Entry
ずるり
zururi
This word describes something heavy or substantial slipping, sliding, or sliding down slowly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ずるり (zururi) is a Japanese onomatopoeia used to describe the motion of slipping, sliding down, or sliding off. Unlike quick slips, it gives the impression that the object is heavy, slow, or has some friction or stickiness.
- Heavy slipping
- Pulling out
Sense Map
Heavy slipping
Used when a heavy or bulky object, or clothing, slips down slowly due to gravity.
ズボンがずるりと下がる。
Pulling out
Used when dragging or sliding out something long, heavy, or slightly sticky.
紐をずるりと引き出す。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずるりと + verb
Used with verbs denoting downward or sliding movement, such as 滑る (suberu/slip) or 落ちる (ochiru/fall).
ずるりとする
Used to describe something that feels heavy and prone to sliding or slipping when held.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずるりと滑る
to slip heavily
ずるりと落ちる
to slide down
ずるりと下がる
to slip down (like clothes)
ずるりと引き出す
to slowly drag out
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes slipping down | neutral | Very common for describing pants, skirts, or blankets slowly slipping down. |
| Wet or sticky sliding | neutral | Good for describing slipping in thick mud or a slimy creature moving. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
つるり つるり / contrast | Used for smooth, frictionless surfaces (like ice or polished stone). | つるり implies a very smooth, frictionless slip, while ずるり implies weight, friction, or sluggishness. | つるりと滑る。 |
ずるずる ずるずる / similar | Used for continuous dragging or sliding actions. | ずるずる is a continuous, ongoing action, whereas ずるり describes a single, complete heavy slip. | ずるずる引きずる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a quick, comical slip (like on a banana peel).
Use つるっ or すってん for quick, light slips.
Applying it to light, smooth objects slipping.
ずるり requires the object to be heavy, bulky, or slightly viscous.
Examples
Examples
ズボンがずるりと下がってしまった。
ズボンがずるりとさがってしまった。
My pants slipped down heavily.
VisualFocuses on clothing slipping down slowly due to lack of hold.
手からグラスがずるりと滑り落ちた。
てからグラスがずるりとすべりおちた。
The glass slipped heavily out of my hand.
LiteralConveys the heavy, sliding motion of an object slipping from a grip.
巨大な蛇がずるりと姿を現した。
きょだいなへびがずるりとすがたをあらわした。
A giant snake slid out into view.
VisualCaptures the heavy, slightly eerie sliding motion of a large creature.
泥の中で足がずるりと滑った。
どろのなかであしがずるりとすべった。
My foot slipped heavily in the mud.
LiteralHighlights the sticky, viscous nature of mud causing a slow, heavy slip.
長いロープをずるりと引き出した。
ながいロープをずるりとひきだした。
I dragged the long rope out with a heavy slide.
LiteralDescribes the action of dragging out something long with noticeable friction.
Similar Words
つるり
tsururi
Describes something completely smooth to the touch or sliding effortlessly without friction. Smooth, frictionless slipping.
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. Continuous dragging or sliding.
Questions
What is the difference between ずるり (zururi) and つるり (tsururi)?
つるり (tsururi) describes a smooth, light slip, while ずるり (zururi) is for heavy, slow, or viscous slipping.
Can I use this when someone slips and falls on ice?
No, slipping on ice is usually つるっ (tsurut) or すってんころりん (sutten kororin). ずるり implies a slower, heavier slip.
Is this word negative?
It is neutral, but the heavy, viscous feeling can sometimes give an unappealing or eerie impression (like a snake sliding).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2853604
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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