーンで、なみだが じわっと あふれてきた。
At the final scene of the movie, tears slowly welled up.
VisualDescribes emotions peaking so that tears slowly start to fall.
薬の効果がじわっと現れ始めた。
くすりの こうかが じわっと あらわれはじめた。
The medicine's effect began to show slowly but steadily.
FigurativeShows that the effect is not instant, but gradual.
太陽の熱が背中にじわっと伝わってきた。
たいようの ねつが せなかに じわっと つたわってきた。
The heat of the sun slowly seeped into my back.
LiteralA physical sensation that spreads gradually.
彼の言葉の意味が後になってじわっときた。
かれの ことばの いみが あとになって じわっときた。
The meaning of his words slowly hit me later on.
FigurativeUsing the phrase 'jiwatto kuru' for something understood or felt after a delay.
Similar Words
ジワジワ
jiwajiwa
Something slowly but steadily seeping in, spreading, or approaching. More focus on a long, continuous process.
じんわり
jinwari
じんわり describes something slowly and gently spreading, permeating, or being felt from within. Has a softer, warmer, and more gentle nuance.
じっくり
jikkuri
This word means to take one's time to do something thoroughly and carefully without rushing. Used for deliberate, careful actions, not natural occurrences.
ゆっくり
yukkuri
ゆっくり describes taking one's time, moving without haste, or being in a state of comfortable relaxation.
Questions
Can I use jiwatto for a slow vehicle?
No, jiwatto is for things that seep or spread out. Use yukkuri for the speed of movement.
What does 'jiwatto kuru' mean?
It means something slowly 'hits' you, usually an emotion, a sense of being moved, or the delayed effect of a joke or realization.
Is jiwatto positive or negative?
It is neutral and depends entirely on the context. It can be positive (joy welling up) or negative (pain spreading).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2634960
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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