Entry
さらっと
saratto
さらっと (saratto) means doing something smoothly and effortlessly without hesitation, or describes a light, smooth, non-sticky texture or taste.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word さらっと (saratto) has two main uses. First, it describes actions or speech done easily, smoothly, and without making a big deal out of it (e.g., saying something frankly). Second, it describes physical properties, specifically a smooth, dry, and non-sticky texture (like skin or fabric) or a light, non-rich flavor in food (the opposite of こってり/heavy).
- Doing things effortlessly and without lingering
- Dry, smooth, and non-sticky feeling
Sense Map
Actions & Speech
Doing something easily, smoothly, without hesitation, or speaking frankly without making a big deal out of it.
さらっと本音を言う。
Texture & State
A dry, smooth, non-sticky texture, or a light, non-heavy flavor in food.
さらっとしたスープ。
Usage Note
How to Use
さらっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe an action performed smoothly, easily, and without hesitation.
さらっとした + noun
Used to modify a noun, describing a smooth, non-sticky texture or a light, refreshing state.
How to Use
Common Phrases
さらっと言う
to say casually or frankly
さらっと流す
to lightly brush off or let slide
さらっとした髪
smooth, non-sticky hair
さらっと着る
to throw on casually (clothing)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Actions and Speech | positive | It implies completing an action effortlessly without being bogged down by details, or speaking one's mind without lingering hesitation. It conveys emotional lightness. |
| Textures and Food | positive | It describes pleasant physical states that are dry, smooth, and not uncomfortably sticky or heavy. For food, it means a refreshing, non-greasy taste. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すらすら すらすら / similar | When reading, writing, or speaking without stumbling or pausing. | スラスラ focuses on a continuous smooth flow (like speaking fluently), whereas さらっと focuses on doing something lightly without hesitation or making a big deal out of it. | スラスラ読める |
こってり こってり / opposite | To describe food that is thick, rich, fatty, or very heavy. | This is the direct opposite of the physical sense of さらっと (which means light, unthickened, and non-greasy). | こってりしたラーメン |
さっさと さっさと / similar | For actions done quickly to get them over with. | さっさと focuses on speed and finishing promptly, while さらっと focuses on the lack of hesitation or heavy effort (doing it lightly and easily). | さっさと片付ける |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using さらっと for running fast.
さらっと emphasizes smoothness and lack of hesitation, not physical speed. Use 急いで or さっさと for rushing.
Using さらっとした for a tidy room.
さらっとした describes physical textures (dry, non-sticky), not tidiness. Use すっきり for tidy spaces.
Examples
Examples
彼は難しい質問にもさらっと答えた。
かれはむずかしいしつもんにもさらっとこたえた。
He answered the difficult question smoothly and without hesitation.
FigurativeFocuses on answering without showing any difficulty or hesitation.
このシャツはさらっとしていて夏にぴったりだ。
このシャツはさらっとしていてなつにぴったりだ。
This shirt feels smooth and dry, perfect for summer.
Literalさらっとしていて describes a cool texture that doesn't stick to the skin.
彼女は自分の失敗をさらっと笑い飛ばした。
かのじょはじぶんのしっぱいをさらっとわらいとばした。
She lightly laughed off her own mistake without dwelling on it.
FigurativeShows she didn't make a big deal out of it and handled it lightly.
汗をかいた後でも、さらっとした肌を保つ。
あせをかいたあとでも、さらっとしたはだをたもつ。
It keeps the skin smooth and non-sticky even after sweating.
LiteralUsed as an adjective (さらっとした) to describe skin that is free from sticky sweat.
秘密をさらっと暴露してしまった。
ひみつをさらっとばくろしてしまった。
They casually blurted out the secret without hesitation.
FigurativeHighlights how easily or unburdensomely the secret was spoken.
Similar Words
さっさと
sassato
Doing something quickly and without hesitation or delay. Focuses on the physical speed of getting an action over with quickly.
スラスラ
surasura
スラスラ means to do something smoothly and easily, indicating efficiency and skill. Focuses on an uninterrupted continuous flow, like fluency in speaking or writing.
さらさら
sarasara
Describes a smooth, light texture without stickiness, or a gentle, unobstructed flow.
すっきり
sukkiri
Feeling refreshed, relieved, or appearing neat and clean without any lingering clutter.
こってり
kotteri
Describes a rich, heavy, or thick consistency, as well as an intense action like a severe scolding. The opposite term describing something heavy, rich, or greasy, often used for food.
Questions
What is the difference between さらっと and スラスラ?
スラスラ emphasizes continuous, uninterrupted flow (like reading or speaking without stumbling). さらっと emphasizes doing something lightly, easily, and without hesitation or making a big deal out of it.
Can I use さらっと to describe food?
Yes. When used for food or liquids (often as さらっとした), it means the taste or texture is light, clear, and not overly rich, greasy, or heavy. It is the opposite of こってり (heavy/rich).
Does さらっと always have a positive connotation?
Generally, yes. It carries a positive image of smooth, non-sticky textures or effortless, unburdened actions. However, occasionally it can imply doing something too casually when more care or weight was expected.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2735780
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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