Entry
ぷるん
purun
This word describes a soft, elastic, and bouncy texture like jelly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ぷるん (purun) is an onomatopoeia used to describe something that is soft, bouncy, and shakes slightly when touched. It is most commonly used to describe the texture of desserts like pudding and jelly, or to compliment skin and lips that look youthful, plump, and highly moisturized.
- bouncy food
- plump skin
Sense Map
Bouncy Food (Jelly/Pudding)
Describes soft desserts that wobble or bounce back when touched.
ぷるんとしたプリン
Plump Skin and Lips
Describes skin or lips that are firm, well-hydrated, and youthful.
ぷるんとした肌
Usage Note
How to Use
ぷるんとする
Used as a verb to state that something is bouncy or plump.
ぷるんとした + Noun
Acts as an adjective to modify a noun that has a bouncy texture.
ぷるんと + Verb
Acts as an adverb to describe how an action occurs with a bouncy movement.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぷるんとした肌
plump skin
ぷるんとした唇
plump lips
ゼリーがぷるんと揺れる
the jelly wobbles bouncily
ぷるんとする
to be bouncy
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Desserts | Positive | Describes an appetizing, fresh, and soft texture. |
| Beauty and skincare | Positive | Frequently used in marketing to promise youthful, plump, and moisturized skin or lips. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷるんぷるん ぷるんぷるん / similar | When you want to emphasize a stronger bounciness or continuous wobbling. | This reduplicated form indicates a more intense and repeated bouncing or shaking. | ぷるんぷるんのゼリー |
ぶるぶる ぶるぶる / contrast | When describing something trembling or shivering from cold or fear. | Focuses on rapid shaking due to temperature or emotion, not a pleasant bouncy texture. | 寒くてぶるぶる震える |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for hard, bouncing objects like rubber balls.
ぷるん is strictly for soft, moisture-rich things like jelly or skin, not solid elastic objects.
Translating it as "shaking" in the context of fear.
For shaking with fear, use other expressions, not this word which refers to a bouncy texture.
Examples
Examples
このゼリーはぷるんとしていて、とても美味しい。
このゼリーは[ぷるん]としていて、とてもおいしい。
This jelly is bouncy and very delicious.
LiteralDescribes the bouncy texture of the jelly.
毎日スキンケアをしているので、肌がぷるんとしている。
まいにちスキンケアをしているので、はだが[ぷるん]としている。
Because I do skincare every day, my skin is plump.
VisualIndicates well-hydrated and elastic skin.
新しいリップクリームを塗ったら、唇がぷるんとなった。
あたらしいリップクリームをぬったら、くちびるが[ぷるん]となった。
After applying the new lip balm, my lips became plump.
VisualUsed to compliment moisturized-looking lips.
お皿の上でプリンがぷるんと揺れた。
おさらのうえでプリンが[ぷるん]とゆれた。
The pudding wobbled bouncily on the plate.
LiteralDescribes the bouncy movement of a soft dessert.
お湯に入れると、白玉がぷるんとした食感になります。
おゆにいれると、しらたまが[ぷるん]としたしょっかんになります。
If you put it in hot water, the rice dumpling will get a bouncy texture.
VisualExplains the change in texture to something bouncy.
Similar Words
ぷるんぷるん
purunpurun
A word describing a soft, elastic, and jiggly texture, like jelly or pudding. A stronger version or continuous wobbling.
ぶるぶる
buruburu
This word describes a continuous, rapid trembling or shivering of the body or an object, usually due to cold, fear, or mechanical vibration. Shaking from cold or fear, not a bouncy texture.
Questions
Can I use ぷるん for a bouncing basketball?
No, ぷるん is for very soft, water- or fat-based things. For a ball, it's better to use other words that indicate a hard bounce.
What is the difference between ぷるん and ぷるんぷるん?
ぷるんぷるん is a more intense version, showing that the object is very bouncy and wobbles continuously.
Is this word commonly used in daily conversation?
Yes, especially when discussing food or skincare.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2645930
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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