Entry
くつくつ
kutsukutsu
Kutsukutsu describes the low sound of stifled chuckling deep in the throat, or the gentle sound of a liquid simmering on low heat.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two distinct meanings that share a common auditory feel. First, it describes a quiet, suppressed chuckle or laugh, often when someone is trying not to laugh out loud. Second, it describes the low, rhythmic sound of a liquid (like a thick soup or stew) gently simmering or bubbling slowly on low heat.
- Quiet, stifled chuckling
- Gentle simmering of liquid
Sense Map
Stifled Laughter
Used when someone laughs quietly or chuckles to themselves without opening their mouth wide, often holding back their laughter.
くつくつ笑う
Simmering
Describes a stew or thick liquid simmering gently and slowly over a low heat.
スープがくつくつ煮える
Usage Note
How to Use
くつくつと + Verb
くつくつ + Verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
くつくつ笑う
to chuckle quietly
くつくつと笑い声を漏らす
to let out a stifled laugh
くつくつ煮える
to simmer gently
くつくつ煮込む
to stew slowly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Laughter | neutral | Indicates suppressed amusement, either out of politeness or private amusement. |
| Cooking | positive | Evokes a cozy, appetizing feeling of food being carefully slow-cooked over time. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐつぐつ ぐつぐつ / similar | Use 'gutsugutsu' for a stronger, vigorous rolling boil, especially of thick liquids. | 'Kutsukutsu' is a gentle simmer, while 'gutsugutsu' is a loud, active boil. | 鍋がぐつぐつ煮える |
げらげら げらげら / opposite | Use 'geragera' for loud, unrestrained, boisterous laughter (guffawing). | 'Kutsukutsu' is kept quiet and in the throat; 'geragera' is loud and open-mouthed. | ゲラゲラ笑う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'kutsukutsu' to describe water boiling vigorously for pasta.
Use 'gutsugutsu' or 'bokoboko' for a vigorous boil. 'Kutsukutsu' is strictly for a gentle simmer.
Using 'kutsukutsu' when someone bursts out laughing at a joke.
Use 'geragera' or 'wahaaha' for loud laughter. 'Kutsukutsu' implies the laughter is being held back or is very quiet.
Examples
Examples
彼は何か面白いことを思い出したのか、一人でくつくつと笑った。
かれはなにかおもしろいことをおもいだしたのか、ひとりでくつくつとわらった。
He chuckled to himself, as if he had remembered something funny.
LiteralShows a quiet, suppressed laugh in the throat when remembering something funny.
ストーブの上で、ポトフの鍋がくつくつと音を立てている。
ストーブのうえで、ポトフのなべがくつくつとおとをたてている。
The pot of pot-au-feu is making a gentle simmering sound on the stove.
VisualDescribes a stew gently simmering over low heat.
会議中に冗談を言われ、彼女は下を向いてくつくつ笑いをこらえた。
かいぎちゅうにじょうだんをいわれ、かのじょはしたをむいてくつくつわらいをこらえた。
Told a joke during the meeting, she looked down and held back a quiet chuckle.
LiteralShows a situation where someone cannot laugh out loud, so they suppress it.
トマトソースを弱火でくつくつ煮込むと、甘みが出て美味しくなる。
トマトソースをよわびでくつくつにこむと、あまみでておいしくなる。
If you simmer the tomato sauce slowly on low heat, its sweetness will come out and it will be delicious.
VisualShows the slow cooking process used to bring out flavor.
敵は罠にかかった主人公を見て、くつくつと喉を鳴らして笑った。
てきはわなにかかったしゅじんこうをみて、くつくつとのどをならしてわらった。
Seeing the protagonist fall into the trap, the enemy chuckled low in his throat.
LiteralSometimes used for the dark chuckle of a villain whose plan is succeeding.
Similar Words
ぐつぐつ
gutsugutsu
ぐつぐつ describes the sound or state of a liquid, especially thick food, simmering gently over low heat. Both describe boiling, but 'gutsugutsu' is a rolling boil, while 'kutsukutsu' is a gentle simmer.
ククク
kukuku
The sound of stifled, sneaky, or evil laughter, as well as the cooing of pigeons.
ゲラゲラ
geragera
It describes roaring with loud, uninhibited laughter. Opposite of 'kutsukutsu' laughter. 'Geragera' is loud, open-mouthed guffawing.
Questions
Is 'kutsukutsu' used for boiling water?
Not usually for plain water coming to a hard boil. It's best used for dishes that simmer slowly, like stews or thick soups.
How is 'kutsukutsu' different from 'kusukusu'?
'Kusukusu' is a lighter, giggly sound, often associated with secret whispering or gossiping. 'Kutsukutsu' is deeper, like a chuckle vibrating in the throat.
Can I use 'kutsukutsu' to describe an evil laugh?
It can be used for a villain's quiet, dark chuckle, though 'kukuku' is more stereotypically used in manga for sinister, suppressed laughter.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1638270
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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