Entry
ぬるぬる
nurunuru
A wet, slimy texture that is hard to grip, or movement that flows extremely smoothly without stuttering.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a surface made slippery by moisture, mucus, soap, or oil, so friction disappears and the object is hard to hold, such as soap, fish, or mud. In game and animation reviews, the same word praises on-screen motion that stays fluid with no stutter.
- A wet or slimy surface that feels slippery to the touch.
- On-screen movement that stays extremely smooth.
Sense Map
Wet Slimy Texture
Describes something made slippery by slime, soap, oil, or mud, so it is hard to grip.
石鹸で手がぬるぬるする。
Smooth On-Screen Motion
Describes animation or video that moves so fluidly it feels frictionless.
画面の動きがぬるぬるしている。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぬるぬるする
Used as a verb to say that something feels slimy or slippery.
ぬるぬると動く
Used as an adverb for extremely smooth motion, often on a screen.
ぬるぬるになる
Marks a change into a slimy or slippery state from wetness, soap, or mucus.
ぬるぬるした + 名詞
Modifies a noun whose surface is slimy and slippery.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぬるぬるする
to feel slimy or slippery
ぬるぬると動く
to move extremely smoothly
ぬるぬるした魚
a slimy, slippery fish
ぬるぬる滑る
to slip because of wet slime
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Touching soap, fish, or mud | Neutral | Often slightly unpleasant, but still neutral when the object is meant to be slippery. |
| Talking about games or animation | Positive | Used to praise motion that stays fluid with no stutter. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
つるつる つるつる / contrast | Use for an even, glossy, slippery surface with no slime layer, such as ice, glass, or a polished floor. | つるつる is slippery because the solid surface itself is smooth and dry. ぬるぬる is slippery because liquid or slime sits on top. | つるつるの床 |
すべすべ すべすべ / contrast | Use for skin or cloth that feels soft, dry, and pleasant, such as well-cared-for skin. | すべすべ feels comfortable and dry. ぬるぬる on skin suggests sweat, oil, or slime. | すべすべの肌 |
ぬめっと ぬめっと / similar | Use for a brief wet gleam or a short slimy touch, such as a wet stone that flashes once. | ぬめっと highlights a moment of touch or gleam. ぬるぬる highlights a lasting slimy state across the whole surface. | ぬめっと光る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぬるぬる for a slippery ice rink.
Use つるつる for ice or glass. ぬるぬる needs liquid, oil, or slime, not just a friction-free solid surface.
Using ぬるぬる to praise smooth skin.
Use すべすべ for pleasant skin. ぬるぬる on skin suggests it is wet, oily, or slimy.
Examples
Examples
石鹸で手がぬるぬるする。
せっけんでてがぬるぬるする。
My hands feel slippery from the soap.
LiteralSoap and water leave a slippery layer on the skin.
川底の石が苔でぬるぬるしている。
かわぞこのいしがこけでぬるぬるしている。
The stones at the bottom of the river are slimy with moss.
LiteralWet moss makes the stones hard to step on.
ウナギはぬるぬるしていて、手で掴むのが難しい。
うなぎはぬるぬるしていて、てでつかむのがむずかしい。
The eel is slimy, so it is hard to catch with your hands.
LiteralThe natural slime on a water animal makes it slippery.
画面の動きがぬるぬるしている。
がめんのうごきがぬるぬるしている。
The motion on the screen is extremely smooth.
FigurativePraise for an image that stays fluid with no stutter.
雨上がりの山道は泥でぬるぬる滑る。
あめあがりのやまみちはどろでぬるぬるすべる。
The mountain path after the rain is slippery with mud.
VisualWet mud makes the footing lose friction.
Similar Words
つるつる
tsurutsuru
Describes a surface that is exceptionally smooth, often to the point of being slick, shiny, or slippery. A smooth, glossy, slippery surface with no slime layer.
ぬめっと
numetto
ぬめっと describes a surface texture that feels slick, wet, or slightly slimy to the touch and looks glistening. A brief wet gleam or a short slimy touch.
すべすべ
subesube
すべすべ describes a smooth, soft, and velvety texture, typically referring to healthy skin or fine materials. Skin or cloth that feels soft, dry, and pleasant.
Questions
Is ぬるぬる always negative?
No. For wet objects it often feels uncomfortable. For on-screen motion it is praise because the image stays fluid.
How is it different from つるつる?
つるつる is slippery because a solid surface is even and glossy, like glass or ice. ぬるぬる is slippery because liquid or slime removes friction.
Why is this word used for games?
Extremely smooth motion on a screen feels as if there is no friction at all, so players use it as praise.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1009870
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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