What Is “Uru Uru”? The Japanese Sound of Teary-Eyed Emotion

Ever had that moment when your eyes well up — but tears don’t quite fall?

Or when you’re deeply moved by something… and your vision blurs with emotion?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Uru Uru” steps in — a sound filled with tenderness, vulnerability, and the shimmer of unshed tears.

Let’s start by listening to the sound itself!

What is “Uru Uru” (うるうる)?

“Uru Uru” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses watery, tear-filled eyes.

It captures the moment just before someone cries — full of emotion, but holding back.

This sound reflects a glistening, emotional state — often seen in anime, children’s stories, or heartfelt moments in real life.

It can come from joy, sadness, gratitude, or even when someone is about to cry out of frustration.

Pronunciation

oo-roo oo-roo
(Say it softly and tremulously — like a voice trembling with held-back tears)

Categories

Reaction / Visual

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What Does “Uru Uru” Look Like?

It looks like:

That one moment before the tears fall

Eyes glistening in candlelight

A puppy looking up after being scolded

How Do You Say It?

Say it gently, as if your voice is about to crack:
Uru… uru…

Like light reflecting off water, or the feeling when your heart gets tight with emotion.

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Watching a touching movie

She reached for a tissue,
eyes shining with unshed tears —
feeling so uru uru…

Example 2: Child holding back tears

He scraped his knee but didn’t cry,
his eyes filled with watery emotion —
just uru uru…

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

• “Tears welled up in her eyes.”
• “He was on the verge of tears.”
• “Her eyes shimmered with emotion.”

But “uru uru” in Japanese delivers all of that in just one vivid sound — soft, emotional, and deeply expressive.

You’ll see it in manga, anime, and real-life expressions, especially when someone is touched, embarrassed, or trying to be strong.

Watch & Feel the “Uru Uru” World!

Feel the “Uru Uru” — Tender, Teary-Eyed Emotion

See how delicate feelings rise to the surface without spilling over.

A shimmering world of gentle vulnerability and emotional warmth.

Try Using It!

When your eyes tear up during a movie…
When your child tries to be brave after getting hurt…
When you feel so grateful it almost brings you to tears…

Say it quietly:
Uru uru…