ぷるぷる

ぷるぷる
adverb, onomatopoeia
wobbly; jiggly; trembling
informaldescriptive
1. jiggly; wobbly; quivering
Describes a soft, watery object that quivers or jiggles when moved, like pudding, jelly, or skin with a healthy moist look. Often used positively in food and cosmetic contexts.
このゼリーはぷるぷるしている。
This jelly is wonderfully jiggly.
赤(あか)ちゃんのぷるぷるの頬(ほっぺ)が可愛(かわい)い。
The baby's plump, jiggly cheeks are adorable.
保湿(ほしつ)クリームを使(つか)い続(つづ)けたら、肌(はだ)がぷるぷるになった。
After using moisturizing cream consistently, my skin became smooth and bouncy.
2. trembling; quivering (from cold, fear, exhaustion)
Describes a small, rapid trembling of the body or limbs, typically caused by cold, fear, anger, or muscle fatigue.
寒(さむ)くて手(て)がぷるぷる震(ふる)えた。
It was cold and my hands trembled.
腕立(うでた)て伏(ふ)せの後(あと)、腕(うで)がぷるぷるして力(ちから)が入(はい)らなかった。
After the push-ups, my arms were quivering and I had no strength left.
子犬(こいぬ)が雨(あめ)に濡(ぬ)れて、隅(すみ)でぷるぷると震(ふる)えていた。
The puppy was soaked from the rain and trembling in the corner.

Onomatopoeia for a small, soft quivering. Sense 1 (food/skin) is overwhelmingly positive; sense 2 (trembling) is neutral but often suggests vulnerability.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • ぷにぷに: soft and squishy — emphasizes squishability rather than jiggling
  • ぶるぶる: shivering, shaking — bigger amplitude, often from cold or fear
  • もちもち: chewy and elastic (food, skin) — emphasizes springy resistance, not water content

Related Words

Compare: ぷにぷに (soft and squishy)
Compare: ぶるぶる (shivering, shaking)
Compare: もちもち (chewy and elastic)
Compare: ガクガク (shaking, trembling)
general
Added 2026.6.3 11:08 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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