Entry
にゅるっと
nyurutto
Describes the motion of a slimy object slipping out, or behaving in a hesitant, cowering manner.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word evokes the physical sensation or visual image of something wet, slimy, or smooth slipping out, sliding, or wriggling. Metaphorically, it can also describe someone behaving in a timid, unconfident, or hesitant way, as if trying to shrink away unnoticed.
- Slimy objects slipping out
- Hesitant or cowering behavior
Sense Map
Slimy Motion
Used when something with a wet or slimy texture suddenly slips out or wriggles.
魚がにゅるっと滑る
Hesitancy & Cowering
Used when a person acts timidly, shrinks back, or appears hesitantly lacking confidence.
にゅるっと後ずさりする
Usage Note
How to Use
にゅるっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (slipping, moving, appearing) occurs.
にゅるっとした + noun
Acts as an adjective to modify a noun, describing it as having a slimy or slippery texture.
にゅるっとする
Used as a verb meaning to feel slimy or to perform a smooth, slipping action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
にゅるっと出る
slip out slimily
にゅるっと滑る
slip smoothly
にゅるっと動く
move with a wriggle
にゅるっと現れる
appear hesitantly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slimy physical objects | Neutral | Conveys a tactile sensation often associated with aquatic creatures, creams, or gels. |
| Social behavior and hesitation | Neutral/Negative | Describes someone losing their nerve and acting quietly or making themselves look small. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぬるぬる ぬるぬる / contrast | Used to describe a continuous state of being slimy or slippery on the surface. | Focuses on the condition of the surface itself, not the momentary action of slipping out. | 床がヌルヌルする。 |
にゅるり にゅるり / similar | Used for a longer, slower, and continuous sliding motion. | Conveys a slightly slower, lingering movement compared to the more sudden burst implied here. | 蛇がにゅるりと動いた。 |
もじもじ もじもじ / similar | Used when someone is fidgeting due to shyness or bashfulness. | Describes psychological nervousness and fidgeting, lacking any physical meaning of sliminess. | 恥ずかしくて、もじもじする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Treating it as a general word for 'slippery surface'.
Remember that this word frequently emphasizes the action of slipping out or wriggling out, rather than just the wet state itself.
Using it for all kinds of hesitation.
This word carries a physical nuance of cowering or shrinking. If you simply want to express hesitation without the visual of shrinking back, use words like ためらう instead.
Examples
Examples
捕まえた魚が手からにゅるっと滑り落ちた。
つかまえた さかな が て から にゅるっと すべりおちた。
The fish I caught slipped smoothly and slimily out of my hands.
VisualDescribes the wet, slippery sensation of the fish escaping.
チューブを押すと、中からクリームがにゅるっと出てきた。
チューブ を おす と、なか から クリーム が にゅるっと でてきた。
When I pressed the tube, the cream squeezed out smoothly.
VisualShows how a paste-like substance squirts out of a narrow opening without resistance.
岩の隙間からウナギがにゅるっと姿を現した。
いわ の すきま から ウナギ が にゅるっと すがた を あらわした。
The eel slithered smoothly out from the gap in the rocks.
VisualCaptures the combination of a slippery texture and wriggling motion of aquatic creatures.
自信がなさそうに、彼は部屋の隅からにゅるっと現れた。
じしん が なさそう に、かれ は へや の すみ から にゅるっと あらわれた。
Looking unconfident, he appeared hesitantly from the corner of the room.
FigurativeFigurative use for someone acting timidly and trying not to stand out.
怒られるのを恐れて、子供はにゅるっと後ずさりした。
おこられる の を おそれて、こども は にゅるっと あとずさり した。
Afraid of being scolded, the child shrank back hesitantly.
FigurativeShows how a person's body seems to shrink as they back away in fear.
Similar Words
にゅるり
nyururi
A mimetic word describing a smooth, slippery, or slimy slithering motion, or something wet and gelatinous slipping out. Very similar, but usually implies a slightly slower, lingering motion.
もじもじ
mojimoji
Describes fidgeting, squirming, or acting restlessly due to shyness, hesitation, or nervousness. Similar in the figurative sense of hesitating due to shyness, but lacks any slimy meaning.
ぬるぬる
nurunuru
Describes a slimy and slippery texture, or in modern slang, animation that moves extremely smoothly. Focuses on the slimy state, rather than the slipping motion.
Questions
Can I use this for soap slipping from my hand?
Yes, it perfectly describes the wet, smooth sensation of soap sliding out of your grasp.
What is the difference between this and ヌルヌル?
Both relate to sliminess, but ヌルヌル describes the state (being slippery), while this word emphasizes the action (the movement of slipping).
Is the figurative meaning 'hesitant' commonly used?
It is understood, but less common than the physical meaning. When used, it gives a very specific visual impression of cowering.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2841420
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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