しゅっと

しゅっと
adverb, onomatopoeia
sleekly; swiftly; in a slim and sharp manner
informalappearancemovement
1. sleekly; in a slim, refined, sharp manner
Describes something or someone with clean, slender lines and an air of refined sharpness. Especially common in Kansai dialect as a compliment for a person's slim, attractive appearance or stylish bearing.
しゅっとした人(ひと)やね。
They're a sleek, good-looking person, aren't they. (Kansai)
しゅっとした顔立(かおだ)ちで背(せ)も高(たか)い。
They have sharp features and are tall.
あのモデルはしゅっとしたスタイルで人気(にんき)がある。
That model is popular for their sleek figure.
2. swiftly; with a quick, smooth motion
Describes a rapid, smooth movement — something darting past, a spray being released, or a quick flick of the wrist.
猫(ねこ)がしゅっと走(はし)り去(さ)った。
The cat darted away swiftly.
スプレーをしゅっとかける。
To give a quick spray.
刀(かたな)をしゅっと抜(ぬ)いた。
He drew the sword in one swift motion.

A mimetic word (onomatopoeia/phenomime) that evokes the image of something slim, sharp, and streamlined. The し sound and the abrupt っと ending together suggest clean, decisive lines or motion.

Sense 1 (sleek appearance) is strongly associated with Kansai dialect and has spread nationally through TV and media. しゅっとした人(ひと) is a common compliment meaning someone looks slim, sharp-featured, and stylish. It is primarily used as a positive description.

Sense 2 (swift motion) is more broadly used across Japan and mimics the sound of something moving quickly through the air.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • すらっと: slender, willowy — emphasizes tall, thin proportions; しゅっと adds a sense of sharpness and style
  • しゅっ: the base sound, sometimes used alone for the swift-motion sense
  • さっと: quickly, swiftly — a broader term for quick action without the sleek, sharp nuance

Related Words

Compare: すらっと (slender, willowy)
Compare: さっと (quickly, swiftly)
general
Added 2026.4.18 5:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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