Entry
きゅう
kyuu
Describes squeezing or twisting tightly, a squeaking sound, or drinking continuously in one sweep.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
きゅう (kyuu) is a versatile onomatopoeia that describes three main situations: applying intense physical force like wringing or twisting something tightly, the sharp squeaking or creaking sound of friction, and the swift action of drinking a liquid in one continuous sweep.
- Squeezing tightly
- Squeaking sound
- Drinking in one sweep
Sense Map
Physical Force (Squeezing/Pulling)
The action of forcefully twisting, wringing, or pulling something tight.
雑巾をきゅうと絞る
Friction Sounds
A high-pitched squeak or creaking noise caused by surfaces rubbing together.
靴がきゅうと鳴る
Drinking Swiftly
The action of drinking a liquid smoothly and continuously without stopping.
冷たい水をきゅうと飲む
Usage Note
How to Use
きゅうと + verb
The most common and clear structure, placed before action verbs or sound verbs.
きゅう + verb
A slightly more casual usage that omits the particle と while retaining the same meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きゅうと絞る
to wring tightly
きゅうと鳴る
to make a squeak
きゅうと引っ張る
to pull hard/tight
きゅうと飲み干す
to drink up in one sweep
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Squeezing or wringing | Neutral | Emphasizes the tight, concentrated tension of the grip. |
| Shoes or hinges rubbing | Neutral to Negative | Captures a distinct, sometimes slightly annoying high-pitched squeal. |
| Drinking a beverage | Positive | Implies refreshing, swift drinking, often associated with cold drinks. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎゅっと ぎゅっと / contrast | Used for a much stronger, heavier, and forceful squeezing or pulling action. | Unlike きゅう, ぎゅっと lacks the high-pitched squeaky nuance and is never used for drinking liquids. | 手をぎゅっと握る |
ごきゅごきゅ ごきゅごきゅ / contrast | Used specifically for the audible, heavy sound of gulping large amounts of liquid repeatedly. | きゅう represents a single, smooth sweep of drinking, whereas ゴキュゴキュ highlights the heavy throat sound of multiple gulps. | 水をゴキュゴキュ飲む |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe sipping hot tea slowly.
きゅう is meant for drinking a liquid swiftly and smoothly in one continuous motion, not sipping.
Using it for a loud crash or booming sound.
きゅう is strictly for high-pitched squeaks and creaks caused by friction.
Examples
Examples
雑巾をきゅうと絞ってから床を拭いた。
ぞうきんをきゅうとしぼってからゆかをふいた。
I squeezed the rag tightly before wiping the floor.
LiteralDescribes the strong wringing action to leave no water.
彼女はコートの紐をきゅうと引っ張った。
かのじょはコートのひもをきゅうとひっぱった。
She pulled the strings of her coat tightly.
LiteralFocuses on the forceful pull to tighten the strings.
新しい靴が廊下できゅうと鳴った。
あたらしいくつがろうかできゅうとなった。
The new shoes squeaked in the hallway.
LiteralIndicates the squeaking sound of friction between the shoes and the floor.
木の扉がきゅうと音を立てて閉まった。
きのとびらがきゅうとおとをたててしまった。
The wooden door closed with a creaking sound.
LiteralThe sound of hinges or wood rubbing together.
喉が渇いていたので、冷たい水をきゅうと飲み干した。
のどがかわいていたので、つめたいみずをきゅうとのみほした。
I was thirsty, so I drank the cold water in one continuous sweep.
LiteralShows the smooth, uninterrupted action of drinking.
Similar Words
ぎゅっと
gyutto
The act of applying firm, concentrated pressure when squeezing, gripping, or hugging something. A stronger, heavier squeezing force; not used for sounds or drinking.
ゴキュゴキュ
gokyugokyu
ゴキュゴキュ represents the loud, heavy sound made when swallowing liquid in big, vigorous gulps. Focuses on the heavy throat sound of repeated gulping.
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
Is きゅう the same as キュッと?
They are very similar, but キュッと (with the small 'tsu') implies a more abrupt, instantaneous action or sound, while きゅう can feel slightly more continuous.
Can I use きゅう for animal sounds?
It is rarely used for real animal sounds, which typically use チューチュー (mice) or キーキー (monkeys). It may sometimes refer to a squeaky toy.
Do I always need to add と?
It is highly recommended to use きゅうと before verbs so the listener knows it is an adverb and not the number nine (kyuu).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2744250
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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