Entry
ずらずら
zurazura
ずらずら describes items lined up, text written, or people appearing in a long, continuous, and uninterrupted sequence.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ずらずら is used to indicate something lined up or continuing endlessly in a long sequence. It is often used for describing overwhelmingly long lists of names, writing lengthy texts continuously without pausing, or people coming out in a line. It can carry a slight nuance of being excessively long, tedious, or unstructured.
- in an endless stream
- continuing without pause
Sense Map
Lists & Lines
Used for items, names, or people arranged in a long line that seems endless.
名前がずらずらと並ぶ。
Lengthy Speech & Text
Used when words, excuses, or complaints are written or spoken continuously without a break.
文句をずらずらと並べ立てる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずらずらと + verb
The standard pattern using the particle と to describe an action that continues in a long stream.
ずらずら + verb
A casual variation without the particle と, identical in meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずらずらと並ぶ
line up endlessly
ずらずらと書く
write on and on
ずらずらと続く
continue endlessly
ずらずらと出てくる
come out in a line
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lists or sequences | neutral | Neutral, but implies an impressive or overwhelming length. |
| Writing or speaking | negative | Often carries a slightly negative tone of being excessively long, tedious, or unstructured. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぞろぞろ ぞろぞろ / similar | For crowds of living things (people, animals) moving or gathering together. | ずらずら focuses on a long line or continuous sequence, while ぞろぞろ emphasizes the movement of a mass or crowd. | 人がぞろぞろ出てきた。 |
どしどし どしどし / similar | For performing actions actively and continuously without hesitation (e.g., sending applications). | ずらずら describes a state of long succession, whereas どしどし implies proactive, forward-moving action. | どしどし応募してください。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ずらずら to describe rapid, energetic actions.
ずらずら implies a long, uninterrupted sequence, not speed. Use どんどん or どしどし for active, rapid progress.
Using ずらずら for a group of people moving together in a mass.
For moving crowds, ぞろぞろ is more natural. ずらずら implies they are emerging in a long, single file or line.
Examples
Examples
長い名前がずらずらと並んでいる。
ながい なまえが ずらずらと ならんでいる。
Long names are lined up endlessly.
VisualDescribes a row of text or items that appears long.
言い訳をずらずらと書いた手紙。
いいわけを ずらずらと かいた てがみ。
A letter with excuses written on and on.
FigurativeIndicates text that is excessively long and potentially tedious.
会議室から人がずらずらと出てきた。
かいぎしつから ひとが ずらずらと でてきた。
People came out of the meeting room in a continuous line.
VisualEmphasizes that people are coming out one after another forming a line.
難しい漢字がずらずら続く。
むずかしい かんじが ずらずら つづく。
Difficult kanji continue endlessly.
VisualUsed for a sequence that appears long and uninterrupted.
文句をずらずらと並べ立てた。
もんくを ずらずらと ならべたてた。
They rattled off a long string of complaints.
FigurativeCarries a negative nuance because the words do not stop.
Similar Words
ぞろぞろ
zorozoro
ぞろぞろ describes a large group of people, animals, or things moving steadily together in a stream, or a long object trailing along the ground. Focuses on a group of people or things moving together, whereas ずらずら focuses on a long line or succession.
どしどし
doshidoshi
どしどし (doshidoshi) describes doing something actively without hesitation, things happening in rapid succession, or walking with heavy, stomping footsteps. Focuses on active and aggressive actions, whereas ずらずら merely indicates a continuous sequence.
Questions
Can I use ずらずら for positive things?
Yes, but it often implies something is excessively long or tedious, like a never-ending list of rules.
What is the difference between ずらずら and ぞろぞろ?
ずらずら is for sequences, lists, and lines. ぞろぞろ is for crowds of living things moving together.
Does ずらずら mean fast?
No, it emphasizes length and uninterrupted continuity rather than speed.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2528330
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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