What Is “Kuru Kuru”? The Japanese Sound of Spinning and Whirling

08/17/202510/05/2025

Have you ever seen a child twirl in place, arms outstretched?

Or a leaf spinning gently as it falls from a tree?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Kuru Kuru” (くるくる) comes in — a sound full of rotation, whirl, and playful circular motion.

Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!

Table of Contents

What is “Kuru Kuru (くるくる)”?

“Kuru Kuru” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses repeated or continuous spinning or turning — often in a small, circular motion.

It’s often light, quick, and rhythmic — not dizzying, but delightful.

You’ll hear it used to describe physical spins, swirling wind, turning objects, or even ideas that go round and round.

Pronunciation

koo-roo koo-roo
(Say it with a light, bouncy rhythm — like something spinning cheerfully in the air)

How Do You Say It?

Say it with a playful bounce:
Kuru… kuru…

Like something spinning on a breeze or turning gently in your hands:
Kuru kuru…

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: A child spinning with arms wide

She twirled in the field,
her dress fluttering in circles —
kuru kuru…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
くるくるくる・・・とてもたのしい！

Example 2: Thoughts circling in your head

He lay in bed,
ideas circling round and round —
his mind going kuru kuru.

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
あたまが、くるくるしている。

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

“Spinning around”
“Twirling”
“Going in circles”

But “kuru kuru” adds a more vivid sound-image — light, playful, and often a bit whimsical.
You’ll hear it in kids’ books, anime, daily conversation, or even cooking shows (like “whisking eggs kuru kuru!”).