Entry
ゆるゆる
yuruyuru
Describes a state of being completely lacking in physical tension or an action performed at a very slow, relaxed pace.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term primarily describes physical objects that have lost their tension or tightness, such as excessively loose clothing, slack ropes, or loose screws. Secondarily, it expresses a very relaxed, unhurried, and slow pace of doing something.
- A physical state of lacking tightness or tension (e.g., loose clothes, slack ropes).
- A very relaxed, leisurely, and slow pace of action.
Sense Map
Loose / Slack
A physical state where something is not tight or securely fastened.
ズボンがゆるゆるだ。
Slow / Unhurried
An action or pace that is relaxed, slow, and free of tension.
ゆるゆると歩く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゆるゆるの + noun
Modifies a noun to describe it as very loose or slack.
ゆるゆるに + verb
Indicates a change into a loose state, often used with the verb なる (to become).
ゆるゆると + verb
Describes performing an action in a slow, leisurely, and relaxed manner.
ゆるゆるだ
Acts as a predicate to state that the subject is completely loose or relaxed.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゆるゆるの服
very loose clothing
紐がゆるゆるだ
the string is completely slack
ゆるゆると進む
to move forward leisurely
ネジがゆるゆるになる
the screw becomes loose
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical objects (clothing, knots, screws) | neutral | Can be negative if a screw needs to be tight for safety, but positive if referring to comfortably loose loungewear. |
| Pacing and schedules | positive | Implies a stress-free, relaxed approach to time without any rushing or strict deadlines. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶかぶか ぶかぶか / similar | Use this when clothes or shoes are significantly oversized and do not fit your body well. | ゆるゆる can refer to loose screws, slack ropes, and slow pacing, whereas ぶかぶか only applies to oversized wearable items. | ぶかぶかの靴 |
ゆっくり ゆっくり / similar | Use this as the standard word for doing something slowly, safely, or taking one's time. | ゆっくり simply means 'slowly' without a specific nuance, while ゆるゆる emphasizes a lack of tension or extreme slackness in pace. | ゆっくり話す |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ゆるゆる to describe a liquid that is thin or watery.
ゆるゆる describes a lack of physical tension (like elastic bands) or a relaxed pace. Use しゃばしゃば for thin, watery liquids.
Assuming ゆるゆる is interchangeable with 'slowly' in formal contexts.
ゆるゆる is casual and carries a specific nuance of being laid-back or slacking, so it is not suitable for formal instructions to 'slow down' (use ゆっくり for that).
Examples
Examples
ダイエットをして痩せたので、ズボンがゆるゆるになった。
ダイエットをしてやせたので、ズボンがゆるゆるになった。
Because I dieted and lost weight, my pants became very loose.
LiteralDescribes clothing that has become oversized and no longer fits tightly.
自転車のネジがゆるゆるだから、締めたほうがいいよ。
じてんしゃのネジがゆるゆるだから、しめたほうがいいよ。
The bicycle's screw is completely loose, so you should tighten it.
LiteralIndicates mechanical components that have lost their grip or tension.
お湯の中で、わかめがゆるゆると揺れている。
おゆのなかで、わかめがゆるゆるとゆれている。
The seaweed is swaying slowly and gently in the hot water.
VisualDepicts a slow, gentle, and unresisting physical movement.
休日は予定を入れず、一日中ゆるゆると過ごすのが好きだ。
きゅうじつはよていをいれず、いちにちじゅうゆるゆるとすごすのがすきだ。
I like to make no plans on my days off and spend the whole day leisurely.
FigurativeShows spending time in a very relaxed, pressure-free manner.
この会社のルールはかなりゆるゆるで、服装も自由だ。
このかいしゃのルールはかなりゆるゆるで、ふくそうもじゆうだ。
The rules at this company are quite relaxed, and the dress code is free.
FigurativeUsed figuratively for rules or systems that are not strict.
Similar Words
ぶかぶか
bukabuka
Describes clothing, shoes, or accessories that are noticeably too large and loose-fitting on the wearer. Used specifically for oversized clothing or shoes.
ゆっくり
yukkuri
ゆっくり describes taking one's time, moving without haste, or being in a state of comfortable relaxation. The general word for expressing a slow pace or rhythm.
ずるずる
zuruzuru
Zuruzuru describes the sound or action of dragging a heavy object, slurping noodles, sniffling, or a situation that drags on without a clear resolution.
ゆったり
yuttari
ゆったり means having ample space, time, or emotional room, resulting in a relaxed, comfortable, and unhurried state.
Questions
What is the difference between ゆるゆる and ぶかぶか?
ぶかぶか means 'too big' in size (like buying an XL shirt instead of a Medium). ゆるゆる means 'lacking tension or tightness' (like a worn-out elastic waistband that no longer grips).
Can I use ゆるゆる for a loose tooth?
Yes, you can describe a loose baby tooth that wiggles easily as ゆるゆる.
Does ゆるゆる only apply to physical things?
No, it is commonly used abstractly for schedules, corporate rules, or environments that are not strict at all.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1013090
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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