Entry
スースー
suusuu
スースー describes the cool sensation of air passing by, the refreshing feeling of mint, or the soft sound of peaceful breathing.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word primarily captures the sensation of air moving. It is widely used for physical feelings of coolness, such as a draft of air on exposed skin or the refreshing, menthol-like feeling in the mouth after eating mints. It also represents the auditory sound of continuous, soft air movement, most notably the peaceful breathing of someone fast asleep.
- Minty or menthol coolness
- Drafty or chilly air on skin
- Soft sound of breathing
Sense Map
Cool & Refreshing Sensation
Describes the localized cool feeling of mint, menthol, or cold air on the skin or in the mouth.
ハッカ飴で口がスースーする。
Drafty & Exposed Sensation
Describes the chilly feeling when air passes through a gap, such as wearing thin clothes or having an open window.
首元がスースーして寒い。
Soft Breathing Sound
Represents the quiet, peaceful sound of air moving in and out, typically when someone (often a baby) is sleeping.
赤ちゃんがスースーと寝息を立てている。
Usage Note
How to Use
スースーする
Used as a verb to describe a body part feeling a cool draft, or a minty sensation.
スースーしている
Describes an ongoing state of feeling drafty or continuously breathing softly.
スースーと + verb
Functions as an adverb modifying verbs like breathing, wind blowing, or air leaking.
How to Use
Common Phrases
スースーする
feel cool or drafty
スースーと風が入る
wind blows in softly
首がスースーする
neck feels breezy
スースー寝息を立てる
breathe softly in sleep
口の中がスースーする
inside of mouth feels minty
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical sensation like mint or thin clothing | Can be positive if seeking refreshment, or negative if feeling an unwanted chill. | Often used to describe the effect of throat lozenges. |
| Sound of breathing while asleep | Generally positive or neutral. | Gives an impression of deep, peaceful sleep, often used with babies. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
すうすう すうすう / similar | Often used specifically for the sound of wind or breathing. | Katakana スースー is more commonly used for the physical sensation of mint. | すうすうと風が吹き込む |
ぐうぐう ぐうぐう / contrast | To indicate loud snoring during deep sleep. | スースー is peaceful breathing, whereas ぐうぐう is a noisy sound. | ぐうぐうといびきをかく |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe freezing cold weather, like a snowy winter day.
It describes a localized cool sensation, a draft, or a minty feeling, not the overall climate temperature.
Using it for heavy, out-of-breath panting after running.
It is used for soft, quiet, and peaceful breathing, usually during sleep.
Examples
Examples
窓の小さな隙間から冷たい風がスースー入ってくる。
まどのちいさなすきまからつめたいかぜがスースーはいってくる。
A cold wind blows softly in through the small gap in the window.
LiteralDescribes the continuous and slightly chilly feeling of the wind entering.
歯磨き粉のおかげで、口の中がスースーする。
はみがきこのおかげで、くちのなかがスースーする。
Thanks to the toothpaste, the inside of my mouth feels minty and cool.
LiteralFocuses on the refreshing, chemical effect of menthol.
赤ちゃんがスースーと気持ちよさそうに寝息を立てている。
あかちゃんがスースーときもちよさそうにねいきをたてている。
The baby is breathing softly and comfortably in their sleep.
LiteralThe quiet sound of breathing that indicates a deep, peaceful sleep.
髪を短く切ったので、首の後ろがスースーする。
かみをみじかくきったので、くびのうしろがスースーする。
Since I cut my hair short, the back of my neck feels drafty.
LiteralThe feeling of wind hitting a previously covered patch of skin.
タイヤに穴が空いて、空気がスースーと抜けていく。
タイヤにあながあいて、くうきがスースーとぬけていく。
There is a hole in the tire, and the air is hissing out softly.
LiteralThe sound of air continuously escaping from an enclosed space.
Similar Words
すうすう
suusuu
The light sound of air passing through a small gap, or a soft, rhythmic sound while breathing. Hiragana variant, often used for breathing and wind sounds.
ぐうぐう
guuguu
Describes the sound or state of a very deep sleep (often with snoring) or a rumbling stomach due to hunger. Loud snoring sound, contrasting with the soft suusuu breathing.
Questions
Can I use suusuu for a cold winter day?
No, it is used for drafts or localized sensations, not the overall outdoor weather.
Does suusuu only mean minty?
No, besides mint, it also refers to cool drafts and soft breathing.
Can it be used for cold drinks?
No, it is not used for the low temperature of a drink. It is for minty freshness or the sensation of passing air.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006040
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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