SHITTO-RI しっとり
Meanings
1. Describes moisture being lightly and pleasantly distributed throughout something, leaving it soft and properly hydrated rather than wet.
2. Describes a quiet, calm, tasteful, or mellow atmosphere or manner.
Examples
1. This cake has an exquisite moist texture.
このケーキはしっとりした舌触りが絶品だ。
1. I have dry skin, so I never skip lotion and moisturizer—I want soft, well-hydrated skin.
乾燥肌の私は、化粧水や乳液でのケアを欠かさずしっとりした肌を手に入れたい。
2. She sang the ballad in a soft, mellow style.
バラードをしっとり歌った。
Dogmatic Opinion
SHITTO-RI is basically a pleasant and desirable state.
For skin, perhaps the ideal is SHITTO-RI and SUBE-SUBE: moisturized and smooth. I imagine the feel of high-quality silk, a baby’s skin, or cheesecake.
The word can describe something containing just the right amount of moisture, but it also extends to soft texture and to a quiet, composed atmosphere. It does not simply mean “wet.” There is usually a sense of comfort, quality, or attractiveness in the moisture or softness.
Proximate Expression
moist
dewy
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
The English word depends entirely on the noun. Cake can be moist; skin moisturized, hydrated, or soft; music and atmosphere soft, mellow, subdued, or intimate. SHITTO-RI is usually positive. Compare JITTO-RI, which tends to make the moisture feel heavier, stickier, or less pleasant.
