Entry
キュルキュル
kyurukyuru
A high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound caused by friction, such as a slipping engine belt, tires, or skis on snow.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics the high-pitched squeal or squeaking noise made when two surfaces rub tightly against each other. It is most commonly used to describe the sound of a worn engine fan belt, car tires squealing during a sudden stop, or skis gliding tightly over packed snow.
- Squeaking of an engine or fan belt
- Squealing of vehicle tires
- Squeaking of sliding surfaces like skis or shoes
Sense Map
Engine & Belt Squeaks
Describes the continuous high-pitched sound of a spinning engine belt or unlubricated mechanical parts.
エンジンのベルトがキュルキュルと鳴っている。
Tire Squeals
Describes the squealing of rubber tires against asphalt during sudden braking or sharp turns.
急ブレーキをかけると、タイヤがキュルキュルと鳴った。
Sliding Friction
Describes the squeaking of objects sliding tightly on a surface, such as skis on snow or rubber shoes on a gym floor.
スキー板が雪の上をキュルキュルと滑っていく。
Usage Note
How to Use
キュルキュル鳴る
Used to state that something (like a machine or tire) is letting out a squeaking sound.
キュルキュル（と）音がする
Means 'a squeaking sound is heard', focusing on the sound entering the listener's ear.
キュルキュル（と）滑る
Describes sliding accompanied by a sharp squeaking sound, such as skiing.
How to Use
Common Phrases
キュルキュル鳴る
to squeak
キュルキュル音がする
to make a squeaking sound
キュルキュルと滑る
to slide with a squeak
タイヤがキュルキュル鳴る
tires squeal
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery and Vehicles | neutral to negative | Indicates friction in inanimate objects; in vehicles, it often implies the need for maintenance. |
| Winter Sports | neutral | Simply describes the tight, packed friction between skis and snow without negative implication. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きこきこ きこきこ / nearby | Used for repetitive metallic squeaking, like an old door hinge or a rusty bicycle chain. | キュルキュル is a faster, higher-pitched friction squeal (like rubber belts), whereas キコキコ is the dry, repetitive mechanical squeak of metal joints. | 自転車のペダルがキコキコ鳴る。 |
ぎこぎこ ぎこぎこ / nearby | Used for stiff, awkward, or jerky scraping sounds, like sawing wood clumsily. | キュルキュル focuses on the high-pitched sound of rapid friction, while ぎこぎこ implies slow, clumsy, and stiff scraping. | ぎこぎこノコギリで木を切る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for the squeak of small animals like mice.
Use チューチュー (chūchū) for mice. キュルキュル is reserved for inanimate mechanical friction.
Using it for creaking wood floors.
Use ギシギシ (gishigishi) for heavy creaking under weight.
Examples
Examples
エンジンのベルトがキュルキュルと鳴っている。
エンジンのベルトがキュルキュルとなっている。
The engine belt is making a squeaking sound.
LiteralDescribes the friction of a rubber belt against metal parts.
急ブレーキをかけると、タイヤがキュルキュルと鳴った。
きゅうブレーキをかけると、タイヤがキュルキュルとなった。
The tires squealed when the brakes were applied suddenly.
LiteralStrong friction between the rubber tire and the road surface.
スキー板が雪の上をキュルキュルと滑っていく。
スキーいたがゆきのうえをキュルキュルとすべっていく。
The skis glide over the snow with a squeaking sound.
LiteralDescribes the tight squeaking sound of sliding over packed snow.
古い機械がキュルキュルと音を立てて動いている。
ふるいきかいがキュルキュルとおとをたててうごいている。
The old machine is operating with a squeaky noise.
LiteralIndicates a lack of lubrication in rotating machinery.
体育館の床で靴がキュルキュルと鳴る。
たいいくかんのゆかでくつがキュルキュルとなる。
The shoes squeak on the gymnasium floor.
LiteralThe sound of rubber soles rubbing against a smooth wooden floor.
Similar Words
キコキコ
kikokiko
Mimics a rhythmic, repetitive squeaking or creaking sound, typically produced by unlubricated or rusty metal parts. For repetitive mechanical squeaking (like a hinge), not rapid friction.
ぎこぎこ
gikogiko
A rough, rhythmic squeaking or sawing sound, like a rusty hinge or sawing wood. For slow, stiff, scraping or sawing movements.
ぎゅうぎゅう
gyuugyuu
This word describes a state where things or people are packed so tightly into a space that there is intense pressure.
Questions
Can I use this for the sound of a bird or animal?
No, this word is generally used for the mechanical or frictional squeal of objects like rubber belts, tires, or sliding skis.
Does it imply the machine is completely broken?
Not necessarily broken, but it often implies a lack of lubrication or a slipping belt that needs adjustment or maintenance.
How is it different from 'kikokiko'?
'Kikokiko' refers to a repetitive, dry metallic squeak (like a rusty hinge), whereas 'kyurukyuru' is a faster, continuous, and high-pitched frictional squeal.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2848436
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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