Entry
くんくん
kunkun
The sound or action of an animal sniffing repeatedly or whimpering quietly to seek attention.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This onomatopoeia is primarily used in two ways: first, to describe the action of an animal (especially a dog) sniffing around to investigate a scent; second, to describe the high-pitched but quiet whining of an animal expressing loneliness or hunger.
- Repetitive light sniffing to investigate a scent.
- Quiet, high-pitched whining or whimpering to express emotion.
Sense Map
Investigation & Scent
The physical action of sniffing something to identify its smell.
犬が地面をくんくん嗅ぐ。
Vocalized Emotion
A soft, high-pitched cry used by animals when they want something or feel lonely.
子犬が寂しくてくんくん鳴く。
Usage Note
How to Use
くんくんする
Used as a verb for repeated sniffing or quiet whimpering.
くんくんと嗅ぐ
Describes the manner of sniffing with the nose.
くんくんと鳴く
Describes the soft vocalizations an animal makes.
くんくんさせる
Often used as "hana o kunkun saseru" for twitching the nose while sniffing.
How to Use
Common Phrases
鼻をくんくんさせる
to twitch or sniff one’s nose
くんくん嗅ぎ回る
to sniff around everywhere
くんくん鳴く
to whimper softly
くんくんと匂いを嗅ぐ
to sniff a smell
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Investigating a scent | Neutral | Shows the animal's curiosity about its environment. |
| Seeking attention | Positive | Often seen as cute when puppies do it to get affection. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ふんふん ふんふん / similar | Used for casual sniffing or a human nodding in agreement. | くんくん is more focused on active investigation or animal whimpering. | ふんふんと鼻を鳴らす。 |
きゃんきゃん きゃんきゃん / contrast | Used for loud, sharp yelping or barking due to pain or excitement. | くんくん is a much quieter and softer sound. | 子犬がキャンキャン吠える。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using くんくん for loud human sobbing.
Use ギャーギャー or ぴえん instead; くんくん is for subtle animal whimpers.
Thinking it only applies to bad smells.
It refers to the act of sniffing itself, whether the smell is good, bad, or just interesting.
Examples
Examples
犬が庭の地面をくんくん嗅ぎ回っている。
いぬがにわのじめんをくんくんかぎまわっている。
The dog is sniffing around the ground in the garden.
LiteralDescribes a dog searching for something via scent.
お腹が空いたのか、子犬がくんくん鳴いている。
おなかがすいたのか、こいぬがくんくんないている。
Maybe because it's hungry, the puppy is whimpering softly.
LiteralDescribes the soft whimpering sound to ask for food.
台所からいい匂いがして、彼は鼻をくんくんさせた。
だいどころからいいにおいがして、かれははなをくんくんさせた。
A good smell came from the kitchen, and he sniffed the air.
VisualUsed for a human attracted to an aroma.
猫が新しいおもちゃをくんくんして確認している。
ねこがあたらしいおもちゃをくんくんしてかくにんしている。
The cat is sniffing its new toy to check it out.
LiteralShows cautious but curious animal behavior.
迷子になった子犬がくんくんと鳴きながら歩いている。
まいごになったこいぬがくんくんとなきながらあるいている。
The lost puppy is walking while whimpering softly.
LiteralEmphasizes fear or loneliness in an animal.
Similar Words
ふんふん
funfun
A conversational response to show you are listening, or the sound of sniffing lightly. A lighter sniff, or a nod of agreement while listening.
キャンキャン
kyankyan
The high-pitched yapping of a small dog, or the sound of someone nagging loudly and persistently. A louder, sharper yelp or bark from pain or excitement.
Questions
Can I use くんくん for a person?
Yes, it can describe a person sniffing something curiously, though it might imply they are acting a bit like an animal.
What is the difference between くんくん and クンクン?
There is no major difference in meaning. Katakana is standard for sound effects, while hiragana feels gentler.
Does it always involve a sound?
Not necessarily. It can just describe the repetitive movement of the nose during sniffing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1046050
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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