とろとろ

Alternative writings: トロトロ
Frequency:
1

sticky, syrupy, or pulpy in texture; describing something viscous or thick.

Na-AdjectiveAdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

このソースはとろとろしていてパンにつけるとおいしい。

This sauce is thick and syrupy — it's delicious on bread.

煮詰めてとろとろになったジャムを瓶に入れる。

I put the jam, reduced until it was thick and pulpy, into jars.

チーズがとろとろに溶けているピザが好きだ。

I like pizza with cheese that has melted into a gooey, syrupy texture.

2

gently or weakly (of a flame); to simmer slowly — describing a low, steady heat or slow boiling.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Noun Taking 'の'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

弱火でとろとろ煮込むと、スープの味がよく出る。

If you simmer on low heat, the soup's flavor comes out well.

とろとろとした炎でじっくり焼いてください。

Please grill it slowly over a gentle flame.

ジャガイモがとろとろになるまで煮る。

Cook the potatoes until they're soft and tender throughout.

3

dozing off; nodding off — used to describe light sleepiness or drifting in and out of sleep.

Adverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

授業中にとろとろしないで、ちゃんと聞きなさい。

Don't doze off during class — listen properly.

眠くてとろとろしていたが、コーヒーで目が覚めた。

I was dozing, but coffee woke me up.

4

sluggishly; dawdling; moving slowly or without energy — can imply a lack of efficiency.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

とろとろ歩いていると、集合時間に遅れるよ。

If you dawdle along, you'll be late for the meeting time.

仕事をとろとろ進めていると、締め切りに間に合わない。

If you work sluggishly, you won't make the deadline.

朝からとろとろしている子どもを起こした。

I woke the child who was dawdling around since morning.