adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
tugging lightly; pulling repeatedly
Describes giving two or three light tugs or pushes, often with a quick, repeated motion. Mimetic word.
子供が袖をくいくいと引っ張った。
The child tugged lightly at my sleeve.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Archaic mimetic use for moping or worrying about something. Not used in modern Japanese.
古い小説では、彼は失恋をくいくいと気に病んでいた。
In an old novel, he was fretting and brooding over his lost love.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
suddenly angry; feeling a surge of anger
Archaic mimetic use for a sudden surge of anger. Not used in modern Japanese.
昔の芝居で、役者はくいくいと怒りを表した。
In an old play, the actor expressed a sudden surge of anger.