Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Zuruzuru is a versatile word used to describe the continuous movement and sound of dragging something heavy, slipping gradually, slurping noodles loudly, or having a runny nose. Figuratively, it denotes procrastinating, dragging out time, or maintaining an inconclusive relationship because of an inability to make a clean break.
- dragging heavy objects
- situations dragging on
- slurping or sniffling sounds
Sense Map
Physical Dragging / Slipping
The action of dragging a heavy object across a surface or slipping gradually due to a loss of footing.
重い荷物をずるずると引きずる。
Dragging On
Situations, time, or relationships continuing without a clear end or resolution.
関係がずるずる続く。
Slurping / Sniffling
The continuous sound of slurping noodles, liquids, or constantly sniffling from a runny nose.
ラーメンをずるずるとすする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ずるずると + Verb
Used to modify a verb to describe an action being done continuously, such as dragging, sliding, or slurping.
ずるずる + Verb
Used without 'to' for the same continuous actions, often when describing a prolonged state or an ongoing relationship.
ずるずるな + Noun
Used to modify a noun, describing a state that is prolonged, unresolved, or physically loose.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ずるずると引きずる
to drag something heavily
鼻水がずるずる出る
to have a constantly runny nose
ずるずると長引く
to drag on or be prolonged
関係がずるずる続く
a relationship drags on inconclusively
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical movement | neutral | Implies a sense of heaviness or resistance, like friction against the ground. |
| Sounds | neutral | Suggests a continuous, often loud intake of liquid, noodles, or mucus. |
| Prolonged situations | negative | Carries a negative tone of indecision, reluctance, or lacking the willpower to end something. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐずぐず ぐずぐず / similar | Use when someone is hesitating, dawdling, or taking too long to start an action. | Focuses on procrastination and hesitation before acting, whereas zuruzuru focuses on a situation dragging on without resolution once started. | ぐずぐずしていると遅れるよ。 |
だらだら だらだら / similar | Use to describe continuous sweating/bleeding, or doing things in a lazy, unmotivated, and drawn-out manner. | Focuses on a lack of tension or sluggishness, whereas zuruzuru involves failing to make a clean break or cut ties. | だらだらと汗をかく。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using zuruzuru simply to mean moving at a slow speed like a turtle.
Zuruzuru requires the nuance of dragging, slipping, or resistance, not just slowness.
Confusing it with daradara when describing a lazy person.
Daradara focuses on a lack of energy or laziness, while zuruzuru focuses on an inability to make a clean break or decision.
Examples
Examples
重い荷物をずるずると引きずって歩いた。
おもいにもつをずるずるとひきずってあるいた。
I walked while dragging the heavy luggage.
LiteralShows the movement of dragging a heavy object with effort.
別れた後も、彼とずるずる関係が続いている。
わかれたあとも、かれとずるずるかんけいがつづいている。
Even after breaking up, my relationship with him has dragged on.
FigurativeDescribes a situation where something is not firmly ended and is left to continue.
彼は音を立ててラーメンをずるずるとすすった。
かれはおとをたててラーメンをずるずるとすすった。
He slurped the ramen loudly.
LiteralDescribes the characteristic sound of continuously slurping noodles or liquid.
風邪を引いて、鼻水がずるずる出る。
かぜをひいて、はなみずがずるずるでる。
I caught a cold and my nose is running constantly.
LiteralShows a nose that continuously produces mucus without stopping.
急な坂道で、足がずるずると滑ってしまった。
きゅうなさかみちで、あしがずるずるとすべってしまった。
On the steep slope, my feet gradually slipped downwards.
VisualDescribes the gradual slipping movement caused by a loss of footing.
Similar Words
ぐずぐず
guzuguzu
Describes a state of being slow to act due to hesitation or laziness, as well as the act of complaining or muttering. Both indicate slowness, but guzuguzu focuses on delaying before starting rather than a prolonged process.
だらだら
daradara
だらだら describes something continuing endlessly without tension, such as chilling lazily at home, a meeting dragging on, or sweat dripping continuously. Both can mean dragging on, but daradara emphasizes laziness or a lack of energy.
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.
Questions
Is it considered rude in Japan to eat noodles with a zuruzuru sound?
No, in Japan, slurping noodles is generally socially acceptable and often seen as a sign that you are enjoying the meal.
What does a zuruzuru relationship mean?
It refers to a relationship that continues out of habit, lingering affection, or indecision, even when it should probably end.
Can I use zuruzuru for the sound of crying?
Not usually for crying itself, but it perfectly describes the constant sniffling of a runny nose that accompanies crying or a cold.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006440
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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