ゆらゆら
ゆらゆら
adverb, verb (suru)
swaying, wavering
1.
swaying, wavering
Describing a slow, gentle swinging or rocking motion.
炎がゆらゆら揺れている。
The flame is wavering.
船がゆらゆらと揺れた。
The boat swayed gently.
水面にゆらゆら映る影。
Shadows wavering on the water's surface.
ろうそくの火がゆらゆらと光っている。
The candle flame is flickering gently.
風に吹かれて、木の枝がゆらゆらと揺れていた。
Blown by the wind, the tree branches were swaying gently.
ゆらゆら is an onomatopoeic (mimetic) word describing slow, gentle, rhythmic swaying or wavering motion.
USAGE:
- As adverb: ゆらゆら揺れる (to sway gently)
- With する: ゆらゆらする (to be swaying)
- With と: ゆらゆらと (more literary)
TYPICAL SUBJECTS:
- 炎がゆらゆら: flames flickering
- 船がゆらゆら: boat rocking gently
- 影がゆらゆら: shadows wavering
- 水草がゆらゆら: water plants swaying
RELATED:
揺れる (to shake/sway) is the related verb. ゆらゆら emphasizes the slow, gentle, back-and-forth quality of the motion.