Entry
ころころ
korokoro
A small round object rolling lightly, or something that changes easily and often.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word covers several related uses. First, a small round object rolling smoothly, such as a marble, a pencil, or a seed. Second, an opinion, topic, or situation that keeps changing with little resistance. Third, a small plump cute body, usually a baby or a young animal. Fourth, high-pitched laughter or the bright ring of a small bell. Less central uses still inside the glosses include losing in quick succession, insect or frog sounds, and a trade name for a lint roller.
- A small object rolling lightly.
- An opinion or topic that changes easily.
- A small plump cute body.
- Bright laughter or a small bell.
Sense Map
Light Rolling
Used when a small round object rolls smoothly over a surface, again and again, without feeling heavy.
どんぐりがころころと転がる。
Changing Easily
Used when an opinion, topic, or situation keeps changing easily, sometimes so often that it feels unsteady.
意見がころころ変わる。
Plump and Cute
Used for a small round full body, usually a baby or a young animal, with a cute impression.
ころころした子犬。
Bright Light Sound
Used for high-pitched laughter or the clear repeating ring of a small bell.
ころころと笑う。
Usage Note
How to Use
ころころと + verb
Marks the way a small object rolls, the way someone laughs, or the way a small bell sounds.
ころころした + noun
Modifies a small body or creature that looks round, full, and cute.
ころころ変わる
Marks an opinion, topic, or situation that keeps changing easily.
ころころする
Marks a rolling state, a changing state, or a plump look. It can also mark losses that come one after another.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ころころ転がる
to roll lightly again and again
ころころ変わる
to change easily and often
ころころした子犬
a plump, cute puppy
ころころと笑う
to laugh with a bright, light voice
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Opinions that keep changing | Negative | Often used when criticizing someone whose stance will not stay put, or a topic that keeps jumping. |
| A baby or a puppy | Positive | Gives a healthy, round, cute impression, without mockery. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ごろごろ ごろごろ / contrast | Used for a large or heavy object rolling, or a low rumbling sound. | This word is lighter: a marble, a pencil, or a seed rolling smoothly. Not a boulder or a rumble. | 岩がごろごろと転がる。 |
くるくる くるくる / contrast | Used for something spinning on one axis, or for winding and turning. | This word marks rolling across a surface until the thing moves away. Not a spin in place. | 風車がくるくる回る。 |
ころっと ころっと / contrast | Used for one fall, one sudden sleep, or one complete sudden change. | This word is repeated and light: rolling on and on, or changing again and again. Not one sudden movement. | ころっと転んだ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for a large rock that is rolling.
For a large heavy object, choose a word that marks a heavier tumble. This word is only for small light things.
Using this word to praise an adult who looks a bit plump.
The cute impression fits a baby or a young animal. For an adult, choose a more polite word.
Examples
Examples
どんぐりがころころと転がる。
どんぐりがころころところがる。
The acorn rolls along lightly.
LiteralA small round object rolling smoothly, not a heavy one.
意見がころころ変わる。
いけんがころころかわる。
The opinion keeps changing easily.
FigurativeAn opinion that keeps jumping, often with a slightly critical tone.
公園でころころした子犬を見かけた。
こうえんでころころしたこいぬをみかけた。
I saw a plump, cute puppy in the park.
VisualA small round cute body, usually a young animal.
彼女はころころと笑った。
かのじょはころころとわらった。
She laughed with a bright, light voice.
LiteralHigh-pitched laughter that sounds clear and light.
小さな鈴がころころと鳴る。
ちいさなすずがころころとなる。
The small bell rings with a bright, repeating sound.
LiteralThe clear repeating sound of a small bell, not a heavy rumble.
Similar Words
ゴロゴロ
gorogoro
A word representing a heavy rumbling sound, a large object rolling, lounging around idly, or a gritty feeling in the eyes. A large or heavy object rolling, or a low rumbling sound. Not a marble, a pencil, or a seed rolling smoothly.
くるくる
kurukuru
Describes a light, continuous circular motion, the action of winding something repeatedly, or states that change rapidly. A spin on one axis, or repeated winding. Not rolling across a surface until the thing moves away.
ころっと
korotto
Describes a sudden, complete, and effortless change of state, such as completely forgetting something, being easily deceived, or falling asleep instantly. One fall, one sudden sleep, or one complete sudden change. Not repeated rolling or change that keeps coming back.
Questions
Can this word be used for people?
Yes, especially for a baby who looks round and healthy, or to criticize someone whose opinion keeps changing. For a plump adult, the tone can feel less polite.
Is this word only for things that roll?
No. Light rolling is the main use. The word also covers easy change, a small plump body, and a clear high sound.
How is it used for changing opinions?
The to form or the bare form plus a verb of changing marks an opinion, topic, or plan that keeps jumping, often with a slightly critical tone.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004840
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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