Entry
のろのろ
noronoro
Moving or progressing at a very slow and inefficient pace.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term describes a continuous state of slowness. It is frequently used for physical movement, work progress, or traffic. Unlike neutral words for slowness, it often implies a lack of energy or efficiency.
- Physical movement at a very slow speed.
- Inefficient progress in tasks or work.
- Traffic moving very slowly due to congestion.
Sense Map
Physical Movement
Walking or moving at a pace that seems sluggish.
カメがのろのろ歩く。
Work Progress
Tasks or projects moving forward very slowly.
仕事がのろのろ進む。
Traffic
Vehicles crawling along due to congestion.
渋滞でのろのろ運転する。
Usage Note
How to Use
のろのろする
Used as a verb to describe acting or moving sluggishly.
のろのろと動く
Used as an adverb to describe the manner of movement.
のろのろした動き
Adjectival form used to modify a noun like 'movement'.
のろのろ運転
A compound noun meaning 'slow driving' or 'crawling traffic'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のろのろ運転
driving at a crawl
のろのろ歩く
to walk sluggishly
のろのろ動く
to move slowly
のろのろ進む
to progress slowly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | negative | Expresses frustration with congestion. |
| Animals | neutral | Simply describes a naturally slow speed. |
| Business | negative | Implies that work is not being done efficiently. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ゆっくり ゆっくり / nearby | Used for a neutral, relaxed, or unhurried pace. | It lacks the negative nuance of inefficiency or sluggishness. | ゆっくり話す。 |
ぐずぐず ぐずぐず / nearby | Used when someone is dawdling or hesitant to start something. | Focuses on the delay or indecision rather than the physical speed of movement. | ぐずぐずしないで早くしなさい。 |
のそのそ のそのそ / nearby | Used for the slow, heavy movement of something large. | Emphasizes the weight or bulkiness of the movement. | クマがのそのそ歩いている。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a positive 'relaxed' speed.
Use yukkuri (ゆっくり) instead, as noronoro often sounds critical.
Confusing it with guzuguzu.
Noronoro is about the pace of movement; guzuguzu is about wasting time or hesitating.
Examples
Examples
渋滞で車がのろのろ進んでいる。
じゅうたいでくるまがのろのろすすんでいる。
Cars are crawling along due to the traffic jam.
LiteralDescribes the very slow speed of cars.
カメがのろのろと歩いている。
かめがのろのろとあるいている。
A turtle is walking slowly.
LiteralStandard usage for the slow movement of an animal.
仕事がのろのろしていて、なかなか終わらない。
しごとがのろのろしていて、なかなかおわらない。
The work is progressing sluggishly and won't finish easily.
FigurativeIndicates inefficiency in working.
朝は体が重くて、のろのろとしか動けない。
あさはからだがおもくて、のろのろとしかうごけない。
In the morning, my body feels heavy and I can only move sluggishly.
VisualDescribes the movement of someone who is still sleepy.
前の車がのろのろ運転をしていて、困る。
まえのくるまがのろのろうんてんをしていて、こまる。
The car in front is driving very slowly, which is annoying.
LiteralExpresses annoyance towards a slow driver.
Similar Words
ゆっくり
yukkuri
ゆっくり describes taking one's time, moving without haste, or being in a state of comfortable relaxation. More positive or relaxed in nature.
のそのそ
nosonoso
Describes movement that is slow and heavy, often suggesting bulkiness or a lack of vigor. For slow movements of large/heavy things.
ぐずぐず
guzuguzu
Describes a state of being slow to act due to hesitation or laziness, as well as the act of complaining or muttering.
Questions
Is noronoro always negative?
It usually is, implying a lack of speed where speed is expected, though it's neutral when describing animals like turtles.
How is it different from yukkuri?
Yukkuri is positive or neutral (relaxed), while noronoro is negative or descriptive of sluggishness.
What does noronoro-unten mean?
It refers to vehicles driving very slowly, typically due to a traffic jam.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010040
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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