Entry
ベリベリ
beriberi
ベリベリ describes the loud, rough sound of peeling off strong adhesives like duct tape, wallpaper, or Velcro.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This onomatopoeia represents the continuous ripping or peeling sound of thick materials being separated. The voiced 'b' sound implies heavy resistance and a louder noise compared to the lighter 'periperi' (ペリペリ).
- peeling strong tape
- pulling Velcro
Sense Map
Peeling Strong Adhesives
Used when peeling off something strongly adhered, such as duct tape, wallpaper, or strong stickers.
ガムテープをベリベリと剥がす。
Pulling Velcro
Describes the distinct sound of pulling apart hook-and-loop (Velcro) fasteners.
マジックテープをベリベリと引き剥がす。
Usage Note
How to Use
ベリベリと + verb
The most common pattern, used before verbs like 剥がす (peel off) to describe how the action is performed.
ベリベリ + verb
A form without the particle と, often used in casual conversation.
ベリベリ音がする
Combined with 音がする (to make a sound) to describe that the loud peeling sound is actually being heard.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ベリベリと剥がす
to peel off loudly
ベリベリとめくる
to tear off or flip (a sticker/cover)
ベリベリ音がする
to make a loud ripping sound
ベリベリと引き剥がす
to tear away or forcefully peel off
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Opening online shopping boxes | neutral | Very common when describing the sound of ripping duct tape off a cardboard delivery box. |
| Velcro wallets | neutral | Often used to describe the loud, sometimes embarrassing sound of opening a Velcro wallet in a quiet place. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺりぺり ぺりぺり / similar | For peeling off thin stickers or weakly adhered items. | Not used for strong duct tape or thick materials. | シールをペリペリと剥がす。 |
びりびり びりびり / similar | For tearing paper or cloth. | This is the sound of destroying or tearing a material, not separating an adhesive. | 紙をビリビリに破く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for tearing a piece of paper.
Use 'biribiri' for tearing paper. 'Beriberi' is specifically for peeling off adhesives.
Using it for the sound of taking off normal clothes.
Only use it if the clothes or shoes have Velcro fasteners.
Examples
Examples
ガムテープをベリベリと剥がして、ダンボールを開けた。
ガムテープをベリベリとはがして、ダンボールをあけた。
I peeled off the duct tape with a loud ripping sound and opened the cardboard box.
LiteralUsed when peeling off tightly adhered duct tape from a cardboard box.
マジックテープを剥がすと、ベリベリと大きな音がする。
マジックテープをはがすと、ベリベリとおおきなおとがする。
When you peel off Velcro, it makes a loud ripping sound.
LiteralExpresses the noisy sound made when peeling off Velcro.
リフォームのために、古い壁紙をベリベリと剥がした。
リフォームのために、ふるいかべがみをベリベリとはがした。
For the renovation, I forcefully peeled off the old wallpaper.
LiteralUsed for forcefully ripping off materials attached to a surface.
届いた小包の送り状をベリベリとめくった。
とどいたこづつみのおくりじょうをベリベリとめくった。
I peeled the shipping label off the parcel that arrived with a ripping sound.
LiteralDescribes the rough peeling of a shipping label, implying strong adhesive.
靴の面ファスナーをベリベリと外して脱いだ。
くつのめんファスナーをベリベリとはずしてぬいだ。
I pulled apart the hook-and-loop fasteners on my shoes and took them off.
LiteralVelcro is formally called 'men-fasunā' in Japanese, but the sound remains exactly the same.
Similar Words
ペリペリ
periperi
ペリペリ describes the light, continuous sound and action of peeling off a thin adhesive or tearing along a perforated line. For thin stickers or light peeling sounds.
ビリビリ
biribiri
Biribiri describes the loud sound of vigorously ripping paper or the sharp sensation of an electric shock. For tearing paper or cloth, not for separating adhesives.
べりっと
beritto
The sound and action of forcefully peeling off something firmly stuck (like tape or Velcro) in a single quick motion.
Questions
What is the difference between 'biribiri' and 'beriberi'?
'Biribiri' is used for tearing paper or cloth, while 'beriberi' is used exclusively for peeling off adhesives like tape.
When should I use 'periperi' instead of 'beriberi'?
Use 'periperi' for things that peel easily, like thin stickers. 'Beriberi' implies a much stronger adhesive and a louder ripping sound.
Does 'beriberi' mean Velcro?
Technically, it is the onomatopoeia for the sound it makes. However, because the association is so strong, Japanese people sometimes jokingly refer to Velcro fasteners as 'beriberi'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2856816
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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