Entry
ピュッ
pyu
ピュッ describes the sudden sound or action of a liquid spurting out forcefully, or a small object or gust of wind zipping by swiftly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This onomatopoeia captures the suddenness of two main types of actions: a pressurized but small amount of liquid squirting out (like from a squirt gun or a squeezed fruit), or an object/gust of wind flying past with a sharp, quick whooshing or zipping sound.
- Sudden spurt of liquid
- Object zipping by
- Gust of wind
Sense Map
Spurting Liquid
Used when a small amount of pressurized liquid squirts or spurts out suddenly.
水がピュッと出る
Fast Movement
Describes a small or moderately sized object flying or zipping past extremely quickly.
ピュッと飛んでいく
Sudden Wind
Represents a sharp, sudden, and brief gust of wind.
風がピュッと吹く
Usage Note
How to Use
ピュッと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs of motion or emission, indicating that the action (squirting, flying, blowing) happened with a sudden, rapid spurt or zip.
ピュッ + と + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピュッと出る
to spurt out
ピュッと飛び出す
to squirt out
ピュッと飛ぶ
to zip past
風がピュッと吹く
wind blows suddenly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid spurting | neutral | Implies liquid escaping through a small opening under pressure. |
| Wind or flying object | neutral | Implies a sharp, light, momentary whooshing sound. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びゅっ びゅっ / similar | For a much stronger blast of wind or a larger, heavier object whooshing by. | Has a heavier, more forceful resonance compared to the lighter ピュッ. | ビュッと風が吹く |
ぴゅう ぴゅう / similar | For the sustained whistling sound of wind or a flying projectile. | Indicates a longer duration, whereas ピュッ is instantaneous. | ぴゅうと風が吹く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a steady, continuous stream of water.
Use words like ジャー. ピュッ is strictly for sudden, short spurts.
Using it for slow-moving objects.
It requires a sense of high speed and suddenness.
Examples
Examples
水鉄砲から水がピュッと飛び出した。
みずでっぽうからみずがピュッととびだした。
Water squirted out from the squirt gun.
VisualDescribes a brief, pressurized squirt of water.
ボールが顔の横をピュッと飛んでいった。
ボールがかおのよこをピュッととんでいった。
The ball zipped right past my face.
VisualCaptures an object moving extremely fast through the air.
冷たい風がピュッと吹いた。
つめたいかぜがピュッとふいた。
A cold gust of wind blew suddenly.
VisualUsed for a gust of wind that occurs just for a moment.
レモンを絞ると、汁が目にピュッと入った。
レモンをしぼると、しるがめにピュッとはいった。
When I squeezed the lemon, the juice squirted into my eye.
VisualShows a small amount of liquid splashing unexpectedly.
自転車が後ろからピュッと追い抜いていった。
じてんしゃがうしろからピュッといぬいていった。
A bicycle zipped past from behind.
VisualPortrays high speed when overtaking someone.
Similar Words
ビュッ
byu
The sound or action of something moving suddenly and swiftly through the air. For a stronger wind or larger flying object compared to ピュッ.
ぴゅう
pyuu
ぴゅう describes the sharp whistling or swooshing sound of something moving rapidly through the air. Describes a longer, continuous whistling sound of wind or a flying object.
シュンッ
shun
シュンッ describes a very swift or instantaneous movement, often evoking a sharp whooshing sound.
Questions
Can I use ピュッ for someone running fast?
Usually not. It is better suited for inanimate objects, projectiles, or wind zipping by rather than a person running.
What is the difference between ピュッ and ビュッ?
ビュッ (with dakuten marks) sounds heavier and is used for stronger winds or larger objects, while ピュッ is lighter and sharper.
Is this word considered slang?
It is not slang, but it is a casual, everyday onomatopoeic word, meaning it is less common in formal or academic writing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869850
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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