Entry
するする
surusuru
Describes movement or progress that happens smoothly and effortlessly without friction or catching.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word depicts a state where something slides, moves, or progresses without any hindrance or friction. It can describe physical actions like climbing or slipping, as well as abstract processes proceeding without a hitch.
- Smooth, frictionless physical movement.
- Processes progressing easily without obstacles.
Sense Map
Smooth Movement
Moving, sliding, or slipping smoothly without friction or resistance.
木をするすると登る
Smooth Progress
Progressing or advancing easily without encountering obstacles or delays.
計画がするすると進む
Usage Note
How to Use
するすると + verb
The standard adverbial pattern describing how an action is performed smoothly.
するする + verb
A slightly more casual variation without the particle と, identical in meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
するすると登る
to climb smoothly
するすると進む
to progress smoothly
するすると動く
to move smoothly
するすると解ける
to untangle easily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical movement (sliding, climbing) | neutral | Highlights movement without physical friction or catching. |
| Progress of an event or project | positive | Implies that things are going exceptionally well without unexpected hitches. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すいすい すいすい / nearby | Use for light, gliding movement like swimming, flying, or navigating through things without heavy burdens. | Surusuru focuses more on the physical lack of friction along a surface or object, whereas suisui emphasizes free maneuverability. | 魚がスイスイ泳ぐ |
すらすら すらすら / nearby | Use for fluent reading, writing, or speaking without hesitation. | Surusuru is for physical movement or general project progress, not for language fluency or thinking processes. | スラスラと答える |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using するする to describe speaking Japanese fluently.
Use ペラペラ or スラスラ for language fluency.
Using するする to describe a smooth surface texture like skin or glass.
Use つるつる or すべすべ to describe smooth textures.
Examples
Examples
猿は木をするすると登った。
さるはきをするするとのぼった。
The monkey climbed the tree smoothly and swiftly.
VisualShows the lack of physical friction or struggle while climbing.
話し合いがするすると進んだ。
はなしあいがするするとすすんだ。
The discussion progressed very smoothly.
FigurativeUsed figuratively for a process happening without issues or arguments.
蛇が草の中をするすると進んだ。
へびがくさのなかをするするとすすんだ。
The snake slithered smoothly through the grass.
VisualDepicts physical sliding motion without getting stuck.
糸がするすると解けた。
いとがするするとほどけた。
The thread untangled easily without snagging.
VisualIndicates there was no catch or knot stopping the thread from pulling apart.
船は水面をするすると進んでいった。
ふねはすいめんをするするとすすんでいった。
The boat advanced smoothly across the water surface.
VisualDescribes the boat gliding through water seemingly without any friction.
Similar Words
スイスイ
suisui
Describes physical movement or abstract progress that occurs smoothly, swiftly, and without any obstacles. For light, unburdened movement (swimming, flying).
スラスラ
surasura
スラスラ means to do something smoothly and easily, indicating efficiency and skill. For fluency in speaking, reading, or writing.
すんなり
sunnari
Describes a process advancing smoothly without resistance, or a physical appearance that is slender and lithe.
Questions
Can I use するする for speaking Japanese?
No, it is for physical movement or progress. Use perapera or surasura for language fluency.
What is the difference between するする and スイスイ (suisui)?
Suisui feels more like gliding freely in space or water, while surusuru focuses on sliding along a surface or progressing without physical friction.
Is するする a positive word?
When describing progress, it is positive because it means things are going well without obstacles. For physical movement, it is neutral.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006270
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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