Entry
スイスイ
suisui
Describes physical movement or abstract progress that occurs smoothly, swiftly, and without any obstacles.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to express that something moves or progresses very smoothly without any friction or difficulty. It can refer to literal physical movement (like a fish swimming or a bird gliding) as well as abstract progress (like clearing piled-up work or traffic moving without a hitch).
- smooth, gliding physical movement
- tasks or processes progressing without obstacles
Sense Map
Physical Movement
Used for physical movements that glide, swim, or move smoothly without resistance.
水の中をスイスイ泳ぐ。
Smooth Progress
Used when a process, task, problem, or traffic proceeds very smoothly and is handled easily.
仕事がスイスイ進む。
Usage Note
How to Use
スイスイ + verb
The most common pattern used to describe an action performed smoothly.
スイスイと + verb
Has the same meaning as the previous pattern, but the particle と adds a slight emphasis on the manner of the movement.
How to Use
Common Phrases
スイスイ進む
progress smoothly
スイスイ泳ぐ
swim smoothly
スイスイ解ける
solve easily
スイスイ片付く
get cleared up smoothly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles and traffic | positive | Indicates empty roads where vehicles can drive without getting stuck in traffic. |
| Work and tasks | positive | Indicates a sense of relief because tasks are being finished faster and easier than expected. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すらすら すらすら / nearby | Use when talking about fluency or smoothness in speaking, reading, writing, or answering (related to words). | It is not used for physical movement like swimming or gliding, where スイスイ is preferred. | 英語をスラスラ話す。 |
ぎくしゃく ぎくしゃく / opposite | Use when physical movements feel stiff, jerky, or when interpersonal relationships are awkward and strained. | The complete opposite of the frictionless smoothness described by スイスイ. | 動きがギクシャクする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using スイスイ to describe a smooth physical surface.
Use すべすべ (subesube) or ツルツル (tsurutsuru) for smooth surfaces. スイスイ is only for movement or progress.
Using スイスイ to describe speaking a foreign language fluently.
Use スラスラ (surasura) or ペラペラ (perapera) for fluency in speaking.
Examples
Examples
魚が水の中をスイスイと泳いでいる。
さかながみずのなかをスイスイとおよいでいる。
Fish are swimming smoothly in the water.
LiteralDescribes the smooth, frictionless movement of swimming.
道が空いていて、車がスイスイ進む。
みちがあいていて、くるまがスイスイすすむ。
The roads are empty, so cars are moving smoothly.
LiteralShows smoothness because there is no traffic congestion.
難しい数学の問題がスイスイ解けた。
むずかしいすうがくのもんだいがスイスイとけた。
I solved the difficult math problems easily.
FigurativeDescribes an unhindered thought process.
彼女は氷の上をスイスイと滑った。
かのじょはこおりのうえをスイスイとすべった。
She glided smoothly on the ice.
VisualShows a smooth, frictionless movement.
たまった仕事が今日はスイスイ片付く。
たまったしごとがきょうはスイスイかたづく。
The piled-up work is getting cleared smoothly today.
FigurativeAbstract tasks are completed without significant hurdles.
Similar Words
ギクシャク
gikushaku
ギクシャク is the opposite of スイスイ, indicating jerky movements or awkward relationships.
スラスラ
surasura
スラスラ means to do something smoothly and easily, indicating efficiency and skill. Use スラスラ for fluency in speaking or reading. Use スイスイ for physical movement.
するする
surusuru
Describes movement or progress that happens smoothly and effortlessly without friction or catching.
あっさり
assari
Describes something that is light in flavor, simple in appearance, or happens quickly and easily without resistance.
Questions
Can I use スイスイ to say 'I speak Japanese fluently'?
No. For speaking fluency, use ペラペラ (perapera) or スラスラ (surasura). スイスイ is meant for smooth physical movement or the progress of work.
What is the difference between スイスイ and あっさり (assari)?
あっさり (assari) focuses on something being finished easily without much effort or refusal, whereas スイスイ focuses on the actual process moving smoothly without any hurdles.
Does スイスイ have a negative connotation?
Almost never. It has a highly positive connotation because it indicates the absence of obstacles and ease of doing things.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006050
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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