nuzzling
鼻をすりつける
解説 Definition
動物が鼻や顔を使って相手に親密に接触させる動作。頭や顔を優しく押しつけたり、こすりつけたりする行為。
Nuzzling means gently pushing or rubbing with the nose or face, usually to show affection or seek comfort. It is often used for animals, but it can also describe tender human behavior. The word suggests a soft, close, and caring movement.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
まず nose を思い出すと覚えやすい語です。nuzzle / nuzzling は「においをかぐ」sniffing ではなく、鼻先や顔を相手に寄せて、やさしくこすりつける親密な動作。猫や犬が飼い主に甘える場面、赤ちゃんが顔をうずめる場面と結びつけると定着しやすいです。cuddle が「抱きしめる」全体動作なのに対し、nuzzle は特に鼻・顔まわりの接触に焦点があります。a dog nuzzling its owner のような形で覚えると使いどころも見えます。
Think of `nose` when you see `nuzzle`. `Nuzzling` is not just smelling; it is gentle face or nose contact, like a dog pressing against its owner. It is a warm, affectionate action, often used with pets or babies.
例文
The cat was nuzzling against her owner's hand.
猫は飼い主の手に優しく鼻をこすりつけていた。
The horses were nuzzling each other affectionately.
馬たちはお互いに親密に頭をこすりつけていた。
He was nuzzling her neck gently.
彼は彼女の首に優しく頭や顔をこすりつけていた。
nuzzling の類義語・関連語
nuzzling の語源・成り立ち Etymology
nuzzling は nuzzle「鼻先をこすりつける」の進行形で、nuzzle は nose と同系の語に、反復や親しみを帯びる -le が付いた形と考えられます。nose や nozzle と同じ鼻のイメージを持ち、「鼻で何度も触れる」が、甘えるように鼻をすりつける意味へ育ちました。
Nuzzling comes from nuzzle, which is closely connected with nose. Nuzzle likely grew from the noun nose with the frequentative ending -le, giving a sense of repeated small movements. It originally suggested touching or rubbing with the nose again and again, and later took on a gentler, affectionate feeling. Related words include nose and nozzle.
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