Entry
くるっと
kurutto
Describes a quick, single turning or spinning motion, or something curling up neatly into a round, charming shape.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a light, swift motion where someone or something turns around or spins just once. It is also commonly used to describe the action of rolling something up neatly, or to depict large, round, and charming eyes.
- A quick, single turning or spinning movement
- Rolling or curling something up neatly
- Charming, round eyes
Sense Map
Turning or Spinning
Used for a physical motion of turning the body or spinning around quickly, lightly, and only once.
くるっと振り返る
Curling or Rolling
Describes something being rolled, folded, or curled neatly into a cylindrical or round shape.
紙をくるっと丸める
Round Shape (Eyes)
Used as an adjective to describe eyes that are large, round, and give a cute or charming impression.
くるっとした目
Usage Note
How to Use
くるっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like turning or rolling) is performed quickly and cleanly.
くるっとした + noun
Forms an adjective describing an object (usually eyes or hair) that has a sweet, round, or curled shape.
How to Use
Common Phrases
くるっと回る
to spin around quickly (once)
くるっと振り返る
to turn around quickly
くるっと丸める
to roll up neatly
くるっと巻く
to curl or roll up (like hair)
くるっとした目
round, charming eyes
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Body movements | neutral | Gives an impression of an agile, light, and sudden movement. |
| Eyes | positive | Always carries a complimentary nuance, implying the eyes are cute, bright, and charming. |
| Styling hair or rolling paper | neutral | Indicates that the resulting curl or roll is very neat and well-shaped. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くるり くるり / similar | Very similar meaning for a single turning motion, but sounds slightly softer or more literary. | Does not have the sharp, quick finality conveyed by the tto ending. | くるりと背を向ける |
ぐるっと ぐるっと / contrast | Use when the turning motion involves something larger, heavier, or covers a wider area (like walking entirely around a building). | Does not convey a light or small impression. | ぐるっと見渡す |
くるくる くるくる / contrast | Use when the spinning or curling motion happens continuously or repeatedly. | Not used for a single, quick motion that ends immediately. | くるくる回る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy objects spinning.
Large and heavy objects spinning are better described with gurutto or guruguru, not the lightweight kurutto.
Using it for continuous spinning.
Use kurukuru if the spinning is continuous. Kurutto is strictly for one completed motion.
Examples
Examples
彼女はくるっと振り返って微笑んだ。
かのじょ は くるっと ふりかえって ほほえんだ。
She turned around quickly and smiled.
VisualShows a quick and light turning motion of the body.
犬がその場でくるっと回った。
いぬ が その ば で くるっと まわった。
The dog spun around quickly on the spot.
VisualAn agile, single spinning motion.
ポスターをくるっと丸めて筒に入れた。
ポスター を くるっと まるめて つつ に いれた。
I rolled the poster up neatly and put it in a tube.
VisualShows the action of rolling paper into a neat shape.
赤ちゃんのくるっとした目が可愛い。
あかちゃん の くるっと した め が かわいい。
The baby's round, charming eyes are cute.
VisualDescribes the shape of large, round, innocent eyes.
前髪をヘアアイロンでくるっと巻く。
まえがみ を ヘアアイロン で くるっと まく。
I curl my bangs neatly with a hair iron.
VisualThe action of curling hair into a neat shape.
Similar Words
くるり
kururi
Describes a swift, single turning motion, a sudden complete change, or perfectly round eyes. Similar, but sounds slightly softer and more literary than kurutto.
ぐるっと
gurutto
A firm, single motion of turning completely around or encircling something. Used for the turning motion of larger, heavier objects or going completely around a wide area.
くるくる
kurukuru
Describes a light, continuous circular motion, the action of winding something repeatedly, or states that change rapidly. Used when the spinning motion happens continuously, not just a single turn.
Questions
Can I use kurutto for a spinning windmill?
No, it is not suitable. A windmill spins continuously, so kurukuru is more appropriate. Kurutto is only for a single turn.
What is the main difference between kurutto and gurutto?
Kurutto is used for things or movements that are light, small, and quick. Gurutto is used for heavy, large objects or for moving around a wide area.
Does kurutto shita me always mean something positive?
Yes, this expression is used to compliment someone's (or a pet's) eyes as being large, round, and very cute.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2563660
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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