つるつる

Alternative writings: ツルツル
Frequency:
1

smooth and shiny (describes a sleek, glossy surface).

Na-AdjectiveNoun Taking 'の'AdverbIrregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

このテーブルはよく磨いてあってつるつるだ。

This table is well polished and smooth.

彼女の肌はつるつるで赤ちゃんみたいだ。

Her skin is smooth like a baby's.

新しい床はつるつるして歩きにくい。

The new floor is so smooth that it's hard to walk on.

2

slippery; greasy (describes something difficult to grip or that causes slipping).

Na-AdjectiveNoun Taking 'の'AdverbIrregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

雨で路面がつるつるになっているから気をつけて。

Be careful—the road is slippery from the rain.

油っぽい食器はつるつるして洗いにくい。

Greasy dishes are slippery and hard to wash.

3

slurping (sound of sucking up noodles); an onomatopoeia for slurping noodles.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

冬はラーメンをつるつるとすするのが好きだ。

In winter I like to slurp ramen.

お箸でつるつると麺をすくって食べる。

I pick up the noodles with chopsticks and slurp them.

Word Relationships