Entry
のそり
nosori
Describes a slow, heavy, and somewhat sluggish physical movement, often associated with a large mass like a big animal or a heavily built person.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a distinct lack of agility. It paints a picture of something with significant weight or mass moving or reacting ponderously. It is often used when a large animal like a bear appears, or when a person stands up in a dull, lethargic, or physically heavy manner.
- Heavy, slow movement of a large mass
- Sluggish or dull physical reactions (like standing up)
Sense Map
Heavy Movement
Used when a large creature, such as a bear, cow, or giant person, steps or appears slowly.
大きな熊がのそりと現れた。
Sluggish Reaction
Describes a person or animal standing up, turning around, or beginning to move in a lethargic, unhurried way.
呼ばれてのそりと立ち上がる。
Usage Note
How to Use
のそりと + verb
The most common form, acting as an adverb to describe how the following action (like standing or appearing) is performed.
のそり + verb
A slight variation omitting the quotation particle 'to', functioning the exact same way but sometimes feeling slightly more literary.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のそりと立ち上がる
to stand up slowly and heavily
のそりと現れる
to appear ponderously/sluggishly
のそりと動く
to move slowly and heavily
のそりと歩き出す
to begin walking with heavy, slow steps
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Large animals (bears, cattle) | neutral | Clinically describes their natural, heavy way of moving. |
| A person reacting | slightly negative | Implies the person is sluggish, lacking energy, or perhaps a bit dull-witted in their response. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のっそり のっそり / similar | Use when you want to add a bit more emphasis. The double consonant creates a slight pause that makes the heavy movement feel a bit more abrupt or visually striking. | They are functionally the same in meaning, but 'nossori' is slightly more emphatic in rhythm. | のっそりと立ち上がる。 |
のそのそ のそのそ / similar | Focuses on the continuous, repeated nature of the heavy movement, such as plodding along continuously. | While 'nosori' is often used for a single action (standing up, turning), 'nosonoso' is better for ongoing heavy walking. | のそのそと歩く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe slow traffic.
Use 'noronoro' for cars or traffic. 'Nosori' implies a living thing with heavy physical mass.
Using it to mean 'taking a long time to finish a task'.
This word specifically describes physical movement. Use words like 'tegiwa ga warui' or 'noronoro' for slow progress.
Examples
Examples
大きな熊が森の奥からのそりと姿を現した。
おおきな くまが もりのおくから のそりと すがたを あらわした。
A large bear appeared slowly and ponderously from deep in the forest.
VisualThis is the classic usage for a large animal moving heavily.
大男は一言も発さず、のそりと一歩を踏み出した。
おおおとこは ひとことも はっさず、のそりと いっぽを ふみだした。
The giant man didn't utter a single word and took a slow, heavy step forward.
VisualDescribes a physically large person whose movements appear heavy.
名前を呼ばれた彼は、面倒くさそうにのそりと立ち上がった。
なまえを よばれた かれは、めんどうくさそうに のそりと たちあがった。
When his name was called, he stood up slowly and sluggishly, looking bothered.
FigurativeUsed to show a lethargic, unenthusiastic reaction.
老犬は私の声を聞いて、のそりと首を動かした。
ろうけんは わたしの こえを きいて、のそりと くびを うごかした。
Hearing my voice, the old dog moved its neck sluggishly.
VisualDescribes a slow movement due to age or lack of energy.
牛が草を食むのをやめて、のそりとこちらを見た。
うしが くさを はむのを やめて、のそりと こちらを みた。
The cow stopped eating grass and ponderously looked our way.
VisualAn example of a movement lacking agility, very typical for a large-bodied cow.
Similar Words
のっそり
nossori
Describes someone or something moving very slowly and heavily, or standing completely still without reacting. Has the same meaning but with an extra emphatic pause that makes the heavy movement feel more pronounced or sudden.
のそのそ
nosonoso
Describes movement that is slow and heavy, often suggesting bulkiness or a lack of vigor. Indicates a continuation of slow, heavy movement, like continuously plodding along.
どんより
donyori
Describes a heavy, dark, and gloomy state, such as overcast skies, lifeless eyes, or a depressed mood.
Questions
Can I use 'nosori' for a slow turtle or snail?
Not really. Turtles and snails are slow, but they lack the 'heavy, large mass' that 'nosori' implies. For small slow animals, 'noronoro' is much more natural.
What is the difference between 'nosori' and 'nossori'?
They mean the same thing. The added 'tsu' in 'nossori' just changes the rhythm, adding a slight dramatic pause that emphasizes the heaviness of the movement.
Does 'nosori' mean someone is stupid?
Not necessarily stupid, but it does carry a nuance of being physically dull, sluggish, or lacking sharp agility.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2149220
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- きらっと (kiratto)
- Next entry
- きらり (kirari)