Entry
するり
sururi
Sururi (するり) is a Japanese adverb describing a smooth, fast, and unhindered movement.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Sururi (するり) is used to describe how an object moves or passes through something smoothly, without difficulty, and often with speed. This includes movements like slipping, flowing, or passing through an opening effortlessly.
- Smooth and Unhindered Movement
- Speedy and Effortless Passage
Sense Map
Smooth and Unhindered Movement
Describes an object moving or sliding smoothly without getting caught or obstructed, as if slick.
するり
Speedy and Effortless Passage
Emphasizes the speed and fluidity when passing through something or completing an action, without delay.
するり
Usage Note
How to Use
するり
Used as a standalone adverb to describe smooth and rapid movement.
するりと + verb
Indicates that the action described by the verb is performed in a smooth and swift manner.
How to Use
Common Phrases
するりと抜ける
To slip through; to get out smoothly.
するりと入る
To enter smoothly.
するりと落ちる
To fall/slide smoothly.
するりと滑る
To slide smoothly.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Object slipping | Neutral | Emphasizes the smoothness when an object escapes a grip or surface. |
| Flow of water | Neutral | Describes water flowing smoothly and without obstruction. |
| Passing through an opening | Neutral | Indicates the ability to pass through a narrow space or obstacle with ease. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さらり さらり / contrast | Use 'sururi' for smooth, fast motion, like something slipping or flowing. Use 'sarari' for a smooth texture (liquids, fabric), a light touch, or an action performed easily and without burden. | 'Sarari' is more often related to texture or touch, whereas 'sururi' focuses on the motion itself. | サラリとした生地 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Assuming 'sururi' always means 'easily'.
'Sururi' is more specific to smooth and rapid movement, not just general ease.
Confusing it with similarly sounding words like 'sarari' or 'surari'.
Pay attention to the context; 'sururi' for motion, 'sarari' for texture/liquids, and 'surari' for a slender physical form.
Examples
Examples
指輪がするりと外れた。
ゆびわ が するり と はずれた。
The ring came off smoothly.
LiteralObject detaching.
水が坂を滑るようにするりと流れた。
みず が さか を すべる ように するり と ながれた。
The water flowed smoothly as if sliding down the slope.
VisualWater flow.
彼は群衆をさっとするりと抜けた。
かれ は ぐんしゅう を さっと するり と ぬけた。
He slipped through the crowd quickly.
FigurativeSlipping away.
細い隙間をすんなりするりと通過した。
ほそい すきま を すんなり するり と とおった。
Passed through the narrow gap smoothly.
LiteralPassing through gap.
彼はするりと部屋に入ってきた。
かれ は するり と へや に はいってきた。
He entered the room smoothly.
LiteralEntering room.
Similar Words
さらり
sarari
Used for smooth textures (liquids, fabric) or light touch, not motion.
Questions
What is the meaning of 'sururi' in Japanese?
'Sururi' (するり) is an adverb describing a smooth, fast, and unhindered movement, such as an object slipping or water flowing.
What is the difference between 'sururi' (するり) and 'sarari' (さらり)?
'Sururi' focuses on smooth and fast motion, whereas 'sarari' is more often used for smooth textures in liquids or touch, or for actions performed easily without burden.
Can 'sururi' be used to describe food taste?
No, 'sururi' is primarily related to physical movement or passage. For flavors, words like 'karai' (spicy) or 'amai' (sweet) are used.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006300
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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