Entry
そろり
sorori
そろり (sorori) describes an action done very slowly, carefully, and without making a sound.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to express movement or handling that is extremely cautious, smooth, and quiet, usually to avoid being noticed, waking someone up, or breaking something fragile.
- moving slowly and stealthily
- handling objects with extreme care
Sense Map
Stealthy Movement
Moving or walking slowly and silently.
そろりと歩く。
Careful Handling
Opening, closing, or moving objects with great physical care.
ドアをそろりと開ける。
Usage Note
How to Use
そろりと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying the verb to show the action is performed slowly, quietly, and with caution.
そろりそろりと + verb
A reduplicated form used to emphasize a gradual, step-by-step cautious movement.
How to Use
Common Phrases
そろりと歩く
to walk slowly and quietly
そろりと開ける
to open carefully and quietly
そろりと立ち上がる
to stand up slowly
そろりと置く
to place down carefully
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Walking in a sleeping house | neutral | Shows the effort to walk without making footsteps to avoid waking others. |
| Moving a fragile object | neutral | Highlights the delicate and gentle handling to prevent breaking the item. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
そろそろ そろそろ / similar | Used when indicating it is almost time to do something, or something is gradually starting. | Does not focus on the absence of sound or extreme physical caution like sorori does. | そろそろ帰る。 |
ひっそり ひっそり / nearby | Focuses on a quiet, silent atmosphere, or living/doing things inconspicuously. | Describes a state of silence or solitude rather than a specific physical movement. | ひっそりと暮らす。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using sorori to simply mean taking a long time to complete a mental task (like studying slowly).
Use yukkuri for general slowness in pace or time. Sorori is for physical, cautious movement.
Confusing it with sorosoro to mean 'it is about time'.
Sorori does not have a time-related meaning; it only describes the manner of a physical action.
Examples
Examples
彼は誰にも気づかれないように、そろりと部屋を出た。
かれは だれにも きづかれないように、そろりと へやを でた。
He left the room slowly and quietly so that no one would notice him.
LiteralIndicates careful and noiseless footsteps.
赤ちゃんを起こさないように、ドアをそろりと開けた。
あかちゃんを おこさないように、ドアを そろりと あけた。
I opened the door very carefully so as not to wake the baby.
LiteralFocuses on the physical movement performed slowly to avoid making noise.
壊れやすい花瓶をテーブルの上にそろりと置いた。
こわれやすい かびんを テーブルの うえに そろりと おいた。
I carefully placed the fragile vase on the table.
VisualShows the action of placing an item gently to prevent damage.
猫は私の膝からそろりと立ち上がり、窓の方へ向かった。
ねこは わたしの ひざから そろりと たちあがり、まどの ほうへ むかった。
The cat slowly stood up from my lap and headed toward the window.
VisualDescribes the slow and smooth movement of an animal.
泥棒は暗闇の中をそろりと進んだ。
どろぼうは くらやみの なかを そろりと すすんだ。
The thief advanced stealthily through the darkness.
LiteralUsed for stealthy movements when sneaking around.
Similar Words
そろそろ
sorosoro
Sorosoro indicates that a specific time or event is approaching soon, or describes moving slowly and carefully. Means it is about time. Does not describe careful physical movement.
ひっそり
hissori
ひっそり describes a quiet and still state due to the absence of people, or a modest, inconspicuous way of living. Describes a quiet and still atmosphere, not how someone moves.
Questions
What is the difference between sorori and yukkuri?
Yukkuri means slowly in a general sense, while sorori emphasizes moving smoothly, quietly, and carefully to avoid noise.
Can I use sorori for speaking quietly?
No, sorori is used for physical movements. For speaking quietly, use expressions like shizuka ni or chiisana koe de.
Is sorori common in everyday Japanese?
Yes, it is used when describing actions that require care, like sneaking out of a room or handling a sleeping baby.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2454190
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- すっすっ (sussu)
- Next entry
- ちょっきり (chokkiri)