すべすべ
すべすべ
adverb
smooth (to the touch); silky
1.
smooth; silky
Describes a surface that is pleasantly smooth to the touch, like skin after moisturizing or polished wood.
赤ちゃんの肌はすべすべだ。
A baby's skin is smooth.
このクリームを塗ると肌がすべすべになる。
When you apply this cream, your skin becomes smooth.
すべすべした生地のシャツが好きだ。
I like shirts made of smooth fabric.
すべすべ is an onomatopoeic word (擬態語) expressing a pleasant smooth texture. It always carries a positive connotation, describing surfaces that feel good to touch.
USAGE:
すべすべ functions as a na-adjective and can also be used with する:
- すべすべな肌 / すべすべの肌: smooth skin
- すべすべした生地: smooth fabric (した form as modifier)
- すべすべする: to feel smooth
- すべすべになる: to become smooth
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
Most often used to describe skin or fabric:
- 肌がすべすべ: skin is smooth
- すべすべの手触り: smooth feel/texture
SIMILAR WORDS:
- つるつる: smooth and slippery (can imply difficulty gripping; also used for bald heads)
- さらさら: smooth and flowing (like dry hair or fine powder)
- すべすべ focuses specifically on pleasant tactile smoothness