Entry
くんくん
kunkun
Kunkun describes the repetitive sound of sniffing to investigate a scent or the soft whining sound of a small animal.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is primarily used in two ways. First, it represents the audible sound of sniffing, like a dog tracking a scent or someone smelling a delicious aroma. Second, it describes the soft, high-pitched nasal whining of a puppy or small animal seeking attention.
- Sniffing
- Soft whining
Sense Map
Sniffing
The sound and action of smelling something repeatedly to investigate it.
くんくんと嗅ぐ
Whining
The soft, nasal crying sound made by small animals, especially puppies.
くんくん鳴く
Usage Note
How to Use
くんくん（と）＋動詞
Used as an adverb to describe how an action like smelling is performed.
くんくんする
Turns the onomatopoeia into a verb meaning to sniff actively.
How to Use
Common Phrases
くんくんと嗅ぐ
to sniff repeatedly
くんくん嗅ぎ回る
to sniff around
くんくん鳴らす
to whine (make a whining sound in the nose)
くんくん匂いを嗅ぐ
to sniff a scent
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Smelling Food | Curious and cute | Perfect for describing the reaction when someone or an animal is intrigued by a delicious smell. |
| Puppies | Affectionate and sad | Describes the loneliness or plea for attention from a pet. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すんすん すんすん / contrast | Describes light sniffling from a runny nose, soft crying, or delicate human sniffing. | Kunkun focuses more on active animal sniffing or whining. | すんすん泣く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a person with a bad cold.
It is used for active smelling, not for a stuffy or runny nose due to illness.
Using it for a dog panting heavily.
It represents a soft whining sound or sniffing, not heavy breathing.
Examples
Examples
犬が地面をくんくんと嗅いでいる。
いぬがじめんをくんくんとかいでいる。
The dog is sniffing the ground.
LiteralDescribes a dog searching for a scent or tracking something.
子犬が寂しそうにくんくん鳴いている。
こいぬがさびしそうにくんくんないている。
The puppy is whining sadly.
LiteralShows the meaning of 'kunkun' as the whining sound of a young animal.
彼女は花の香りをくんくんと嗅いだ。
かのじょははなのかおりをくんくんとかいだ。
She sniffed the scent of the flower.
LiteralAn example of human usage when actively smelling something.
猫が新しいおもちゃをくんくん嗅ぎ回っている。
ねこがあたらしいおもちゃをくんくんかぎまわっている。
The cat is sniffing around the new toy.
LiteralShows an animal's curiosity toward a new object.
美味しそうな匂いがして、くんくんと鼻を鳴らした。
おいしそうなにおいがして、くんくんとはなをならした。
Smelling something delicious, they sniffed audibly.
LiteralUsed when someone subconsciously reacts to the aroma of food.
Similar Words
すんすん
すんすん
Describes light sniffling from a runny nose, soft crying, or delicate human sniffing. Kunkun focuses more on active animal sniffing or whining.
Questions
Can kunkun be used for humans?
Yes, especially when someone is playfully or actively sniffing a scent, though it can have a slightly childish or cute nuance.
Is it a loud sound?
No, kunkun is a soft, quiet sound coming from the nose.
Does this mean crying?
Kunkun is not the sound of a human crying sadly, but rather the nasal whining typically done by small animals.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 937604845
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- kotobank.jp/word/くんくん
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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