Entry
バリン
barin
The loud, sharp sound of a hard, brittle object like thick glass or a plate violently shattering.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A Japanese onomatopoeia used to depict the sudden, forceful, and loud sound of a hard but brittle material—such as window glass, thick plates, or ice—breaking into pieces.
- The sound of thick glass or dishes shattering.
- The sound of thick ice crunching and breaking.
Sense Map
Shattering Solid Objects
Describes the loud, heavy impact noise when brittle solid items like glass or ceramics break apart.
窓ガラスがバリンと割れる。
Breaking Ice
The sharp crunching sound when a thick layer of ice is suddenly broken or cracked under pressure.
氷がバリンと割れる。
Usage Note
How to Use
バリンと + verb (割れる, 破る)
Functions as an adverb to describe exactly how an object breaks: with a loud, violent smash.
バリンと音を立てる (make a smashing sound)
Literally 'to make a barin sound.' Used to emphasize the loud noise generated by the impact.
How to Use
Common Phrases
バリンと割れる
shatter with a loud smash
バリンと音を立てる
make a loud smashing sound
窓ガラスがバリンと
window glass shattering loudly
氷がバリンと
ice breaking with a loud crunch
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| A baseball flying into a window. | negative | Conveys the shock, violence, and destructiveness of the accident. |
| Stomping on a frozen puddle. | neutral | Highlights the sudden, sharp release of tension as the hard ice gives way. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がしゃん がしゃん / similar | Use 'gashan' for heavy, metallic crashes, dropping tools, or car collisions. | Unlike 'barin', which focuses specifically on the shattering of brittle materials like glass and ceramic. | 自転車がガシャンと倒れる。 |
ぱりん ぱりん / similar | Use 'parin' for lighter, thinner glass or delicate objects breaking with a higher pitch. | Differs from 'barin', which is a louder, heavier, and more destructive shattering sound. | グラスがパリンと割れる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using バリン for breaking wood or branches.
For fibrous materials like wood, bones, or branches snapping, use 'baki' (バキッ).
Using it for a continuous grinding noise.
This word signifies a single, sudden, explosive moment of impact, not a prolonged sound.
Examples
Examples
野球のボールが当たって、窓ガラスがバリンと割れた。
やきゅうの ボールが あたって、 まどガラスが バリンと われた。
A baseball hit it, and the window glass shattered with a loud smash.
VisualDescribes the loud shattering sound of thick window glass breaking into pieces.
落とした大皿が床でバリンと音を立てた。
おとした おおざらが ゆかで バリンと おとを たてた。
The dropped large plate made a loud smashing sound on the floor.
VisualFocuses on a large or thick plate falling and breaking violently.
川にはった分厚い氷がバリンと割れた。
かわに はった ぶあつい こおりが バリンと われた。
The thick ice that formed on the river cracked with a loud smash.
VisualUsed for the sound of hard surfaces other than glass, like thick ice cracking suddenly.
泥棒が店の窓をバリンと破って侵入した。
どろぼうが みせの まどを バリンと やぶって しんにゅうした。
The thief smashed the store window violently and broke in.
LiteralShows the deliberate act of smashing (破る) accompanied by a loud noise.
落としたスマホの画面がバリンと割れてしまった。
おとした スマホの がめんが バリンと われて しまった。
The screen of the dropped smartphone shattered with a crunch.
VisualThis word is also frequently used when device screens are badly cracked or smashed upon impact.
Similar Words
パリン
parin
A lighter, higher-pitched sound of thin glass breaking.
ガシャン
gashan
The loud, sharp sound of hard objects like glass, ceramics, or metal shattering or colliding. Heavy metallic crash or collision sound.
バリバリ
baribari
バリバリ describes doing something with intense energy and force, such as working highly effectively, tearing things roughly, or eating hard food with a loud crunch.
Questions
What is the difference between バリン (barin) and パリン (parin)?
Both describe breaking. パリン (parin) is higher-pitched and lighter (like a thin wine glass breaking), while バリン (barin) is heavier and louder (like thick window glass or a heavy plate).
Can I use バリン to describe ripping a piece of clothing?
No. For tearing paper or fabric, you should use ビリビリ (biribiri).
Is this considered giongo or gitaigo?
It is a giongo (phonomime) because it directly imitates an actual physical sound heard in the real world.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2429720
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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