ちょろちょろ
ちょろちょろ
adverb
trickling, in a trickle; scurrying about
1.
trickling, in a trickle
Describes a small amount of water flowing continuously in a thin stream.
蛇口から水がちょろちょろ流れている。
Water is trickling from the faucet.
小川がちょろちょろと音を立てて流れている。
The stream flows with a trickling sound.
2.
scurrying about, darting around
Describes small creatures or children moving quickly in various directions.
子供たちがちょろちょろ走り回っている。
The children are scurrying about.
ネズミがちょろちょろと逃げていった。
The mouse scurried away.
SOUND SYMBOLISM: The repeated ちょろ sounds evoke the image of something small moving or flowing in quick, light movements.
VERB FORMS:
- ちょろちょろ流れる (to trickle)
- ちょろちょろ動く (to scurry around)
- ちょろちょろする (to dart about - often annoying)
NUANCE: When describing children or animals moving around, can imply slight annoyance at the restless movement.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- さらさら: Flowing smoothly (larger volume, pleasant)
- ぽたぽた: Dripping (drops rather than stream)
- ちょこちょこ: Moving in small quick steps (often for children)