Entry
すってんころり
suttenkorori
Describes the action of losing one's balance, slipping, or tripping, and suddenly falling completely flat on the ground, often in a comical way.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is mostly used in casual conversation to describe someone losing their footing and falling flat on their back or bottom. Because of its rhythmic, cartoonish sound, it implies a somewhat comical tumble rather than a serious injury.
- Slipping
- Falling flat
- Tripping
Sense Map
Slipping
Suddenly losing footing on a slippery surface and falling flat on one's back or bottom.
氷の上ですってんころりんと転んだ。
Tripping
Tripping over an obstacle and tumbling or rolling over in a dramatic way.
石につまずいてすってんころりといく。
Usage Note
How to Use
すってんころりと + verb
Used as an adverb before verbs like 転ぶ (to fall) to describe the manner of taking a complete tumble.
すってんころりんと + verb
The same usage, but the addition of the final ん adds a bouncier, more rhythmic feel to the sentence.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すってんころりと転ぶ
to slip and fall flat
すってんころりんと転ぶ
to slip and fall comically flat
すってんころりといく
to take a sudden tumble
すってんころりんと尻もちをつく
to slip and fall flat on one's bottom
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slipping on a wet floor or icy path. | Comical | Emphasizes the suddenness of the loss of balance and the completeness of the fall. |
| Recounting a minor accident to a friend. | Lighthearted | Using this word indicates that the fall was more surprising or embarrassing than dangerous. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ころり ころり / nearby | When describing something rolling or falling over easily without necessarily slipping first. | This word specifically includes the slipping or losing footing aspect, making it a more dramatic loss of balance, whereas the neighbor is more general. | コインがころりと落ちた。 |
がったり がったり / nearby | When describing a heavy, sudden fall or collapse, often due to exhaustion or a sudden loss of strength. | This word focuses on a comical tripping action, whereas the neighbor is heavier and implies collapsing from fatigue. | 疲れてがったりと倒れ込んだ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a serious, tragic accident.
This word has a cartoonish, lighthearted tone. It is not appropriate for describing accidents with real injuries.
Using it for inanimate objects falling from above.
It describes living beings losing their footing on the ground, not objects dropping from a shelf.
Examples
Examples
階段ですってんころりと転んでしまった。
かいだんですってんころりところんでしまった。
I slipped and fell comically flat on the stairs.
LiteralShows an unexpected and complete loss of footing on the stairs.
凍った道で見事にすってんころりんと転んだ。
こおったみちでみごとにすってんころりんところんだ。
I spectacularly slipped and fell flat on the icy road.
LiteralThe use of 'n' at the end highlights the spectacular nature of the fall.
バナナの皮を踏んで、すってんころりといく。
バナナのかわをふんで、すってんころりといく。
Stepping on a banana peel and taking a complete tumble.
VisualDescribes the classic cartoon-like scene of slipping on a banana peel.
急いでお風呂場に行ったら、すってんころりんと滑った。
いそいでおふろばにいったら、すってんころりんとすべった。
When I rushed into the bathroom, I completely slipped and fell.
LiteralIllustrates the danger of losing balance due to rushing on a wet floor.
泥の中で犬がすってんころりと転がった。
どろのなかでいぬがすってんころりところがった。
The dog slipped and tumbled comically in the mud.
VisualHighlights the comical nature of an animal suddenly tumbling in mud.
Similar Words
ころり
korori
Describes something rolling or falling easily, without the strong emphasis on slipping or a dramatic loss of footing.
Questions
What is the difference between the versions with and without the final 'n'?
They mean exactly the same thing. The version ending in the letter n simply sounds slightly more playful and bouncy.
Can I use this word if someone is seriously hurt?
No, it is best avoided if there are real injuries, as the word carries a comical, cartoon-like feeling.
Is this word used in formal writing?
No, it is highly informal and is almost exclusively used in spoken Japanese or very casual storytelling.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2663120
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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