すれすれ
Meanings
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
grazing; skimming; almost touching
Describes something passing extremely close to a surface or object, often with a sense of near-contact. Used as a noun or adjectival noun (〜の/〜な).
A bird was flying just above the water's surface.
The car was parked almost touching the wall.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
barely; narrowly; by a slim margin
Indicates that a limit or threshold was barely met or avoided, often used with numbers or standards. Common in expressions like 合格すれすれ (barely passed) or 締め切りすれすれ (just before the deadline).
He passed the exam by a slim margin.
I submitted the report just before the deadline.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に〈物〉がすれすれで触れるfor one thing to almost touch another as it passes
The ball just grazed past without hitting the ceiling.
- 〈場所〉をすれすれに飛ぶto fly skimming very low over a place
The plane flew skimming just above the sea's surface.
- 〈事〉すれすれの行為an act that borders on being improper or illegal
His methods were an act that skirted right along the edge of the law.
- すれすれで〈動詞〉to just barely manage to do something
I submitted it right at the very last moment before the deadline.