Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word that indicates an abrupt and total reversal or change of state with no resistance. It is most commonly used to describe completely forgetting something, changing one's mind or attitude very easily, being thoroughly tricked, or falling fast asleep without hesitation. It can also describe a small object rolling over once.
- completely forgetting
- sudden attitude change
- falling asleep instantly
- easily deceived
- small object rolling once
Sense Map
Mental/State Change
Used when someone completely forgets something, easily falls for a trick, or suddenly changes their attitude. It implies the change happened effortlessly, leaving no trace of the previous state.
ころっと騙される
Sleep
Used when someone, often a child or a very tired person, falls asleep instantly the moment they hit the bed.
ころっと寝る
Rolling
The direct meaning, describing a small, light object like a pebble or marble rolling over just once or falling into a hole.
ころっと転がる
Usage Note
How to Use
ころっと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs related to change, sleeping, or rolling, showing that the action happened suddenly and completely.
ころっと + 変わる
Means to change suddenly and completely, often used for attitudes, moods, or opinions.
ころっと + 騙される
Means to be completely and easily deceived, highlighting how easily the person fell for the trick.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ころっと忘れる
to forget completely
ころっと寝る
to fall asleep instantly
ころっと態度が変わる
attitude changes completely
ころっと騙される
to be easily deceived
ころっと転がる
to roll over once (small object)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Forgetting a promise | exasperated | Implies the person forgot entirely and effortlessly, which can be frustrating to the other party. |
| Changing an opinion | neutral to critical | Shows that the person changed their mind without much deep thought or resistance. |
| Falling asleep | positive | Describes a quick, often cute, transition into sleep, typically of a child. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ころり ころり / similar | Very similar to ころっと but sounds slightly softer and more literary. | ころっと is more colloquial and emphasizes the suddenness or effortlessness of the action. | ころりと騙される |
がらっと がらっと / similar | Used when a situation, atmosphere, or appearance changes completely and noticeably. | ガラッと implies a larger, more dramatic shift in environment or impression, while ころっと is often used for personal states like memory, attitude, or sleep. | 雰囲気がガラッと変わる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe heavy objects rolling.
For heavy or large objects rolling, use ごろっと instead of ころっと.
Using it for a gradual change over time.
ころっと implies a sudden, instant flip. If a change happens slowly, this word is incorrect.
Examples
Examples
ビー玉がころっと転がった。
ビーだまがころっところがった。
The marble rolled over once.
LiteralDescribes a small, light object rolling or dropping lightly.
彼は大事な約束をころっと忘れていた。
かれはだいじなやくそくをころっとわすれていた。
He completely forgot the important promise.
FigurativeShows the memory is entirely gone without a trace.
子供は布団に入ると、ころっと寝てしまった。
こどもはふとんにはいると、ころっとねてしまった。
The child fell asleep instantly upon getting into the futon.
FigurativeDescribes falling asleep very quickly and without resistance.
さっきまで怒っていたのに、ころっと態度が変わった。
さっきまでおこっていたのに、ころっとたいどがかわった。
Even though they were angry just a moment ago, their attitude completely changed.
FigurativeHighlights the sudden, effortless reversal of emotion or attitude.
うまい話にころっと騙された。
うまいはなしにころっとだまされた。
I was easily and completely deceived by the sweet talk.
FigurativeShows how effortlessly someone fell for a trick without suspicion.
Similar Words
ころり
korori
A slightly softer, more literary variant of ころっと.
Questions
Can I use ころっと for someone changing their clothes completely?
No, for changing clothes or appearance dramatically, ガラッと or すっかり is better. ころっと is for attitudes or states of mind.
What is the difference between ころっと and すっかり?
すっかり means entirely and can be used for things disappearing or finishing. ころっと focuses more on the sudden, effortless flip of a state.
Is ころっと formal or casual?
It is a casual, colloquial word mostly used in everyday speech.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121230
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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