くるくる

くるくる
adverb
spinning; whirling; round and round
descriptive
1. spinning; whirling; round and round
Describes continuous circular or spinning motion.
コマがくるくる回(まわ)っている。
The top is spinning round and round.
風(かぜ)で葉(は)っぱがくるくる舞(ま)っている。
The leaves are swirling in the wind.
ラップをくるくる巻(ま)いた。
I rolled up the plastic wrap round and round.
2. curly; in curls
Describes hair or other things that form tight curls.
彼女(かのじょ)はくるくるの髪(かみ)をしている。
She has curly hair.
くるくるした巻(ま)き毛(げ)がかわいい。
The curly ringlets are cute.
くるくるパーマをかけた。
I got a tight perm.

くるくる is a mimetic word (擬態語(ぎたいご)) describing light, continuous spinning or circular motion. Also describes tight curls.

Common patterns

Usage

Can function as an adverb (くるくる回(まわ)る), a noun modifier (くるくるの髪(かみ)), or with と (くるくると舞(ま)う). Implies light, quick, pleasant rotation.

Similar words

  • ぐるぐる: spinning (heavier, often implies dizziness or being wrapped tightly)
  • くるりと: a single spin or turn (one rotation)
  • くるくる: continuous, light spinning (multiple rotations)

Related Words

Synonym: ぐるぐる (spinning (heavier))
Related: 回(まわ)る (to spin, rotate)
Compare: ぐるぐる回(まわ)る (to spin round and round)
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.10.3 16:38
05000/05352_kurukuru