Ever seen a fish glide through water with no resistance?
Or someone finish their tasks one after another, as if there were no obstacles?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Sui Sui” comes in — a sound full of ease, flow, and light movement.
What is “Sui Sui”?
“Sui Sui” (すいすい) is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses smooth, uninterrupted motion — whether it’s physical movement or progress in work or thought.
It’s the opposite of struggle. It describes lightness, flow, and effortlessness.
You’ll see it used for people, animals, vehicles, or even tasks that go surprisingly well.
Pronunciation
soo-ee soo-ee
(Say it softly and evenly — like gliding across a calm surface)
Categories
Movement / Impression / Condition
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: A fish swimming in clear water
The little fish swam through the stream,
its fins fluttering gently —
sui sui…
Example 2: Finishing work smoothly
He answered all the emails,
updated the files,
and completed the report —
all before noon.
It went sui sui!
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “It went smoothly.”
- “He breezed through it.”
- “She glided along.”
But in Japanese, “sui sui” gives a more vivid, almost sound-and-motion-based image of light, fluid progress.
You’ll hear it in conversation, children’s books, anime, or even commercials.
It’s the sound of no resistance.
How Do You Say It?
Say it gently, with a flowing rhythm:
Sui… sui…
Like something dancing through the air or water:
Sui sui…
What Does “Sui Sui” Look Like?
It looks like ripples in a pond.
Like a bike coasting downhill.
Like someone typing without stopping once.
Watch & Feel the “Sui Sui” World!
Feel the “Sui Sui” — Effortless Motion
Experience the lightness of “sui sui” through a scene where everything flows just right.
No bumps. No hesitations. Just smooth movement.
The world is gliding.
Try Using It!
When your commute is super smooth…
When your ideas flow effortlessly onto the page…
When you’re cooking dinner and everything just clicks…
Say it with a smile:
Sui sui〜
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