Entry
ばらり
barari
ばらり describes something suddenly scattering, coming loose, or snapping in a single, abrupt motion.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word is used when small objects scatter or fall, when something tied (like hair or string) suddenly unravels, or when a thread snaps. The voiced 'ba' sound implies that the objects involved have some weight or substance, distinguishing it from the lighter unvoiced 'parari'.
- Scattering or dropping
- Coming loose
- Snapping abruptly
Sense Map
Scattering/Sprinkling
Used when small items fall or scatter sporadically in one motion.
硬貨がばらりと落ちる。
Coming Loose
Used when something tied (such as hair or clothes) suddenly unravels.
髪がばらりとほどける。
Snapping/Breaking
Used when a string, thread, or cord breaks abruptly.
糸がばらりと切れる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ばらりと + verb (落ちる, ほどける, etc.)
Describes the manner in which something falls, unravels, or snaps abruptly.
ばらり + to + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
ばらりと落ちる
to fall and scatter
ばらりとほどける
to suddenly come loose
ばらりと切れる
to snap abruptly
ばらりと崩れる
to suddenly crumble
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hair or knots coming undone | Neutral | Evokes the sudden, unprompted loosening of something that was bound together. |
| String or thread snapping | Neutral | Highlights the abrupt moment the tension breaks. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱらり ぱらり / similar | For lighter or thinner objects, like falling leaves, light rain, or turning a single page. | ばらり implies a bit more weight, volume, or coarseness. | 本をぱらりとめくる。 |
ぷつん ぷつん / similar | When focusing strictly on the sound or moment a taut thread or tension snaps. | ばらり can also mean unraveling or scattering, whereas プツン is strictly for a tight snap or breaking off. | 糸がプツンと切れた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for continuous heavy rain.
ばらり is for sporadic, sudden scattering in one moment, not a continuous heavy downfall.
Confusing it with ばらばら (barabara).
ばらばら describes the resulting scattered or messy state, while ばらり focuses on the sudden, single moment of the action.
Examples
Examples
鞄から硬貨がばらりと落ちた。
かばんからこうかがばらりとおちた。
Coins fell out of the bag and scattered.
VisualCoins have some weight, making ばらり appropriate for describing how they scatter.
まとめていた髪がばらりとほどけた。
まとめていたかみがばらりとほどけた。
Her tied-up hair suddenly came loose.
VisualDescribes the sudden, complete unraveling of tied hair in a single moment.
積み上げられた本がばらりと崩れ落ちた。
つみあげられたほんがばらりとくずれおちた。
The stack of books came tumbling down.
VisualIllustrates the sudden collapse and scattering of something stacked.
張り詰めていた糸がばらりと切れた。
はりつめていたいとがばらりときれた。
The taut thread snapped abruptly.
Visualばらり is used for the sudden snapping of a tense thread.
服のボタンがバラリと外れた。
ふくのぼたんがバラリとはずれた。
The button on the shirt suddenly came undone.
VisualWritten in katakana (バラリ) to emphasize the visual or auditory impact.
Similar Words
プツン
putsun
Putsun describes the sudden, sharp snapping of something thin and taut, or the abrupt termination of an ongoing state. Focuses strictly on the snapping of a taut string.
ぱらぱら
parapara
Describes light scattered drops of rain, the quick sound of flipping through pages, or a loose, non-sticky texture like perfect fried rice.
バラバラ
barabara
Describes a state of being scattered, broken into separate pieces, or lacking unity among a group.
ぱらっと
paratto
This word describes a brief, light action such as quickly flipping through a book, lightly sprinkling seasoning, or a sudden, sparse fall of rain.
プツリ
putsuri
Describes a string snapping suddenly or a communication cutting off abruptly.
ぱらり
parari
Describes something small or light falling sparsely, or being sprinkled gently in a brief action. Lighter unvoiced counterpart, used for thinner or lighter objects.
Questions
What is the difference between ばらり (barari) and ぱらり (parari)?
ばらり (barari) sounds heavier or more substantial (like coins dropping), while ぱらり (parari) is for very light things like single sheets of paper or light raindrops.
Is it common in everyday Japanese speech?
It is more of a literary or written word, often used in descriptive texts or novels rather than casual daily conversation.
Can I use it for dropping a glass?
No, for breaking glass, 'gashan' (がしゃん) or 'parin' (パリン) is better. ばらり is specifically for things that scatter or unravel.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2857935
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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