Entry
ぬるっと
nurutto
ぬるっと describes a sudden slippery sensation or movement caused by something slimy or oily.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used when something suddenly slips or feels slippery due to a wet, slimy, or oily surface. The -tto suffix indicates that the sensation or movement happens abruptly or in a single moment.
- slimy slip
- oily texture
- stealthy movement
Sense Map
Slipping Movement
Slipping or sliding suddenly due to a slimy or oily surface.
魚がぬるっと逃げる。
Tactile Sensation
Suddenly feeling a slimy or oily texture when touching something.
ぬるっとした感触。
Stealthy Appearance (Figurative)
Appearing or joining a situation very smoothly and unnoticed, often with a slightly eerie or unnatural vibe.
ぬるっと登場する。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぬるっと + verb
Used to describe how something moves or slips suddenly, such as sliding or escaping.
ぬるっとした + noun
Used to describe a noun that has a slimy or oily texture upon touch.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぬるっと滑る
slip slimily
ぬるっと入る
slide in smoothly/stealthily
ぬるっとした手触り
slimy touch
ぬるっと抜け出す
slip out slimily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wet or slimy objects | negative | Often used for unpleasant things like mud, moss, or a slippery fish escaping your grasp. |
| Social situations (Figurative) | neutral | Used in slang to describe someone smoothly joining a group or conversation without being noticed initially. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぬるぬる ぬるぬる / similar | When the slimy condition is continuous or covers an entire surface. | ぬるっと focuses on a sudden event or realization, while ぬるぬる is a lasting state. | ぬるぬるする |
つるっと つるっと / contrast | When slipping on a smooth, clean, and often dry or frozen surface. | つるっと does not involve the unpleasant slime or oil associated with ぬるっと. | つるっと滑る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぬるっと for smooth, clean surfaces like ice.
Use つるっと for clean, smooth surfaces. ぬるっと is strictly for things that are slimy, wet, or oily.
Using ぬるっと to describe a continuous slimy state.
ぬるっと focuses on a sudden or momentary event. For a continuous state, use ぬるぬる.
Examples
Examples
魚が手からぬるっと抜け落ちた。
さかながてからぬるっとぬけおちた。
The fish slipped out of my hand slimily.
VisualShows a fish that is slimy and slippery.
苔の生えた石の上でぬるっと滑った。
こけのはえたいしのうえでぬるっとすべった。
I slipped on the mossy stone.
VisualDescribes a wet, slippery mossy surface.
ドアの隙間から何かがぬるっと入ってきた。
どあのすきまからなにかがぬるっとはいってきた。
Something slid in through the crack in the door with a slimy movement.
VisualGives the impression of a smooth but slightly creepy movement.
ぬるっとした液体の正体は油だった。
ぬるっとしたえきたいのしょうたいはあぶらだった。
The identity of the slimy-feeling liquid was oil.
LiteralDescribes an oily tactile sensation.
彼はいつの間にか、ぬるっと会話に混ざっていた。
かれはいつのまにか、ぬるっとかいわにまざっていた。
Before I knew it, he had smoothly joined the conversation.
FigurativeFigurative slang usage for someone joining in stealthily.
Similar Words
つるっと
tsurutto
For something slipping on a clean, smooth surface.
Questions
Can ぬるっと be used for slipping on a frozen road?
No, it is better to use つるっと (tsurutto) because ice is clean and smooth, not slimy or oily.
What is the difference between ぬるっと and ぬるぬる?
ぬるっと emphasizes a single, sudden movement or moment of realization, while ぬるぬる describes a continuous, ongoing slimy state.
Can ぬるっと be used positively?
In a physical context, it usually has a negative connotation because of the slime. However, figuratively (joining smoothly), it can be neutral or used humorously.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2837479
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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