Entry
くるん
kurun
A quick, light motion of spinning around once or curling into a shape.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word (gitaigo) that describes a single, nimble turning or spinning motion, or something curling up lightly. It is often used for small objects turning around, hair being curled, or an animal's tail curling upwards.
- A light spin
- A cute curl
Sense Map
Spinning Once
Making a single, light, and quick spin. Often used for the body or small objects.
コインがくるんと回る。
Curling / Coiling
Forming a cute curve or curl. Often used for hair or an animal's tail.
毛先をくるんと巻く。
Usage Note
How to Use
くるんと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like spinning or curling) is performed. Often followed by verbs like mawaru (to spin) or maku (to curl).
くるんとする
Forms a verb that means to become curled or to make a light spinning motion.
How to Use
Common Phrases
くるんと回る
to spin around lightly
くるんと巻く
to curl up
くるんとさせる
to make something curl
毛先がくるんとする
ends of hair curling up
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spinning objects | neutral | Indicates light or small objects spinning once nimbly, giving a sense of agility and speed. |
| Curled shapes | positive | Used for things that curl up, like styled hair or an animal's tail. It often gives a cute and neat impression. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くるくる くるくる / similar | Use when the spinning happens multiple times or the turning motion is continuous. | Unlike kurun, which is usually just one turn or curl, kurukuru implies an ongoing action. | 犬がくるくる回る。 |
くるっと くるっと / similar | Use to emphasize a very quick, sudden, and momentary turning around motion. | Kurun has a softer, rounder, and cuter feel, whereas kurutto sounds sharper and more instantaneous. | くるっと振り返る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kurun for car wheels in motion.
Use kurukuru or guruguru for continuous spinning.
Using kurun to describe a heavy person struggling to turn around.
Kurun implies a light, nimble motion, making it suited for quick, effortless movements or small objects.
Examples
Examples
女の子がくるんと振り返った。
おんなのこが くるんと ふりかえった。
The girl turned around lightly.
VisualShows a light and quick turning motion of the body.
ヘアアイロンで毛先をくるんと巻いた。
ヘアアイロンで けさきを くるんと まいた。
I curled the ends of my hair with a curling iron.
VisualThis is one of the most common everyday uses of kurun.
子犬のしっぽがくるんと丸まっている。
こいぬの しっぽが くるんと まるまっている。
The puppy's tail is curled up into a circle.
VisualDescribes the naturally curled shape of an animal or object.
コインが落ちて、くるんと回った。
コインが おちて、くるんと まわった。
The coin dropped and spun around lightly.
VisualIndicates the spinning motion of a small object.
花びらの先がくるんとしている。
はなびらの さきが くるんと している。
The tips of the petals are curled.
VisualUsed with suru to indicate a curved state.
Similar Words
くるくる
kurukuru
Describes a light, continuous circular motion, the action of winding something repeatedly, or states that change rapidly. Used for continuous or repeated spinning.
くるっと
kurutto
Describes a quick, single turning or spinning motion, or something curling up neatly into a round, charming shape. Emphasizes a sudden or instantaneous turning motion.
くるり
kururi
Describes a swift, single turning motion, a sudden complete change, or perfectly round eyes.
ぐるぐる
guruguru
Describes a continuous rotating motion or the act of winding something around repeatedly.
Questions
What is the difference between kurun and kurukuru?
Kurun describes a single, light spin or a single curl, whereas kurukuru implies continuous or repeated spinning.
Can I use kurun for heavy objects?
Not usually. Kurun carries a light, nimble, or cute nuance. For heavy or large objects turning, words like gurun are more appropriate.
How is kurun used in hair styling?
It is frequently used to describe curling the ends of one's hair or eyelashes so they have a nice, rounded curve.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2859236
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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