Entry
シューシュー
shuushuu
This word mimics the continuous hissing sound of escaping gas or steam under pressure, or the whooshing sound of swift movement through the air.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
シューシュー describes a continuous hissing or fizzing sound. It is commonly used for the sound of steam escaping from a boiling kettle, air leaking from a tire, continuous spraying from an aerosol can, or a strong wind whistling through a gap.
- Sound of escaping steam/air
- Continuous aerosol spray
- Whooshing wind
Sense Map
Gas and Steam
Describes the continuous hiss of steam, gas, or air escaping from a pressurized container.
タイヤから空気がシューシュー抜けている。
Wind and Movement
Describes the sound of air moving swiftly, such as wind whistling or an object cutting through the air.
風が窓のすき間からシューシューと吹き込む。
Usage Note
How to Use
シューシューと音を立てる
シューシュー鳴る
シューシュー漏れる
How to Use
Common Phrases
ガスがシューシュー漏れる
gas leaking with a hiss
やかんがシューシュー鳴る
kettle whistling/hissing
風がシューシュー吹く
wind blowing with a whoosh
シューシュー音を立てる
to make a hissing sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Leaking tires or gas pipes | neutral | Used neutrally but often signals a problem requiring attention. |
| Boiling kettles | neutral | A neutral domestic context indicating water is ready. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しゅー しゅー / similar | Use for a single, short hiss rather than a continuous sound. | Does not convey a prolonged, continuous flow. | 炭酸を開けてしゅーと音がした。 |
しゅっしゅっ しゅっしゅっ / similar | Use for short, rhythmic spurts, like pumping a spray bottle repeatedly. | Not for a constant, uninterrupted flow of steam or gas. | 霧吹きでシュッシュッと水をかける。 |
しゃー しゃー / similar | Use for the hissing of an angry cat or a strong jet of water. | Not for air, gas, or steam pressure. | 猫がシャーと威嚇する。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using シューシュー for the bubbling sound of boiling water.
Use ぐつぐつ for bubbling water. シューシュー is only for the steam escaping the kettle.
Using シューシュー for animals hissing.
Use シャー when describing an angry cat or snake hissing.
Examples
Examples
やかんのお湯が沸いて、シューシューと音を立てている。
やかんのおゆがわいて、シューシューとおとをたてている。
The water in the kettle is boiling, making a hissing sound.
LiteralDescribes the sound of steam escaping from a hot kettle.
タイヤから空気がシューシュー抜けている。
タイヤからくうきがシューシューぬけている。
Air is leaking from the tire with a hiss.
LiteralA common example for air leaking from a pressurized tire.
虫よけスプレーをシューシュー吹きかける。
むしよけスプレーをシューシューふきかける。
To spray insect repellent continuously with a hiss.
LiteralShows the use of an aerosol spray pressed continuously.
強い風が窓のすき間からシューシューと吹き込む。
つよいかぜがまどのすきまからシューシューとふきこむ。
A strong wind blows through the gap in the window with a whoosh.
LiteralContext of strong wind entering constantly through a narrow gap.
蒸気機関車がシューシューと蒸気を出している。
じょうききかんしゃがシューシューとじょうきをだしている。
The steam locomotive is letting out steam with a hissing sound.
LiteralOften used to describe the sound of a powerful steam engine.
Similar Words
しゅー
shu
Same meaning but for a single or shorter hiss.
シャー
sha
For flowing water or animal hisses.
Questions
Can I use シューシュー for blowing on hot food?
No, blowing on hot food to cool it down is expressed with フーフー (fufu).
Is this word used for trains?
Yes, it is very commonly used to describe the steam sound of a steam locomotive.
What's the difference between this and シュッシュッ?
シューシュー is a long, continuous stream, while シュッシュッ represents short, repeated bursts.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2521010
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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