Meaning and Usage
The verb 滑る (すべる) primarily means "to slip" or "to slide." It is commonly used to describe physical slipping on surfaces like ice, floors, or wet roads.
Figurative Use
滑る is also used figuratively to mean "to fail" or "to flop," especially in contexts like exams, performances, or jokes. For example, "テストで滑る" means to fail a test.
Common Collocations
- 滑りやすい (すべりやすい): slippery, used to describe surfaces prone to slipping.
- 滑るのが上手 (すべるのがじょうず): good at sliding or skating.
- 話が滑る (はなしがすべる): a joke or story that falls flat.
Register and Nuance
滑る is a neutral verb used in both casual and formal contexts. When used figuratively, it often conveys disappointment or failure.
Learner Tip
Be careful not to confuse 滑る with 転ぶ (ころぶ), which means "to fall down." 滑る focuses on the slipping action, while 転ぶ emphasizes the act of falling.