Entry
しっぽり
shippori
Describes being pleasantly moist or soaking gently, as well as a quiet, emotionally close, and intimate atmosphere.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Shippori originally describes a state of gentle, pleasant wetness, such as a soft, quiet rain. Figuratively, it is widely used to evoke a calm, mature, and intimate mood, often describing couples spending quiet, affectionate time together without loud distractions.
- Gently wet/rain
- Quietly intimate/affectionate
Sense Map
Weather & Nature
A gentle, quiet, and pleasantly soaking rain or moisture.
雨がしっぽりと降る。
Mood & Relationships
A calm, affectionate, and intimate atmosphere between adults or couples.
二人でしっぽり飲む。
Usage Note
How to Use
しっぽり（と） + verb
Describes an action done intimately, or rain falling gently.
しっぽりする
To become intimate or enjoy a quiet, close atmosphere.
しっぽりした + noun
Modifies a noun to describe a place or mood as intimate, mature, and quiet.
How to Use
Common Phrases
しっぽり濡れる
to get gently and pleasantly wet
しっぽり降る
to rain gently and quietly
しっぽり語り合う
to converse intimately and deeply
しっぽり飲む
to drink quietly in an intimate setting
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rain & Weather | positive | Evokes a poetic, quiet rain that nourishes the earth without violence or wind. |
| Couples & Dates | positive | Implies mature, relaxed affection rather than intense passion or loud partying. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びっしょり びっしょり / contrast | When completely drenched or soaked through in an extreme way by rain or sweat. | Shippori is gentle and pleasant moisture; bisshori means being heavily soaked and is often physically uncomfortable. | 汗でびっしょりだ。 |
じっとり じっとり / contrast | When feeling uncomfortably damp, clammy, or sticky. | Jittori implies an unpleasant sticky dampness, while shippori is pleasant and atmospheric. | じっとり汗をかく。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'shippori' for heavy storms or being soaked to the bone.
Use 'bisshori' for getting completely drenched. Shippori is reserved for gentle, aesthetic wetness.
Using it for hanging out with a large group of noisy friends.
It implies a quiet, private, and often romantic closeness, usually best suited for two people.
Examples
Examples
雨がしっぽりと降っている。
あめがしっぽりとふっている。
The rain is falling gently and quietly.
VisualDescribes rain falling peacefully without strong winds.
温泉宿でしっぽり過ごす。
おんせんやどでしっぽりすごす。
Spending a quiet, intimate time at a hot spring inn.
FigurativeShows a calm, mature atmosphere, typically enjoyed by couples.
夫婦でしっぽりと語り合う。
ふうふでしっぽりとかたりあう。
The married couple talks intimately and quietly together.
FigurativeThe verb 'katariau' (to talk together) pairs well with 'shippori' for heart-to-heart conversations.
草花がしっぽり濡れている。
くさばながしっぽりぬれている。
The plants and flowers are pleasantly wet with dew or light rain.
VisualEmphasizes the gentle, beautiful wetness in nature.
しっぽりした雰囲気の店。
しっぽりしたふんいきのみせ。
A restaurant or bar with a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
FigurativeUsed as a modifier with 'shita' to describe the mood or vibe of a place.
Similar Words
びっしょり
bisshori
Completely drenched or soaked through, usually by sweat or rain. Indicates being completely and heavily drenched.
じっとり
jittori
Jittori means being unpleasantly damp, clammy, or sticky, especially from sweat or humidity. Indicates an uncomfortable, sticky dampness.
ぐっしょり
gusshori
Describes a state of being thoroughly and heavily soaked, usually describing clothes or hair saturated with liquid.
Questions
Can I use this word for a fun party with friends?
No, shippori specifically describes quiet, relaxed, and intimate settings, usually away from crowds.
Does it always imply a romantic relationship?
It strongly suggests intimacy. While it can mean a deep, quiet talk between close friends, it is most often used for romantic couples.
Is being wet from sweat called shippori?
No. Sweat is better described by 'jittori' (clammy) or 'bisshori' (drenched).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2141580
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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