Entry
すべすべ
subesube
すべすべ describes a smooth, soft, and velvety texture, typically referring to healthy skin or fine materials.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
すべすべ (subesube) is a mimetic word used to describe a surface that is pleasantly smooth and free of any roughness or bumps. It implies a soft, dry, and comforting tactile sensation, often associated with well-cared-for human skin, smooth stones, or silky fabrics.
- smooth skin
- velvety surface
Sense Map
Smooth Skin
Describes skin that is soft, clear, and velvety to the touch without any roughness.
赤ちゃんのすべすべな肌
Smooth Surfaces
Describes objects like stones, fabrics, or polished wood that have a pleasant, frictionless texture.
すべすべした石
Usage Note
How to Use
すべすべする
Used as a verb to state that something feels smooth.
すべすべな + noun
Used as a na-adjective to describe a noun as being smooth.
すべすべの + noun
An alternative way to link the description of smoothness to a noun.
すべすべと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe an action done in a smooth or unhindered manner.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すべすべの肌
smooth skin
肌がすべすべする
skin feels smooth
すべすべになる
to become smooth
すべすべした布
smooth fabric
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Skincare and Beauty | positive | Highly desirable trait for skin, implying youth, health, and good care. |
| Materials | neutral | Used for fine, high-quality textiles or well-polished natural materials like stone or wood. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
つるつる つるつる / contrast | Use for surfaces that are slippery, glossy, or completely frictionless, like ice, glass, or wet surfaces. | Not usually used for soft, dry textures like fine fabric. | つるつる滑る床 |
さらさら さらさら / similar | Use for things that are dry, light, and flow easily, like fine sand, clean hair, or clear liquids. | Focuses more on the flow and lack of stickiness rather than just surface smoothness. | さらさらな髪 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using subesube for slippery winter roads or icy surfaces.
Use tsurutsuru for slippery, dangerous, or glassy surfaces.
Using subesube to describe a smooth talker or a situation going smoothly.
It only describes physical tactile texture. Use スムーズ (sumuuzu) or 順調 (junchou) for abstract smoothness.
Examples
Examples
お風呂上がりの肌はすべすべしている。
おふろあがりのはだはすべすべしている。
My skin feels smooth after taking a bath.
LiteralDescribes an ideal skin texture.
このクリームを塗ると、手がスベスベになります。
このクリームをぬると、てがスベスベになります。
Applying this cream makes your hands smooth.
LiteralOften used in skincare contexts.
川辺ですべすべした丸い石を拾った。
かわべですべすべしたまるいいしをひろった。
I picked up a smooth, round stone by the riverbank.
LiteralDescribes the smooth texture of natural objects.
この絹の布は、触るとすべすべしていて心地よい。
このきぬのぬのは、さわるとすべすべしていてここちよい。
This silk cloth feels smooth and comfortable to the touch.
LiteralUsed for high-quality fabrics.
床をきれいに磨いたら、すべすべになった。
ゆかをきれいにみがいたら、すべすべになった。
After polishing the floor cleanly, it became smooth.
VisualShows the result of cleaning or polishing something.
Similar Words
Questions
What is the difference between subesube and tsurutsuru?
Subesube implies a soft, dry, velvety smoothness (like healthy skin), whereas tsurutsuru implies a glossy, slippery, or wet smoothness (like glass or ice).
Can I use subesube for my hair?
Yes, but sarasara (silky and flowing) or tsuyatsuya (glossy) are often preferred for hair, depending on the exact quality you want to emphasize.
Is subesube used for food?
Not typically. It is primarily used for tactile surfaces like skin and materials, rather than the texture of food in the mouth.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2008450
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- すくすく (sukusuku)
- Next entry
- すらっと (suratto)