Entry
ビビビッ
bibibi
This word describes a sudden strong intuition, an instant romantic connection, or a repeated electronic beeping sound.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ビビビッ is widely known for describing 'love at first sight' or that moment when you instantly click with someone (usually phrased as ビビビッとくる). It also represents the sharp, sudden moment an idea strikes you, as well as the literal repetitive beeping of digital alarms and electronic devices.
- instant connection
- electronic beeping
Sense Map
Intuition & Romance
A sudden, electrifying intuition or romantic connection.
運命だとビビビッときた。
Electronic Sound
The repeating beep of an alarm or device.
アラームがビビビッと鳴る。
Usage Note
How to Use
ビビビッとくる
Used when you instantly click with someone or when a great idea suddenly strikes you.
ビビビッと感じる
Used to describe sensing something intuitively, like a vibe, chemistry, or a warning.
ビビビッと鳴る
Used for electronic devices that emit a rapid beeping sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ビビビッとくる
to feel an instant connection / to strike an idea
ビビビッと感じる
to sense intuitively
ビビビッと鳴る
to beep rapidly
頭にビビビッとくる
to flash suddenly into one's mind
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Romance | positive | Famous for expressing 'love at first sight'. |
| Alarms | neutral | Describes a jarring, repetitive electronic alarm. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴっ ぴっ / similar | For a single, short electronic beep. | ビビビッ implies a rapid, continuous beeping sound, or it's used metaphorically for emotional connections. | ピッと鳴る |
びりびり びりびり / similar | For actual physical electric shocks or the sound of tearing paper. | ビビビッ is metaphorical for intuition or represents digital sounds, whereas ビリビリ is physical pain. | ビリビリ痺れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for physical electric shocks that hurt.
Use ビリビリ for physical electricity. ビビビッ is strictly for emotional or intuitive 'sparks'.
Using it to describe loud natural sounds.
It is specifically used for digital and electronic beeps, not for nature or acoustic sounds.
Examples
Examples
初めて会ったとき、ビビビッときました。
はじめて あった とき、ビビビッと きました。
When we first met, I felt an instant connection.
FigurativeA classic phrase for describing love at first sight.
いいアイデアが頭にビビビッとひらめいた。
いい アイデアが あたまに ビビビッと ひらめいた。
A great idea suddenly flashed into my mind.
FigurativeUsed when struck by a sudden inspiration or a brilliant idea.
スマホのタイマーがビビビッと鳴った。
スマホの タイマーが ビビビッと なった。
The smartphone timer beeped rapidly.
LiteralDescribes the literal sound of a digital alarm or electronic alert.
彼の怪しい態度に、何かおかしいとビビビッと感じた。
かれの あやしい たいどに、なにか おかしいと ビビビッと かんじた。
Seeing his suspicious attitude, I intuitively sensed something was wrong.
FigurativeDescribes a strong intuition when sensing danger or an anomaly.
その絵を見た瞬間、ビビビッとくるものがあった。
その えを みた しゅんかん、ビビビッと くる ものが あった。
The moment I saw that painting, something instantly struck a chord.
FigurativeUsed when an art piece or experience makes a strong emotional impact.
Similar Words
ピッ
pi
Used for a single, short electronic beep, compared to the rapid or repeating beep of ビビビッ.
ビリビリ
biribiri
Biribiri describes the loud sound of vigorously ripping paper or the sharp sensation of an electric shock. Used for physical electric shocks or tearing sounds, whereas ビビビッ is often used for intuitive 'sparks' or electronic beeps.
ギクッと
gikutto
Describes a sudden psychological jolt from guilt or fear, or a sharp popping sensation when a joint or back is strained.
Questions
Is ビビビッとくる only used for romantic love?
No, it is also commonly used when a sudden, brilliant idea pops into your head or when a piece of art deeply moves you.
Can I use it for the sound of thunder?
No, thunder is usually represented by ゴロゴロ (gorogoro) or ピカッ (pika - for the flash). ビビビッ is for digital devices.
What is the difference between ピッ and ビビビッ?
ピッ is a single short beep, while ビビビッ is a rapid series of continuous beeps.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2230770
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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