Entry
シュポシュポ
shuposhupo
シュポシュポ describes the rhythmic sound of a manual pump moving air or liquid.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics the repeated intake and hissing sound made when operating a hand pump. In Japan, it is incredibly common as a colloquial noun referring to the manual plastic siphon pumps used to transfer kerosene into space heaters.
- Pumping sound
- Manual pump tool
Sense Map
Pumping Sound
The rhythmic sound of pumping air into a tire or transferring liquid.
自転車のタイヤにシュポシュポと空気を入れる。
Manual Pump (Noun)
A colloquial term for a manual siphon pump itself.
灯油ストーブのためにシュポシュポを買ってくる。
Usage Note
How to Use
シュポシュポする
To operate a manual pump.
シュポシュポと + verb
To do something with a rhythmic pumping sound.
シュポシュポ (noun)
Refers to the manual pump tool itself.
How to Use
Common Phrases
シュポシュポで灯油を入れる
to put in kerosene with a manual pump
空気入れでシュポシュポする
to pump with an air pump
シュポシュポと音を立てる
to make a pumping sound
シュポシュポを使う
to use a manual pump
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Transferring kerosene | neutral | The most iconic and common daily use case in Japan. |
| Pumping tires | neutral | Implies a hand or foot pump, not an electric air compressor. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しゅっしゅっ しゅっしゅっ / nearby | For the sound of spraying liquid from a bottle. | Not for slow manual pumping of air or large volumes of liquid. | 霧吹きでシュッシュッとする。 |
ごぼごぼ ごぼごぼ / nearby | For the sound of gushing or bubbling liquid. | Does not imply the use of a manual pump. | 水がゴボゴボと流れる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for automatic or electric pumps.
Only use it for manual hand pumps where you can hear the rhythmic suction sound.
Using it for spray bottles.
Use シュッシュッ for spray bottles instead.
Examples
Examples
寒くなってきたので、シュポシュポを使ってストーブに灯油を入れた。
さむくなってきたので、シュポシュポをつかってストーブにとうゆをいれた。
Since it was getting cold, I used a manual pump to put kerosene into the heater.
LiteralUsed as a noun referring to the red plastic manual siphon pump.
出かける前に、自転車のタイヤにシュポシュポと空気を入れる。
でかけるまえに、じてんしゃのタイヤにシュポシュポとくうきをいれる。
Before going out, I pump air into my bicycle tires with a rhythmic sound.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a hand or foot air pump.
ガレージからシュポシュポという音が聞こえてくる。
ガレージからシュポシュポというおとがきこえてくる。
I can hear the sound of a manual pump coming from the garage.
LiteralHighlights the specific sound produced by the tool.
このシュポシュポは壊れているのか、うまく液体を吸い上げない。
このシュポシュポはこわれているのか、うまくえきたいをすいあげない。
This manual pump might be broken; it doesn't suck up liquid well.
LiteralRefers directly to the manual siphon tool.
父は駐車場で熱心にシュポシュポしていた。
ちちはちゅうしゃじょうでねっしんにシュポシュポしていた。
My father was enthusiastically pumping away in the parking lot.
LiteralUsed as a verb (suru) for the manual pumping activity.
Similar Words
シュッシュッ
shusshu
Used for the sound of spraying a small amount of liquid, like from a spray bottle.
Questions
Can シュポシュポ be used as a noun?
Yes, it frequently acts as a noun meaning 'manual siphon pump'.
Is it okay to use this for electric water pumps?
No, it strongly implies a manual, rhythmic action.
Is this word formal?
No, it is a casual and colloquial term.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1062150
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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