ぬいぐるみ
nuigurumi
The English phrase "stuffed animal" is translated into Japanese as ぬいぐるみ (nuigurumi).
The term ぬいぐるみ refers to a soft plush toy. While English speakers often specify "stuffed animal," the Japanese term is used more broadly for any soft toy, even if the toy is shaped like an object rather than an animal.
Meaning: soft toy in the form of an animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ぬいぐるみ is composed of ぬい, meaning to sew and ぐるみ, meaning wrapping or covering.
How do you pronounce it?
nuigurumi
Did you know?
- There is a cultural phenomenon in Japan known as 'nuigurumi kuyo', where people hold ceremonies to respectfully retire or 'bury' old stuffed animals that have been worn out.
- Japan has specialized 'hospital' services where professionals perform surgery on nuigurumi to repair tears and replace stuffing for grieving owners.
- In Japan, nuigurumi are often used in 'character' culture to create life-sized mascots that perform in parades and promotional events.
Examples in context
- 私の妹はぬいぐるみが大好きです。My younger sister loves stuffed animals.
- このぬいぐるみはとてもふわふわしています。Kono nuigurumi wa totemo fuwafuwa shite imasu.This stuffed animal is very fluffy.
- 子供はクマのぬいぐるみが大好きです。Kodomo wa kuma no nuigurumi ga daisuki desu.The child loves bear stuffed animals.
- 新しいぬいぐるみをプレゼントしました。Atarashii nuigurumi o purezento shimashita.I gave a new stuffed animal as a gift.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are looking at toys in a shop.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、どのぬいぐるみが一番好き？Himari, dono nuigurumi ga ichiban suki?Himari, which stuffed animal do you like best?
- 陽葵 Himari私はこのクマのぬいぐるみがいいな。Watashi wa kono kuma no nuigurumi ga ii na.I think I want this bear stuffed animal.
- 陽太 Yota本当に可愛いね。プレゼントにしようか。Hontō ni kawaii ne. Purezento ni shiyō ka.It really is cute. Shall we get it as a gift?
- 陽葵 Himariわあ、ありがとう！嬉しい！Wā, arigatō! Ureshii!Wow, thank you! I'm so happy!
