Entry
くるくる
kurukuru
Describes a light, continuous circular motion, the action of winding something repeatedly, or states that change rapidly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used for objects that spin lightly and continuously, such as a top or a pinwheel. It also characterizes the action of winding something like string or hair, and can figuratively describe someone working very busily or expressions changing quickly.
- Light and continuous spinning motion
- Action of winding or coiling something repeatedly
- Working in a very busy and tireless manner
- Rapidly changing expressions, weather, or situations
Sense Map
Rotation
Describes objects spinning round and round in a light manner.
風車がくるくる回る。
Winding
Describes the action of repeatedly winding or coiling something.
包帯をくるくる巻く。
Busyness
Describes someone moving around or working very busily and energetically.
くるくるとよく働く。
Change
Describes things that change one after another in quick succession.
表情がくるくる変わる。
Usage Note
How to Use
くるくる回る
Used as an adverb to describe the way an object spins.
くるくるする
Functions as a suru-verb to indicate the action of spinning or winding.
くるくると働く
Adding 'to' emphasizes the manner or continuous state, often used for working hard.
くるくるした髪
The past form of the suru-verb used as an adjective to describe curly or wavy hair.
How to Use
Common Phrases
くるくる回る
To spin round and round lightly
くるくる巻く
To wind something around repeatedly
くるくる変わる
To change rapidly and constantly
くるくる働く
To work busily and tirelessly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical objects | neutral | Emphasizes the lightness and speed of the rotation. |
| Human activity | positive | Implies being energetic, productive, and efficient. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐるぐる ぐるぐる / similar | Use for heavier, larger, or more forceful rotations, or for feeling dizzy. | Kurukuru is light and fast; guruguru feels heavier or involves more layers/intensity. | 大きな水車がぐるぐる回る。 |
くるっと くるっと / similar | Use for a single, quick turn or a sudden change in direction. | Kurukuru is repetitive, while kurutto is usually a one-time action. | 後ろをくるっと振り向く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kurukuru for heavy machinery or large millstones.
Use guruguru to convey the weight or scale of the rotation.
Thinking kurukuru only refers to physical spinning.
Remember it also describes mental busyness or rapid changes in mood.
Examples
Examples
コマがくるくる回っている。
コマがくるくる（くるくる）まわ（まわ）っている。
The spinning top is revolving round and round.
LiteralIndicates the light rotation of a physical object.
糸を指にくるくる巻き付ける。
いと（いと）をゆび（ゆび）にくるくる（くるくる）ま（ま）きつ（つ）ける。
Winding the thread around a finger.
VisualVisually describes the winding action.
彼はくるくるとよく働く。
かれ（かれ）はくるくる（くるくる）とよくはたら（はたら）く。
He is working busily and tirelessly.
FigurativeShows someone's busyness while working.
彼女は表情がくるくる変わる。
かのじょ（かのじょ）はひょうじょう（ひょうじょう）がくるくる（くるくる）か（か）わる。
Her facial expressions change rapidly.
VisualDescribes lively changes in facial expressions.
お天気がくるくる変わる。
おてんき（てんき）がくるくる（くるくる）か（か）わる。
The weather is changing rapidly.
FigurativeShows an unstable and rapidly changing state.
Similar Words
くるっと
kurutto
Indicates a single quick turn.
Questions
What is the difference between kurukuru and guruguru?
Kurukuru is for light/fast spinning. Guruguru is for heavy, slow, or intense circular movements.
Can I use kurukuru for the weather?
Yes, 'tenki ga kurukuru kawaru' means the weather is changing rapidly and repeatedly.
Is kurukuru used for hair?
Yes, 'kurukuru no kami' refers to very curly or spiraled hair.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003960
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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