Entry
びらびら
birabira
Describes the fluttering, flapping, or dangling movement of relatively thick or heavy materials like cloth, tarps, or cardboard.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Represents the sound or visual state of something flat but relatively thick catching the wind. Unlike words for light or elegant fluttering, it implies a certain weight or clunkiness, often used for heavy fabrics, peeling posters, or torn hems dangling loosely.
- Fluttering of thick objects
- Dangling torn edges
Sense Map
Fluttering & Flapping
Used for the flapping movement of heavier flat materials (like thick cloth or heavy paper) blowing in the wind.
布が風でびらびらする。
Dangling
Used to describe something peeling off, torn, or hanging loosely in an untidy dangling state.
ポスターが剥がれてびらびらしている。
Usage Note
How to Use
びらびらする
Used as a verb to indicate that something is fluttering, flapping, or dangling.
びらびらした + noun
Used to modify a noun, describing an object that has a dangling or flapping part.
びらびらと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how something moves or sways in the wind.
How to Use
Common Phrases
びらびらと揺れる
to sway and flutter
風でびらびらする
to flutter in the wind
びらびらした布
fluttering or dangling cloth
裾がびらびらする
the hem is dangling
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thick materials in the wind | neutral | Standard usage for describing tents, tarps, or heavy cloth flapping. |
| Peeling or torn edges | negative | Often implies that something looks untidy, ruined, or poorly maintained. |
| Anatomical context | neutral | Has a clinical slang meaning, so avoid using it vaguely when the context of physical objects is absent. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴらぴら ぴらぴら / similar | For thinner, lighter materials like receipts, thin plastic, or light paper. | びらびら implies noticeably thicker, stiffer, or heavier materials compared to the very light ピラピラ. | 紙がピラピラする。 |
ひらひら ひらひら / similar | For light, elegant fluttering like flower petals, butterflies, or thin dresses. | びらびら lacks the elegance and gentility of ひらひら, leaning towards a rougher or heavier movement. | 花びらがひらひら舞う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for falling cherry blossoms or beautiful dancing dresses.
Use ひらひら (hirahira) for light, gentle, and elegant fluttering.
Using it excessively in random conversations.
Be aware that in colloquial slang, it can also serve as an anatomical term (labia), so keep its usage strictly to contexts involving fabric, paper, or materials.
Examples
Examples
カーテンが風でびらびらと揺れている。
カーテンが かぜで びらびらと ゆれている。
The curtain is fluttering in the wind.
VisualDescribes the thick fabric of the curtain flapping in the wind.
ズボンの裾が破れて、びらびらしている。
ズボンの すそが やぶれて、 びらびらしている。
The hem of the pants is torn and dangling loosely.
VisualShows the state of torn fabric edges hanging untidily.
テントの布が強風でびらびらと音を立てた。
テントの ぬのが きょうふうで びらびらと おとを たてた。
The tent cloth flapped noisily in the strong wind.
LiteralEmphasizes the flapping sound made by thick, heavy cloth.
壁に貼ったポスターが剥がれてびらびらしている。
かべに はった ポスターが はがれて びらびらしている。
The poster stuck on the wall peeled off and is flapping loosely.
VisualDescribes thick paper that has partially detached and is moving about.
服にびらびらした飾りがついている。
ふくに びらびらした かざりが ついている。
The clothes have dangling decorations attached.
VisualUsed as an adjective for design elements that hang loosely.
Similar Words
ピラピラ
pirapira
Used for much thinner and lighter things (like receipts).
ひらひら
hirahira
Hirahira describes the light, gentle fluttering or flapping motion of thin objects like petals or cloth in the wind, or refers to frilly designs. Used for elegant movements of light objects (like flower petals).
ぶらぶら
burabura
A state of hanging loosely and swaying, or spending time and walking aimlessly in a relaxed manner.
Questions
Is birabira the exact same as pirapira?
No. While both mean fluttering, birabira is used for thicker and heavier things, whereas pirapira is for thin, light items like receipts.
Can I use birabira for falling leaves?
No, it does not sound natural. For light things falling gracefully, use hirahira.
Are there other meanings I should be careful about?
Yes, in slang, it is also a colloquial anatomical term, so use it carefully and strictly for physical objects to avoid misunderstandings.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010780
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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