Entry
のろり
norori
のろり (norori) describes something moving or progressing at a very slow, sluggish pace without energy.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is often used to indicate a lack of speed or enthusiasm in doing something. It emphasizes a sense of heaviness or lethargy, such as someone getting out of bed reluctantly or a large object beginning to move with visible difficulty.
- Slow movement
- Sluggish progress
Sense Map
Slow Movement
Moving at a sluggish, slow, or lethargic pace.
のろりと起き上がる
Sluggish Progress
Progressing or acting without energy, taking an excessive amount of time to start.
のろりと作業を始める
Usage Note
How to Use
のろりと + verb
Used as an adverb to modify a verb, showing an action is executed slowly or sluggishly.
のろりとする
Used to describe a sluggish or generally unenergetic state or feeling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のろりと立ち上がる
stand up sluggishly
のろりと動く
move sluggishly
のろりとする
be sluggish / act sluggish
のろりと歩く
walk sluggishly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waking up | negative | Implies a deep reluctance or extreme grogginess when starting the day. |
| Movement of heavy objects | neutral | Describes the immense friction or force required to make something large start moving. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のろのろ のろのろ / similar | Used for continuous slow movement or a general lack of speed over time. | 'norori' often highlights a heavy start or a single lethargic motion, while 'noronoro' describes a constant, ongoing slowness. | のろのろ歩く |
のっそり のっそり / nearby | Used when a physically large or heavy person or animal moves sluggishly. | 'nossori' strongly implies a bulky size and physical heaviness, which 'norori' doesn't strictly require. | のっそり立ち上がる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'norori' to express a positive, relaxing slowness.
'norori' usually has a negative nuance of lacking energy or being overly sluggish. Use 'yukkuri' (ゆっくり) for pleasant, relaxed slowness.
Pairing it with verbs of sudden, fast motion.
It is typically paired with fundamentally slow or progressive motions like getting up, walking, crawling, or starting an action.
Examples
Examples
彼はベッドからのろりと起き上がった。
かれはベッドからのろりとおきあがった。
He got out of bed sluggishly.
VisualShows reluctance or sleepiness.
蛇がのろりと這って行った。
へびがのろりとはっていった。
The snake crawled away slowly.
VisualSluggish animal movement.
大きな扉がのろりと開いた。
おおきなとびらがのろりとひらいた。
The heavy door opened slowly.
VisualDescribes the slow movement of a heavy object.
のろりと作業を始めた。
のろりとさぎょうをはじめた。
I started the work sluggishly.
LiteralLacking enthusiasm or initiative.
電車がのろりと動き出した。
でんしゃがのろりとうごきだした。
The train slowly started moving.
VisualSlow initial movement of a heavy vehicle.
Similar Words
のろのろ
noronoro
Moving or progressing at a very slow and inefficient pace. For general and continuous slow motion.
のっそり
nossori
Describes someone or something moving very slowly and heavily, or standing completely still without reacting. Implies sluggish movement by something large and heavy.
のそのそ
nosonoso
Describes movement that is slow and heavy, often suggesting bulkiness or a lack of vigor.
Questions
Are 'norori' and 'noronoro' interchangeable?
Often yes, but 'norori' frequently focuses on a heavy, single sluggish start, whereas 'noronoro' emphasizes a continuous slow speed during an activity.
Can I use 'norori' when talking about myself?
Yes, you can use it to express feeling sluggish or unmotivated to move, such as when you are exhausted.
Is this an appropriate word for business Japanese?
No, it is a descriptive, atmospheric word better suited for storytelling, literature, and casual conversation.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2863546
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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