Entry
ころころ
korokoro
The light rolling movement of small, round objects, or things that change easily and frequently.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeia describing small, light, and round objects rolling smoothly. It is also commonly used to express how minds, opinions, or situations change very easily without resistance. Furthermore, it can describe small, cute, plump physical appearances (like babies or puppies) and clear, high-pitched rolling sounds (like cheerful laughter or a small bell).
- Small objects rolling
- Changing easily
- Plump and cute
- Clear rolling sounds
Sense Map
Rolling Objects
Describes small, round, and light objects rolling smoothly.
どんぐりがころころと転がる。
Changing Easily
Describes situations, opinions, or stories changing frequently and without resistance.
言うことがころころ変わる。
Plump and Cute
Describes small, round, and chubby physical appearances, usually for babies or small pets.
ころころした子犬。
Clear Sounds
A high-pitched, clear, and rolling sound, such as children's laughter or a small bell.
ころころと笑う。
Usage Note
How to Use
ころころ（と） + 動詞
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like rolling or changing) happens smoothly or effortlessly.
ころころしている
Used to describe the state of an object, animal, or person looking round, small, and plump.
ころころ（と）太る
How to Use
Common Phrases
ころころ変わる
to change frequently and easily
ころころ転がる
to roll lightly and smoothly
ころころ太る
to grow plump and round
ころころ笑う
to laugh with a clear, cheerful voice
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing someone who changes their opinion or plans often. | Slightly negative or critical. | Implies a lack of consistency or reliability. |
| Describing a puppy or a baby. | Positive and affectionate. | Shows that they look healthy, cute, and delightfully round. |
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 larger, heavier objects rolling, or lower, rumbling sounds. | Unlike the light 'korokoro', 'gorogoro' implies a heavy burden or large size. | 岩がごろごろと転がる。 |
くるくる くるくる / nearby | Used for something spinning on an axis or coiling, rather than rolling away to another place. | Focuses on the spinning motion itself, not the rolling movement across a surface. | くるくると回る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'korokoro' for a huge boulder falling down a mountain.
Use 'gorogoro' (ごろごろ) for large and heavy objects. 'korokoro' is exclusively for small, light things.
Using it to compliment a slightly overweight adult.
'korokoro' has a cute nuance meant for baby animals or infants. For adults, use 'fukkura' (ふっくら) which is more polite.
Examples
Examples
床に落ちた鉛筆がころころと転がっていった。
ゆかにおちたえんぴつがころころとところがっていった。
The pencil that fell on the floor rolled away lightly.
LiteralDescribes a small, light object rolling.
社長の機嫌は日によってころころ変わる。
しゃちょうのきげんはひによってころころかわる。
The president's mood changes easily from day to day.
FigurativeDescribes something changing easily, often with a slightly negative nuance.
公園でころころした可愛い子犬を見かけた。
こうえんでころころしたかわいいこいぬをみかけた。
I saw a cute, plump puppy at the park.
VisualDescribes something small, round, and adorably plump.
彼女は鈴のような声でころころと笑う。
かのじょはすずのようなこえでころころとわらう。
She laughs cheerfully with a clear voice like a bell.
LiteralDescribes a high-pitched, clear laughing sound, similar to a ringing bell.
あのドラマは展開がころころ変わって面白い。
あのドラマはてんかいがころころかわっておもしろい。
That drama is interesting because the plot changes so frequently.
FigurativeDescribes situations or things that keep changing rapidly.
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. Used for larger, heavier objects rolling, or lower, rumbling sounds. Unlike the light 'korokoro', 'gorogoro' implies a heavy burden or large size.
くるくる
kurukuru
Describes a light, continuous circular motion, the action of winding something repeatedly, or states that change rapidly. Used for something spinning on an axis or coiling, rather than rolling away to another place. Focuses on the spinning motion itself, not the rolling movement across a surface.
Questions
Can 'korokoro' be used for humans?
Yes, but usually only for healthy, round babies ('korokoro shita akachan'), or to criticize someone whose opinions always change ('iken ga korokoro kawaru').
What is the difference between 'korokoro' and 'gorogoro' when rolling?
'korokoro' is used for small, light objects like acorns or marbles, while 'gorogoro' is for large, heavy objects like boulders.
Why does 'korokoro' also mean a laughing sound?
Because a clear, high-pitched, and cheerful laughing sound sounds continuous and smooth, resembling a small bell ringing lightly.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 895173617
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- kotobank.jp/word/ころころ
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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