ぷるぷる

ぷるぷる
adverb
wobbly; jiggly; trembling
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.
(あか)ちゃんのぷるぷるの(ほっぺ)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)(つづ)けたら、(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.
(さむ)くて()がぷるぷる(ふる)えた。
It was cold and my hands trembled.
腕立(うでた)()せの(あと)(うで)がぷるぷるして(ちから)(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)(あめ)()れて、(すみ)でぷるぷると(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:

  • ぷるぷるの(はだ): dewy, bouncy skin
  • ぷるぷるした食感(しょっかん): a jiggly texture
  • ぷるぷる(ふる)える: to tremble slightly

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