Entry
バラバラ
barabara
Describes a state of being scattered, broken into separate pieces, or lacking unity among a group.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used when something that is usually a whole is separated into many parts. It applies to physical objects that are dismantled or smashed, people who are dispersed, or abstract things like opinions that are not unified.
- Physical fragmentation of objects or components.
- Social or abstract lack of unity or cohesion.
- Sound and manner of heavy objects or large drops falling.
Sense Map
Physical & Mechanical
Objects broken into fragments or machine parts that have been taken apart.
機械をバラバラに分解する。
Social & Abstract
People living separately or a group where everyone has a different opinion.
みんなの意見がバラバラだ。
Environment & Sound
Large drops of rain or small objects falling noisily and sporadically.
大粒の雨가バラバラ降ってくる。
Usage Note
How to Use
バラバラになる
Used to describe a spontaneous change into a scattered or broken state.
バラバラにする
Used when someone intentionally breaks or disassembles something into pieces.
バラバラの + [noun]
Functions as an adjective to describe a noun that is currently in a scattered state.
バラバラに + [verb]
Functions as an adverb to describe how an action is performed in a scattered or non-uniform way.
How to Use
Common Phrases
バラバラになる
to fall apart / to become scattered
バラバラに分解する
to disassemble into pieces
意見がバラバラ
conflicting/diverse opinions
バラバラな家族
a family living apart
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Broken objects | neutral | Simply describes the physical state of fragmentation. |
| Human relationships | negative | Suggests a lack of harmony or a group that has failed to stay united. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱらぱら ぱらぱら / nearby | Used for light sprinkling or small, sparse amounts being scattered. | Barabara implies larger parts, heavier sounds, or a more total state of fragmentation. | 雨がぱらぱら降る。 |
ばらり ばらり / nearby | Used for a single, sudden action of scattering or falling apart. | Barabara emphasizes a repetitive sound or a lasting state of being in pieces. | 手紙の束がばらりと落ちる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using barabara for light drizzle.
Use parapara for light rain. Barabara is for heavy rain with large, noisy drops.
Thinking barabara always means 'broken' as in 'non-functional'.
It often just means 'dismantled' or 'not together'. A machine can be barabara but its parts are fine.
Examples
Examples
落とした茶碗が床でバラバラに割れてしまった。
おとしたちゃわんがゆかでバラバラにわれてしまった。
The dropped bowl shattered into pieces on the floor.
LiteralDescribes physical destruction of an object into many fragments.
このプロジェクトは、メンバーの意見がバラバラで進まない。
このプロジェクトは、メンバーのいけんがバラバラですすまない。
This project isn't progressing because the members' opinions are all over the place.
FigurativeIndicates a lack of agreement or unity within a group.
窓の外で、急に大粒の雨がバラバラと降り出した。
まどのそとで、きゅうにおおつぶのあめがバラバラとふりだした。
Outside the window, large drops of rain suddenly started falling noisily.
VisualEmphasizes large droplets and the heavy sound they make.
卒業してから、仲の良かった友達も今はバラバラだ。
そつぎょうしてから、なかのよかったともだちもいまはバラバラだ。
Since graduation, even the friends who were close are now all scattered.
FigurativeRefers to people living in different places or drifting apart.
中身を確認するために、古い時計をバラバラに分解した。
なかみをかくにんするために、ふるいとけいをバラバラにぶんかいした。
I disassembled the old watch into pieces to check the inside.
LiteralUsed for intentional disassembly of mechanical objects.
Similar Words
ばらり
barari
The action of scattering in a single, sudden motion.
Questions
What is the difference between barabara and parapara?
Barabara is used for larger items, heavier rain, and total fragmentation. Parapara is for light rain, thin scattering, or flipping pages.
Can barabara be used for emotions?
Not directly for internal feelings, but it is often used for disorganized thoughts or conflicting opinions.
Is the Kanji 薔薇薔薇 actually used?
Rarely. These characters mean 'rose', so using them for 'scattered' is usually a pun or non-standard stylistic choice.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010320
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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