Entry
すうすう
suusuu
The light sound of air passing through a small gap, or a soft, rhythmic sound while breathing.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the continuous, quiet sound of moving air. It is commonly used to depict a gentle draft whistling through a crack in a window or door, or the peaceful sound of someone's breath as they sleep soundly.
- Drafts through cracks
- Soft breathing or mild wheezing
Sense Map
Wind & Drafts
The sound of a light breeze or air leaking through a small opening in a building or structure.
隙間から風がすうすう入る
Breathing
The quiet, rhythmic sound of breathing, often referring to a sleeping person or slight wheezing in the nose.
すうすうと寝息を立てる
Usage Note
How to Use
すうすうする
Used to express the condition or sensation of air passing through a gap.
すうすうと + verb
Acts as an adverb to describe how air moves or how a person breathes.
すうすう + verb
An adverbial form without the particle と, identical in meaning to the previous pattern.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すうすうと入る
Air quietly entering through a gap.
すうすう音がする
To make a soft whistling or airy sound.
風がすうすう吹き込む
Wind blowing in through a crack.
すうすう寝息を立てる
To breathe softly and rhythmically while sleeping.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weather and Rooms | Neutral to Slightly Negative | Often implies a slight discomfort in winter when cold air manages to find its way through a window seal. |
| Sleep and Rest | Positive | Expresses a peaceful state when referring to the breathing of a baby or someone sleeping soundly. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びゅーびゅー びゅーびゅー / similar | Use when the wind is blowing fiercely and making a loud howling sound. | Not for light drafts; describes harsh weather or storms. | 風がビュービュー吹く |
さやさや さやさや / similar | Use for the gentle rustling sound of leaves or grass in a light breeze. | Not for drafts through a crack or the sound of breathing. | 葉がさやさや揺れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for heavy snoring.
Use 'ぐうぐう' (gūgū) for loud snoring. すうすう is strictly for quiet, peaceful breathing.
Using this to describe a powerful typhoon wind.
Use 'ビュービュー' for strong winds. すうすう represents a small, gentle draft.
Examples
Examples
窓の隙間からすうすうと風が入ってくる。
まどの すきまから すうすうと かぜが はいってくる。
A draft is quietly coming in through the crack in the window.
LiteralDescribes the quiet flow of air entering through a small gap.
赤ちゃんがすうすうと寝息を立てている。
あかちゃんが すうすうと ねいきを たてている。
The baby is sleeping with a soft, quiet breathing sound.
LiteralShows a peaceful, deep sleep with regular breathing.
鼻が詰まっていて、息をするたびにすうすうと音がする。
はなが つまっていて、いきを するたびに すうすうと おとが する。
My nose is stuffed up, and it makes a slight wheezing sound every time I breathe.
LiteralUsed when the nasal passage is narrowed, causing the air to make a slight friction sound.
ドアの隙間から風がすうすう吹き込んで寒い。
ドアの すきまから かぜが すうすう ふきこんで さむい。
The draft blowing quietly in through the door crack makes it cold.
LiteralA common winter expression emphasizing the continuous physical sensation of a draft.
静かな部屋で、猫のすうすうという呼吸音だけが聞こえる。
しずかな へやで、ねこの すうすうという こきゅうおんだけが きこえる。
In the quiet room, only the soft breathing sound of the cat can be heard.
LiteralIllustrates a quiet atmosphere where even a faint sound like an animal's breath is distinct.
Similar Words
Questions
Can I use すうすう to describe the minty feeling in my mouth?
Yes, but for physical sensations of coolness or minty freshness, it is much more common to write it in katakana as スースー.
What's the difference between すうすう and ぐうぐう when talking about sleep?
すうすう is the soft, peaceful sound of regular breathing, whereas ぐうぐう represents loud, deep snoring.
Is this applied only to humans?
No, it is frequently used to describe the adorable, quiet breathing of sleeping pets like cats or dogs.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2096990
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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