Entry
のらりくらり
norarikurari
Describes a slippery, evasive manner of avoiding commitment, or living an idle, aimless life.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Used to describe someone who smoothly dodges questions, avoids responsibilities, or lives without a clear purpose. It evokes the image of something soft and slippery that is hard to grasp, applied metaphorically to uncooperative social behavior.
- Dodging questions and responsibility
- Living an aimless, idle lifestyle
Sense Map
Dodging and Evading
Used when someone is pressured for an answer or commitment, but they give vague responses and smoothly escape the situation without giving a straight answer.
のらりくらりとかわす
Living Idly
Used to describe a slow, aimless lifestyle, often lacking a steady job or serious ambition.
のらりくらりと毎日を過ごす
Usage Note
How to Use
のらりくらりとかわす
のらりくらりとした態度
のらりくらりと生きる
How to Use
Common Phrases
のらりくらりとかわす
to smoothly dodge (a question/attack)
のらりくらりと言い逃れる
to make vague excuses to get away
のらりくらりした態度
an evasive, non-committal attitude
のらりくらりと過ごす
to spend one's time idly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dodging questions | Negative | Implies the speaker is frustrated because the target (like a politician) is refusing to give a straight answer. |
| Lifestyle | Negative | Carries judgment against someone who is lazy and refuses to settle down into responsible adult life. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のらくら のらくら / similar | Use for people living idly or acting evasively. It is functionally a shorter variant. | Norarikurari emphasizes the repetitive, slippery nature of dodging things a bit more strongly due to the longer sound pattern. | のらくらと過ごす |
ぼんやり ぼんやり / contrast | Use when someone is absent-minded, staring blankly, or when an object is visually blurry. | Bonyari is about a lack of focus or clarity, while norarikurari is about actively and smoothly avoiding responsibility or commitment. | ぼんやりと霞む |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for physical slipperiness, like soap or a wet floor.
Although historically related to slippery sensations, modern usage is almost exclusively figurative for social evasiveness. For physical slipperiness, use words like tsurutsuru or nuranura.
Using it as a compliment for a skilled diplomat or agile athlete.
This word implies cowardice, laziness, or a lack of sincerity. It is not used to praise positive agility or flexibility.
Examples
Examples
彼は鋭い質問をのらりくらりとかわした。
かれは するどい しつもんを のらりくらりと かわした。
He evasively dodged the sharp questions.
FigurativeUsed when someone avoids giving a straight answer to tough questions.
その政治家はいつものらりくらりとした答弁をする。
その せいじかは いつも のらりくらりとした とうべんを する。
That politician always gives non-committal answers.
FigurativeShows frustration at vague, roundabout answers that lack substance.
定職にも就かず、のらりくらりと生きている。
ていしょくにも つかず、 のらりくらりと いきている。
They are living aimlessly without a steady job.
FigurativeDescribes a lazy lifestyle lacking ambition or responsibility.
彼は責任をのらりくらりと逃げ続けている。
かれは せきにんを のらりくらりと にげつづけている。
He continues to smoothly evade his responsibilities.
FigurativeShows that the person consistently avoids taking ownership of their duties.
彼女ののらりくらりした態度には腹が立つ。
かのじょの のらりくらりした たいどには はらがたつ。
I'm annoyed by her evasive, non-committal attitude.
FigurativeOften used to express anger toward someone who won't give a straight answer.
Similar Words
のらくら
norakura
Very similar meaning, used for living idly or acting evasively.
Questions
Can I use norarikurari for a wet fish?
While it literally originates from a soft, slippery feeling, it is no longer natural to use it for physical objects. It is a metaphor for human behavior.
Is norarikurari formal or casual?
It is a standard vocabulary word suitable for news articles, literature, and everyday conversation, though the tone is critical.
What is the difference between norarikurari and nurarikurari?
They are exactly the same in meaning. Norarikurari is simply the much more common pronunciation today.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2009380
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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