Entry
すっすっ
sussu
Describes a smooth, easy motion or progress without any friction or resistance.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
すっすっ is a mimetic word (gitaigo) that expresses a state where a movement, action, or process occurs very smoothly and easily. It emphasizes a lack of friction, hesitation, or hindrance, such as a sliding door gliding perfectly on its track or work progressing without any issues.
- Smooth, frictionless physical movement
- Unhindered progress of a task
Sense Map
Smooth Movement
Moving, sliding, or gliding easily without physical friction or catching.
障子がすっすっと動く。
Unhindered Progress
Tasks or actions proceeding smoothly without difficulty or hesitation.
仕事がすっすっと進む。
Usage Note
How to Use
すっすっと + verb
The most common form. It functions as an adverb directly modifying the verb to show how an action is performed smoothly.
すっすっ + verb
A slightly more casual variation without the particle と, functioning in the same way.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すっすっと動く
to move smoothly
すっすっと進む
to progress smoothly
すっすっと切れる
to cut smoothly
すっすっと書ける
to write smoothly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical sliding or movement | neutral | Emphasizes the lack of friction where one might normally expect some resistance. |
| Progress of work or tasks | positive | Implies that the task is completed efficiently without any snags or difficulties. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すいすい すいすい / similar | When emphasizing light, unhindered movement, often through a medium like water or air. | Does not focus on the mechanical lack of friction like a sliding door. | 魚がスイスイ泳ぐ。 |
すらすら すらすら / similar | When describing fluency and continuous flow in speaking, reading, or writing words. | Not used for the physical sliding movement of objects. | スラスラと答える。 |
するする するする / similar | When focusing on a continuous sliding motion, like a rope extending or slipping down. | Implies a longer glide, whereas すっすっ can be used for short, repeated smooth motions. | 猿が木にするすると登る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using すっすっ to describe speaking fluently.
Use スラスラ (surasura) instead. すっすっ is for physical movement or task progress.
Using すっすっ to describe a smooth surface texture.
すっすっ describes an action. For surface texture, use つるつる (tsurutsuru) or すべすべ (subesube).
Examples
Examples
障子がすっすっと動く。
しょうじがすっすっとうごく。
The shoji sliding door moves smoothly.
VisualDescribes unhindered movement on a track.
仕事がすっすっと進む。
しごとがすっすっとすすむ。
The work progresses smoothly without a hitch.
FigurativeUsed for situations where tasks are completed with ease.
紙がすっすっと切れる。
かみがすっすっときれる。
The paper cuts smoothly.
VisualFocus on a sharp blade cutting without stopping.
ペンですっすっと書ける。
ペンですっすっとかける。
I can write smoothly with the pen.
VisualIndicates perfect ink flow and effortless strokes.
氷の上をすっすっと滑る。
こおりのうえをすっすっとすべる。
Gliding smoothly on the ice.
VisualMoving on the ice with almost zero friction.
Similar Words
スイスイ
suisui
Describes physical movement or abstract progress that occurs smoothly, swiftly, and without any obstacles. Used for light, unhindered movement often in water or air.
スラスラ
surasura
スラスラ means to do something smoothly and easily, indicating efficiency and skill. Used for fluent speaking, reading, or writing.
するする
surusuru
Describes movement or progress that happens smoothly and effortlessly without friction or catching. Used for continuous sliding, like a rope extending.
Questions
Can I use すっすっ (sussu) to say my Japanese speaking improved smoothly?
No, for speaking or language fluency, it's more natural to use スラスラ (surasura). すっすっ is for physical tasks or sliding motions.
What is the difference between すっすっ and スイスイ (suisui)?
スイスイ has a lighter, gliding feel, often moving through a medium like water or traffic. すっすっ focuses on the lack of mechanical friction, like a drawer sliding easily.
Is すっすっ used for smooth skin?
No, it describes smooth actions or movements. For smooth textures like skin, use すべすべ (subesube) or つるつる (tsurutsuru).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2454110
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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