What’s the Difference Between “Zuzu” and “Zuru Zuru” in Japanese?

Ever slurped noodles just once, with a quick sip?
Or dragged a heavy bag across the floor for a long stretch?

In Japanese, these sounds are captured perfectly:

Zuzu (ずず)

Zuru Zuru (ずるずる).

What is “Zuzu” (ずず)?

• Short, light slurping or dragging sound.
• Used for: sipping noodles quickly, a shoe slipping on gravel, or a small dragging noise.
• Nuance: momentary, light, almost casual.

Example:
He leaned over the bowl and sipped the noodles — zuzu!

Pronunciation

zoo-zoo (short, clipped, quick)

What is “Zuru Zuru” (ずるずる)?

• Long, continuous slurping or dragging sound.
• Used for: slurping noodles loudly and for a long time, dragging heavy luggage, or even for runny nose sniffles.
• Nuance: ongoing, heavy, sometimes lazy or unpleasant.

Example:
He dragged the suitcase across the station floor — zuru zuru…

あわせて読みたい

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Pronunciation

zoo-roo zoo-roo (longer, stretched out, continuous)

Cultural Note

In English, you might just say “slurp” or “dragging.”
But in Japanese, the distinction is clear:

• Zuzu = short and light
• Zuru Zuru = long and continuous

That’s why in anime and manga, you’ll hear zuru zuru for an exaggerated slurp or dragging sound, while zuzu fits a quick sip or slip.

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Slurping ramen (Zuzu)

He took a small sip of noodles — zuzu!

Example 2: Slurping ramen (Zuru Zuru)

He was slurping noodles loudly and for a long time — zuru zuru…

Try Using Them!

Watching someone drag a chair noisily? → Say zuru zuru…!

Taking a quick sip of tea? → Say zuzu!