Entry
軽々
karugaru
Describes an action performed with extreme ease and no visible effort, or a feeling of being light-hearted and relieved.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used when someone handles a difficult task or heavy object as if it weighs nothing. It also describes a mental state where one's heart feels light after a worry or burden has been removed.
- Physical ease when lifting or moving heavy items
- Handling difficult challenges without struggle
- A sense of relief and mental lightness
Sense Map
Physical Ease
Performing a physically demanding task with grace and no apparent strain.
重い荷物を軽々と持ち上げる
Emotional State
Feeling light-hearted and free after a source of stress or anxiety disappears.
悩みから解放されて軽々とした気持ちになる
Usage Note
How to Use
軽々と〜
Used to describe how an action is performed effortlessly.
軽々する
軽々とした〜
Used to describe a state of mind or a feeling that is light and airy.
How to Use
Common Phrases
軽々と持ち上げる
to lift with ease
軽々と勝つ
to win easily
軽々とした気持ち
a light-hearted feeling
軽々とこなす
to handle with ease
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sports | Admiring | Great for describing athletes who make difficult maneuvers look simple. |
| Personal Growth | Positive | Used when describing overcoming obstacles with newfound confidence. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
簡単に かんたんに / similar | Used for general ease without emphasizing physical lightness or lack of burden. | Karugaru specifically highlights the absence of weight or effort. | 問題が簡単に解ける |
あっさり あっさり / similar | Used when something is settled quickly or simply without much ado. | Assari can imply a lack of depth or lingering feeling, while karugaru focuses on performance ease. | 試合にあっさり負ける |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for tasks that are inherently trivial for everyone.
Use it for things that would normally be difficult to make the 'ease' meaning stand out.
Thinking it only applies to physical weight.
Remember it is equally natural for describing feelings of relief.
Examples
Examples
力士は重い荷物도軽々と持ち上げます。
りきしは おもい にもつも かるがると もちあげます。
Sumo wrestlers lift even heavy luggage with ease.
LiteralHighlights extraordinary physical strength.
仲直りして軽々した気持ちだ。
なかなおりして かるがるした きもちだ。
I feel light-hearted after making up.
FigurativeDescribes the removal of a mental burden.
彼は強敵相手に軽々と勝った。
かれは きょうてきあいてに かるがると かった。
He won easily against a formidable opponent.
LiteralShows superior skill or ability.
彼女は難問を軽々とこなしていく。
かのじょは なんもんを かるがると こなしていく。
She handles difficult problems with ease.
LiteralCan be used for intellectual tasks.
その猫は高い塀を軽々と飛び越えた。
そのねこは たかいへいを かるがると とびこえた。
The cat jumped over the high fence with ease.
VisualDescribes the agility of an animal's movement.
Similar Words
Questions
Can I use karugaru for mental tasks?
Yes, it is often used for solving difficult problems or passing hard exams with ease.
Is karugaru always positive?
Usually yes, but it can occasionally imply taking something too lightly or being careless.
Is it different from 'raku-raku'?
Yes, 'raku-raku' emphasizes comfort and lack of pain, while karugaru emphasizes agility and lightness.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 950189149
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- bunpro.jp/vocabs/軽々
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- はらぺこ (harapeko)
- Next entry
- 飽き飽き (akiaki)