Entry
ねっとり
nettori
Nettori describes a thick, sticky, or viscous texture, or a persistent, clinging manner such as a lingering gaze.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents something thick, highly viscous, or sticky. It is commonly used for rich, dense foods (like sweet potatoes or heavy sauces), clammy sweat, or figuratively for a gaze or behavior that feels uncomfortably clinging and persistent.
- thick and sticky texture
- clinging or persistent manner
Sense Map
Texture & Food
Describes food that is thick, rich, or sticky in the mouth, often with a positive meaning for delicious food, or thick liquids.
ねっとりした食感
Attitude & Gaze
An attitude, way of speaking, or gaze that feels clinging, persistent, and sometimes uncomfortable.
ねっとりとした視線
Usage Note
How to Use
ねっとりする
Used as a verb to indicate becoming sticky or viscous.
ねっとりしている
Describes a current state of being thick, sticky, or clinging.
ねっとりした + Noun
Modifies a noun to describe it as sticky or dense (e.g., sticky sauce or clinging gaze).
ねっとりと + Verb
Describes how an action is performed in a clinging or sticky manner.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ねっとりした食感
sticky or dense texture
ねっとりと絡みつく
to cling stickily
ねっとりした甘さ
rich, heavy sweetness
ねっとりとした視線
a clinging or lingering gaze
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Food (sweet potatoes, sauces) | positive | Describes a rich, dense texture that is pleasantly moist and deeply flavorful. |
| Sweat and skin | negative | Describes an uncomfortable, clammy stickiness. |
| Attitude or gaze | negative | Describes a lingering, clinging behavior that makes others uncomfortable. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
とろり とろり / similar | For smooth, thick, or pleasantly melting textures. | More liquid and smoother than the dense, sticky nettori. | とろりとしたチーズ |
さらさら さらさら / opposite | For dry, smooth, or freely flowing textures. | The exact opposite of nettori; zero stickiness. | さらさらした髪 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for anything that is simply dirty.
Nettori specifically refers to a thick, sticky, or viscous texture, not just general dirtiness.
Assuming it always has a negative meaning.
In culinary contexts, such as describing rich cheeses or sweet potatoes, it is a highly positive term.
Examples
Examples
焼き芋がねっとりしていて甘い。
焼(や)き芋(いも)がねっとりしていて甘(あま)い。
The baked sweet potato is sticky and sweet.
LiteralOften used for starchy foods like sweet potatoes to describe a dense, sticky texture.
汗でシャツが肌にねっとりと張り付く。
汗(あせ)でシャツが肌(はだ)にねっとりと張(は)り付(つ)く。
The shirt sticks clammily to the skin from sweat.
VisualIndicates an unpleasant, clammy feeling on the skin.
彼はねっとりとした視線でこちらを見た。
彼(かれ)はねっとりとした視線(しせん)でこちらを見(み)た。
He looked this way with a clinging, persistent gaze.
FigurativeFigurative use describing a gaze that feels uncomfortably lingering and clinging.
ねっとりしたソースがパスタによく絡む。
ねっとりしたソースがパスタによく絡(から)む。
The thick sauce coats the pasta well.
VisualA positive description of a rich, heavy sauce in culinary contexts.
彼女の話し方は少しねっとりしている。
彼女(かのじょ)の話(はな)し方(かた)は少(すこ)しねっとりしている。
Her way of speaking is a bit slow, syrupy, and persistent.
FigurativeDescribes a tone of voice that is overly lingering, clinging, or unnaturally sweet.
Similar Words
とろり
torori
Also thick, but 'torori' is smoother and more liquid.
Questions
Is 'nettori' a positive or negative word?
It depends on the context. For food (like sweet potatoes or rich sauces), it is often positive, implying a deliciously rich texture. However, for sweat or someone's gaze, it has a negative, uncomfortable nuance.
What is the difference between 'nettori' and 'torori'?
'Nettori' has a stronger sense of stickiness and density, whereas 'torori' implies a smoother, more liquid, or pleasantly melting state.
Can 'nettori' describe a person's behavior?
Yes, it can describe a way of speaking, acting, or looking at someone that feels overly persistent, clinging, or uncomfortable.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2193540
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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