Entry
すっと
sutto
Describes a smooth, unhindered, swift movement, or a sudden feeling of being emotionally or physically refreshed.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used for two main situations: first, to describe a physical movement that is straight, quick, and seamless without hesitation (such as standing up or passing by). Second, to describe the sensation of one's feelings becoming lighter, relieved, and refreshed after a burden or worry is removed.
- Swift, smooth, and unhindered movement
- Feeling of emotional or physical relief
Sense Map
Smooth Movement
Describes moving in a straight, swift, and seamless manner without being blocked or hesitating.
すっと立ち上がる。
Feeling Relieved
Describes the vanishing of worry, anger, or stress, leaving the heart or mind feeling refreshed.
胸がすっとした。
Usage Note
How to Use
すっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe an action (like standing, passing, or fading) performed smoothly and quickly.
すっとする
Functions as a verb meaning 'to feel relieved' or 'to feel refreshed', often paired with 'chest/heart' (胸) or 'head' (頭).
How to Use
Common Phrases
すっと立ち上がる
to stand up smoothly/quickly
胸がすっとする
to feel a weight lifted off one's chest
すっと通り過ぎる
to pass by swiftly and smoothly
すっと消える
to disappear smoothly and completely
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Movement | neutral | Indicates unobstructed and efficient movement without much effort. |
| Feelings/Emotions | positive | Indicates a shift from stress or confusion to relief and clarity. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
そっと そっと / contrast | When moving quietly, slowly, and carefully so as not to make a sound or disturb others. | Focuses on quietness and care, rather than the seamless speed of すっと. | そっとドアを閉める。 |
さっぱり さっぱり / similar | When talking about feeling refreshed due to cleanliness, weather, or a straightforward personality. | Not used for the physical movement of objects or people, and often includes a sense of physical cleanliness. | 気分がさっぱりする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'sutto' to describe running frantically at top speed.
'Sutto' carries a nuance of smoothness, calmness, and natural flow, not rushed or frantic movement.
Using it for the refreshing taste of food.
For food, use 'assari' or 'sappari', not 'sutto'.
Examples
Examples
彼が部屋に入ると、猫はすっと立ち上がって逃げた。
かれが へやに はいれると、ねこは すっと たちあがって にげた。
When he entered the room, the cat quickly stood up and ran away.
VisualDescribes standing up in a quick, smooth, and unhesitating motion.
窓を開けると、涼しい風がすっと入ってきた。
まどを あけると、すずしい かぜが すっと はいってきた。
When I opened the window, a cool breeze smoothly blew in.
LiteralShows air or wind flowing in without any obstruction.
言いたいことを全部言ったら、胸がすっとした。
いいたい ことを ぜんぶ いったら、むねが すっと した。
After saying everything I wanted to say, I felt completely relieved.
FigurativeFigurative use for a feeling of relief (a burden lifted from the chest).
彼女は私の横をすっと通り過ぎた。
かのじょは わたしの よこを すっと とおりすぎた。
She passed right by me smoothly and quickly.
VisualDescribes someone passing straight by without slowing down or greeting.
疑問が解けて、頭の中がすっとした。
ぎもんが とけて、あたまの なかが すっと した。
My doubts were cleared up, and my head felt clear and refreshed.
FigurativeDescribes the vanishing of confusion, leaving the mind clear again.
Similar Words
そっと
sotto
Describes an action performed very quietly, gently, or stealthily to avoid making noise, or leaving a person or situation as is. Moving quietly and slowly, rather than a quick, unhindered motion.
さっぱり
sappari
Describes a clean and unburdened state, such as feeling refreshed, having a light taste, or completely lacking something when used with a negative verb. A refreshed feeling, but usually associated with physical cleanliness or weather.
Questions
What is the difference between すっと (sutto) and そっと (sotto)?
すっと means smoothly and swiftly (without hindrance), while そっと means quietly and gently (without noise).
Can I use すっとする for physical cooling down?
Yes, it can describe the refreshing, cooling sensation you get in your mouth from mint or throat drops.
Is すっとする always positive?
Yes, when referring to feelings, it is always a positive sense of relief after a burden is lifted.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006140
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- すっぱり (suppari)