Entry
すんなり
sunnari
Describes a process advancing smoothly without resistance, or a physical appearance that is slender and lithe.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Sunnari implies an absolute absence of friction, opposition, or difficulty in a process. It is often used when a decision is reached without argument, a problem is solved with surprising ease, or when a physical feature (especially limbs) is gracefully slim and well-proportioned.
- Smooth without opposition
- Gracefully slender body
Sense Map
Smooth Process
Used when things progress or are resolved easily without any unexpected obstacles, pushback, or opposition.
話がすんなりまとまる。
Slender Appearance
Describes a body or limbs that are gracefully thin, lithe, and beautifully well-proportioned.
すんなりした手足。
Usage Note
How to Use
すんなり(と) + Verb
Describes an action being performed or completed seamlessly without encountering resistance.
すんなりした + Noun
Modifies a noun to describe it as slender or lithe (almost exclusively used for body parts).
すんなり(とは) + Verb(Negative)
Used to indicate that something will absolutely not go smoothly or easily without a significant struggle.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すんなりと決まる
to be decided smoothly
すんなりと受け入れる
to accept without resistance
すんなりと進む
to progress smoothly
すんなりした体つき
a slender, well-proportioned figure
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiations and Approvals | positive | Very commonly used when a proposal or request is accepted surprisingly quickly without pushback or lengthy debate. |
| Physical Description | positive | Describes gracefully slender limbs, giving a strong impression of elegance and good proportions rather than just being medically skinny. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すらすら すらすら / similar | Use when a skilled action like reading, speaking, or writing flows continuously without stopping. | Focuses intensely on the lack of hesitation or interruption in an ongoing action, not the absence of resistance or pushback from others. | スラスラと本を読む。 |
すっきり すっきり / similar | Use to describe a neat, uncluttered appearance or a feeling of deep refreshment. | Focuses on the removal of excess baggage or negative feelings, rather than describing a slender shape or lack of systemic resistance. | すっきりしたデザイン。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'sunnari' for extremely simple tasks like basic addition.
Sunnari focuses on the lack of resistance or unexpected obstacles. For tasks that are inherently easy due to their low level of difficulty, use words like 'kantan' (簡単).
Using 'sunnari' to describe thin inanimate objects like a sheet of paper.
Use 'usui' (薄い) for thin objects. Sunnari is almost entirely reserved for describing slender, graceful human or animal body parts.
Examples
Examples
会議での私の提案は、すんなりと受け入れられました。
かいぎでのわたしのていあんは、すんなりとうけいれられました。
My proposal at the meeting was accepted smoothly without any resistance.
FigurativeShows that the idea was approved without debate or pushback.
彼女のすんなりした指先がピアノの鍵盤の上を滑った。
かのじょのすんなりしたゆびさきがぴあののけんばんのうえをすべった。
Her gracefully slender fingers glided over the piano keys.
VisualDescribes physical elegance and gracefulness of the body.
両者の話し合いは、予想に反してすんなりとまとまった。
りょうしゃのはなしあいは、よそうにはんしてすんなりとまとまった。
The discussion between both parties concluded smoothly, contrary to expectations.
FigurativeEmphasizes the smooth resolution of an issue despite expecting it to be difficult.
複雑な数学の問題を、彼はすんなりと解いてみせた。
ふくざつなすうがくのもんだいを、かれはすんなりとといてみせた。
He easily solved the complex math problem without getting stuck.
FigurativeFocuses on completing a complex process without hitting any roadblocks.
鍵がかかっていると思ったドアが、すんなりと開いた。
かぎがかかっているとおもったどあが、すんなりとひらいた。
The door that I thought was locked opened easily without any physical resistance.
LiteralLiteral usage for a physical movement that is smooth and lacks friction.
Similar Words
すっきり
sukkiri
Feeling refreshed, relieved, or appearing neat and clean without any lingering clutter. すっきり is often used for a neat appearance or a refreshed feeling, unlike すんなり which focuses on slender physical form and smooth process progression.
スラスラ
surasura
スラスラ means to do something smoothly and easily, indicating efficiency and skill. Both imply smoothness, but スラスラ is for continuous skilled actions like reading, while すんなり is for a process completing without unexpected opposition.
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 sunnari to describe a thin person?
Yes, 'sunnari shita karadatsuki' effectively describes a slender, well-proportioned figure. However, it emphasizes grace and flexibility rather than just pointing out someone is underweight.
What is the exact difference between sunnari and kantan ni?
'Kantan ni' means the task itself is inherently easy. 'Sunnari' implies that the process went surprisingly smoothly without encountering expected resistance or friction, even if the core issue was highly complex.
Can sunnari be used in negative sentences?
Yes, it is very common to say 'sunnari (to wa) ikanai' (it won't go smoothly) to warn others that significant obstacles or resistance should be expected.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006320
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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