Entry
シュッシュッ
shusshu
Represents short, rhythmic hissing or friction sounds like spraying a bottle, brushing teeth, or a steam engine chugging.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word that captures light, repeated friction or breathy sounds. It is most commonly used for the sound of spraying liquid from a bottle, the rhythmic scrubbing or brushing of surfaces (like brushing teeth), or the classic 'choo-choo' chugging sound of a steam locomotive.
- Spraying liquid from a trigger bottle
- Brushing or scrubbing lightly
- Chugging sound of a steam engine
Sense Map
Spraying Liquid
The sound of pumping a spray bottle.
スプレーをシュッシュッと吹きかける。
Scrubbing & Brushing
The rhythmic sound of brushing or scrubbing a surface lightly.
ブラシでシュッシュッと汚れを落とす。
Steam Engine
The chugging sound of a steam locomotive.
汽車がシュッシュッと走る。
Usage Note
How to Use
シュッシュッとする
Used as a verb to describe the action of making the sound, most commonly meaning 'to spray (liquid)'.
シュッシュッと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs like 吹きかける (spray) or 磨く (brush/scrub) to describe how the action is performed.
How to Use
Common Phrases
シュッシュッと吹きかける
to spray liquid
シュッシュッと磨く
to brush/scrub rhythmically
シュッシュッとこする
to rub/scrub quickly
汽車がシュッシュッと走る
the train chugs along
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spraying liquid | neutral | Describes the mechanical action of a trigger spray bottle. |
| Brushing/Scrubbing | neutral | Mimics the quick, light friction of a toothbrush or small brush. |
| Steam engine | childish | Often used when talking to children about trains. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しゅーしゅー しゅーしゅー / similar | Used for a long, continuous hissing sound or air flow (like a gas leak). | シュッシュッ represents short, repeated bursts, whereas シューシュー is continuous. | ガスがシューシューと漏れる。 |
しゅっしゅっぽっぽ しゅっしゅっぽっぽ / similar | Used specifically for the sound of classic steam locomotives. | Includes the 'poppo' element which adds a puffing smoke nuance, making it a very recognizable childish train sound. | 汽車がシュッシュッポッポと走る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for loud, forceful scrubbing.
This word implies a light, quick friction sound; for heavy, forceful scrubbing, use ゴシゴシ (goshigoshi).
Using it for a continuous unbroken hiss.
This word implies rhythm and repetition (short bursts). For a continuous hiss, use シューシュー (shuushuu).
Examples
Examples
スプレーで水をシュッシュッと吹きかける。
スプレーで みずを シュッシュッと ふきかける。
Spraying water with a spray bottle (with a shusshu sound).
LiteralDescribes the mechanical sound of spraying water.
朝、歯をシュッシュッと磨く。
あさ、はを シュッシュッと みがく。
Brushing teeth in the morning with a quick brushing sound.
LiteralIllustrates the light, rhythmic friction of a toothbrush.
古い汽車がシュッシュッと音を立てて走る。
ふるい きしゃが シュッシュッと おとを たてて はしる。
An old steam train runs making a rhythmic chugging sound.
LiteralMimics the mechanical sound of a classic steam locomotive.
靴の汚れをブラシでシュッシュッと落とす。
くつの よごれを ブラシで シュッシュッと おとす。
Scrubbing the dirt off shoes with a brush rhythmically.
LiteralShows the action of brushing a surface with short, quick strokes.
出かける前に香水をシュッシュッとする。
でかける まえに こうすいを シュッシュッとする。
Spraying perfume before going out.
LiteralA daily usage for the sound of a small liquid spray.
Similar Words
シュッシュッポッポ
shusshupoppo
More specific to the classic steam locomotive sound for children.
Questions
Can I use this word for the sound of a snake hissing?
No, a snake's hiss is usually described with シャー (shaa) or シュー (shuu).
Is this word only used for sounds?
Yes, it primarily mimics the auditory sound of friction, liquid spraying, or rhythmic air bursts.
Can I use it for heavy cleaning?
For scrubbing with significant force, the word ゴシゴシ (goshigoshi) is much more natural.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2586180
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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