Entry
ビリッと
biritto
Describes the brief sound of paper or cloth tearing, or a sudden, momentary sensation like a mild electric shock.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word that conveys a sudden, sharp action or physical sensation. It commonly represents the brief, sharp sound of thin material like paper or cloth being torn. It is also used to describe a sudden, stinging physical sensation, such as a mild static electric shock or a sharp, momentary pain. The suffix 'ッと' emphasizes that the action or sensation is quick and momentary.
- tearing thin material
- sudden electric shock or sting
Sense Map
tearing sound
The brief, sharp sound or action of tearing thin materials like paper or cloth.
紙をビリッと破る
sudden shock
A sudden, momentary sensation resembling a mild electric shock, static electricity, or sharp pain.
指にビリッときた
Usage Note
How to Use
ビリッと + verb
Used as an adverb directly before verbs denoting separation or sensation, like 破る (to tear).
ビリッとくる
A common phrasing to express that a sudden shock of static electricity or sharp pain is felt.
ビリッとする
Used as a verb to express that a sudden stinging or vibrating sensation is actively occurring.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ビリッと破る
to tear with a quick rip
ビリッとくる
to get a sudden shock
ビリッとする
to feel a sudden sting
ビリッと痛む
to hurt with a sudden sharp pain
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tearing paper | neutral | Describes the exact moment the paper rips, often intentionally or suddenly. |
| Touching a metal doorknob | negative | Expresses the unpleasant surprise of static electricity. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びりびり びりびり / similar | Use to describe a continuous tearing action or a lingering, ongoing electrical shock. | ビリッと is momentary and ends instantly, whereas ビリビリ is continuous or repetitive. | 手がビリビリする |
ばりっと ばりっと / similar | Use to describe tearing or cracking thick, stiff materials (like cardboard or crackers). | ビリッと is for thin materials like paper; バリッと involves a louder, rougher sound for harder objects. | せんべいをバリッと食べる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for continuous pain or ongoing vibration.
Use ビリビリ for continuous sensations. ビリッと is strictly for a momentary, sudden event.
Using it to describe breaking solid objects like glass or wood.
ビリッと only applies to tearing thin, flexible materials like paper or cloth, or to sudden electrical shocks.
Examples
Examples
紙をビリッと破いて捨てた。
かみをビリッとやぶいてすてた。
I tore the paper with a rip and threw it away.
LiteralFocuses on the sharp, momentary sound of tearing paper.
静電気で指先がビリッときた。
せいでんきでゆびさきがビリッときた。
My fingertip got a sudden shock from static electricity.
LiteralDescribes the momentary stinging sensation of static electricity.
急に背中にビリッと痛みが走った。
きゅうにせなかにビリッといたみがはしった。
A sharp pain suddenly shot through my back.
LiteralUses the shock sensation to describe a sudden, sharp physical pain.
ズボンがビリッと裂ける音がした。
ズボンがビリッとさけるおとがした。
There was a ripping sound as my pants tore.
LiteralExpresses the exact moment cloth splits open.
スマホがポケットの中でビリッと震えた。
スマホがポケットのなかでビリッとふるえた。
My smartphone vibrated briefly in my pocket.
LiteralConveys a very short, singular mechanical vibration.
Similar Words
ビリビリ
biribiri
Biribiri describes the loud sound of vigorously ripping paper or the sharp sensation of an electric shock. Used for continuous tearing action or a lingering electrical shock.
バリッと
baritto
A word that describes the loud cracking or ripping sound of stiff materials, as well as a sharp and stylish way of dressing. Used for thick, stiff materials like cardboard.
ピリピリ
piripiri
ピリピリ (piripiri) describes a sharp tingling or stinging sensation, a highly tense or nervous atmosphere, or the light sound of paper ripping.
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.
ドキッと
dokitto
It describes the sudden sensation of your heart skipping a beat or jumping due to surprise, fear, or romantic excitement.
Questions
What is the difference between ビリッと and ビリビリ?
The suffix 'ッと' indicates a sudden, momentary action, while 'ビリビリ' describes a continuous or ongoing tearing or vibrating sensation.
Can I use ビリッと for general loud noises?
No, it specifically describes tearing thin materials or a sudden electric shock, not general loud or explosive noises.
Is ビリッと used for emotional shocks?
No, it is almost exclusively used for physical sensations like static electricity or sudden sharp pain, rather than emotional surprise (which would be ドキッと or ガーン).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2779320
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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