Entry
のそりのそり
nosorinosori
Describes moving in a very slow, heavy, and sluggish manner.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word depicts movement that is time-consuming and appears physically heavy. It is typically used to describe the plodding steps of large animals like bears or elephants, or a human's sluggish movements due to extreme tiredness, lack of energy, or reluctance.
- heavy movement of large animals
- sluggish human movement
Sense Map
Large Animals
The slow, heavy walking or moving typical of large animals or massive creatures.
のそりのそりと歩く象
Humans (Sluggish)
A sluggish, heavy, and unenergetic human movement caused by fatigue or lack of enthusiasm.
のそりのそりと立ち上がる
Usage Note
How to Use
のそりのそりと + verb
The most common form, adding the particle 'to' to describe how the verb's action is performed.
のそりのそり + verb
Used directly before a verb without the 'to' particle, often seen in more casual or spoken contexts.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のそりのそりと歩く
to walk slowly and heavily
のそりのそりと動く
to move sluggishly
のそりのそりと近づく
to approach with slow, heavy steps
のそりのそりと立ち上がる
to stand up slowly and heavily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Large animals moving | neutral | Describes the heavy tread of animals like bears or cows without any negative connotation. |
| Humans moving | negative | Implies tiredness, lack of motivation, or physical awkwardness. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のっそり のっそり / similar | For slow and heavy movements, but often refers more to a single, sudden yet sluggish action or appearance. | Shorter in duration compared to the continuous plodding implied by のそりのそり. | のっそりと立ち上がる |
ゆっくり ゆっくり / similar | To state that any kind of movement or process is generally slow. | Lacks the specific nuance of physical heaviness, sluggishness, or clumsiness found in のそりのそり. | ゆっくり歩く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a slow-moving car.
Use 'yukkuri' for general slow speed. 'Nosorinosori' implies physical weight or lack of agility typical of living beings.
Using it for careful, quiet movements.
Use 'sorosoro' or 'sotto' for slow, cautious movements. 'Nosorinosori' implies clumsy or heavy plodding.
Examples
Examples
大きな牛が、のそりのそりと歩いている。
おおきなうしが、のそりのそりとあるいている。
A large cow is walking with slow, heavy steps.
VisualDescribes the heavy movement of an animal.
熊が森の奥から、のそりのそりと姿を現した。
くまがもりのおくから、のそりのそりとすがたをあらわした。
A bear appeared from the depths of the forest with slow, heavy steps.
VisualShows the emergence of a large, sluggish animal.
彼は疲れた様子で、のそりのそりと階段を上った。
かれはつかれたようすで、のそりのそりとかいだんをのぼった。
Looking tired, he climbed the stairs with heavy, sluggish steps.
VisualFocuses on a human who is exhausted.
その怪物はのそりのそりとこちらへ向かってきた。
そのかいぶつはのそりのそりとこちらへむかってきた。
The monster came toward us with slow, heavy steps.
VisualAdds an eerie feel to the imaginary creature's movement.
朝起きられず、ベッドから、のそりのそりと這い出した。
あさおきられず、べっどから、のそりのそりとはいだした。
Unable to wake up easily in the morning, I crawled out of bed sluggishly.
LiteralAn impression of laziness or lack of enthusiasm in the morning.
Similar Words
のっそり
nossori
Describes someone or something moving very slowly and heavily, or standing completely still without reacting. Very similar, but more often implies a sudden or single heavy movement.
のそのそ
nosonoso
Describes movement that is slow and heavy, often suggesting bulkiness or a lack of vigor.
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. General word for 'slowly' without the impression of being heavy.
Questions
Can I use it for slow inanimate objects?
Usually not. It is best suited for living creatures, like humans, large animals, or massive imaginary monsters.
What is the difference between this and 'nosonoso'?
They are very similar and interchangeable. 'Nosorinosori' adds a slightly stronger emphasis on the repeated rhythm or continuous slowness due to its length.
Is this word positive or negative?
It is neutral for animals but tends to have a slightly negative nuance (implying laziness or clumsiness) when applied to humans.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2645420
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- しねしね (shineshine)
- Next entry
- ぷるん (purun)