Entry
くるり
kururi
Describes a swift, single turning motion, a sudden complete change, or perfectly round eyes.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
くるり represents a single, quick turn or rotation. It is also used figuratively to describe a sudden, 180-degree change in a situation or attitude, an action of wrapping something entirely, or a visual description of charming, round eyes.
- single quick turn
- sudden total change
- wrapping completely
- round charming eyes
Sense Map
Turning Motion
Turning around quickly in a single motion.
彼女はくるりと振り返った。
Sudden Change
A sudden and complete change in attitude, opinion, or situation.
話の内容がくるりと変わる。
Wrapping
Wrapping or unwrapping something entirely and neatly.
紙でくるりと包む。
Round Appearance
Describes eyes that are distinctly round and attractive.
くるりとした目。
Usage Note
How to Use
くるりと + 動詞
Used as an adverb to modify a verb of motion or change, indicating that the action happens swiftly in a single turn or completely.
くるりとした + 名詞
Used to describe a noun (usually eyes) as being perfectly round and charming.
How to Use
Common Phrases
くるりと回る
Turn around swiftly
くるりと変わる
Change completely and abruptly
くるりと包む
Wrap completely
くるりとした目
Round, charming eyes
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical turning | neutral | Emphasizes the swiftness and lightness of a single, quick turn. |
| Sudden changes | neutral | Highlights how abrupt and complete a change is, like doing a 180-degree flip. |
| Describing eyes | positive | Conveys a charming, bright, and perfectly round appearance, often used for cute animals or children. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くるくる くるくる / similar | When describing continuous, repeated spinning or going round and round. | くるり typically describes a single, quick turn rather than continuous rotation. | くるくる回る |
ぐるぐる ぐるぐる / similar | When describing continuous, heavy or forceful turning. | くるり implies a light, quick turn and usually only represents a single rotation. | ぐるぐる回る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a fan or a top continuously spinning.
Use 'くるくる' (kurukuru) for continuous spinning; 'くるり' is for a single turn.
Using it for a slow, heavy turn.
くるり implies a swift and light movement. For heavy turns, use 'ぐるり' (gururi).
Examples
Examples
彼女はくるりと振り返った。
かのじょ は くるり と ふりかえった
She turned around swiftly.
LiteralShows a swift turning motion.
彼の態度はくるりと変わった。
かれ の たいど は くるり と かわった
His attitude changed abruptly.
FigurativeShows a sudden and complete change in attitude.
赤ちゃんを毛布でくるりと包む。
あかちゃん を もうふ で くるり と つつむ
Wrap the baby completely in a blanket.
VisualDescribes wrapping something entirely and neatly.
その子猫はくるりとした目をしている。
その こねこ は くるり と した め を している
That kitten has big, round, charming eyes.
VisualDescribes beautiful, round, and charming eyes.
犬がくるりと背を向けた。
いぬ が くるり と せ を むけた
The dog swiftly turned its back.
LiteralShows a quick motion of turning the body around.
Similar Words
くるくる
kurukuru
Describes a light, continuous circular motion, the action of winding something repeatedly, or states that change rapidly. For continuous spinning.
ぐるぐる
guruguru
Describes a continuous rotating motion or the act of winding something around repeatedly. For heavy or forceful continuous turning.
Questions
What is the difference between くるり and くるっと?
Both mean a quick single turn, but くるっと sounds a bit more abrupt and casual, while くるり is slightly softer and more literary.
Can I use くるり for a spinning top?
No, a top spins continuously, so 'くるくる' (kurukuru) is the natural choice. 'くるり' is for a single quick turn.
How is it used to describe eyes?
You use the pattern 'くるりとした目' (kururi to shita me) to describe eyes that are big, perfectly round, and charming.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631840
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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