How to Say "Slimy" in Japanese

ぬるぬる

The English word "slimy" is translated into Japanese as ぬるぬる.

Meaning: like slime, glutinous (adj)

Which one should you use?

While ぬるぬる describes a slippery or slimy texture (like a frog), べたべた is used for a sticky or tacky texture (like glue or sweat).

To express the state of being slimy, the onomatopoeic word ぬるぬる is followed by the auxiliary verb している.

If you describe a facial cleanser as ぬるぬる, you are emphasizing its moisturizing, lubricating properties. In a beauty context, this is a desirable feature rather than a gross one.
The word ぬるぬる can be used to describe the way a person moves or behaves, implying they are slick or untrustworthy, much like the English expression 'slippery customer'.
The word ぬるぬる is part of a large category of Japanese words called 'ideophones' that mimic sensations. These are not just sounds, but also describe textures, movements, and even psychological states.

カエルはぬるぬるしてる。
Frogs are slimy.
This sentence is useful for showing how to use ぬるぬる to describe a frog.
Tatoeba #12703139 by small_snow, translation #11394134 by ddnktr
この海藻はぬるぬるしている。
Kono kaisou wa nurunuru shite iru.
This seaweed is slimy.
手がぬるぬるして気持ち悪い。
Te ga nurunuru shite kimochi warui.
My hands are slimy and it feels gross.

Kenta and Yui are washing vegetables in the kitchen.

結衣 Yui

この野菜、ぬるぬるするね。
Kono yasai, nurunuru suru ne.
These vegetables are slimy, aren't they?
健太 Kenta

本当だ。しっかり洗わないと。
Hontou da. Shikkari arawanai to.
You're right. We need to wash them well.
結衣 Yui

健太君、手が滑らないように気をつけて。
Kenta-kun, te ga suberanai you ni ki o tsukete.
Kenta, be careful so your hands don't slip.
健太 Kenta

わかった、大丈夫だよ。
Wakatta, daijoubu da yo.
Got it, I'll be fine.

Sources

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