ずるずる

Alternative writings: ズルズル
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

Onomatopoeia for dragging a large or heavy object slowly while it scrapes along the ground.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

古いソファをドアまでずるずる引きずった。

We dragged the old sofa to the door.

箱を床にずるずる擦りながら動かした。

I moved the box by dragging it across the floor.

2

Indicates something changing gradually or slipping/declining little by little.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

売り上げがずるずると落ちているので対策が必要だ。

Sales have been slipping gradually, so we need countermeasures.

休んでいる間に体重がずるずる増えた。

During my break, my weight slowly crept up.

3

Dragging on interminably; being put off and continued without resolution.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

会議がずるずる長引いて、終電に間に合わなかった。

The meeting dragged on and I missed the last train.

あのプロジェクトはずるずる先延ばしにされている。

That project has been postponed again and again.

4

Onomatopoeia for slurping or sniffling; used for the sound of slurping noodles or sniffing a runny nose.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼は風邪で鼻をずるずるさせていた。

He was sniffling because of a cold.

熱いうどんをずるずるすすって食べた。

I slurped the hot udon.

5

Used adjectivally to describe something loose, lax, inconclusive, or unresolved.

Na-AdjectiveOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

交渉はずるずるしたまま決着がつかない。

The negotiations remain unresolved and dragging on.

彼の態度はどこかずるずるしていて信頼できない。

His attitude is somewhat slippery and can't be trusted.