Entry
ボリボリ
boribori
ボリボリ describes the loud, coarse sound of munching on crunchy food, or the sound of vigorously scratching an itch.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This onomatopoeia represents a loud, somewhat rough or coarse sound. It is primarily used in two situations: the sound of aggressively crunching hard foods like thick crackers, raw carrots, or bones; and the sound of someone scratching an itch vigorously, often in an uninhibited or unrefined manner.
- Loud crunching or munching of hard food.
- Vigorous and coarse scratching of the body.
Sense Map
Loud Munching
Describes the loud, rhythmic sound made when biting into and chewing hard, dry, and crunchy foods.
せんべいをボリボリ食べる
Vigorous Scratching
Describes the sound and action of scratching one's skin or body vigorously, usually to relieve an intense itch.
頭をボリボリと掻く
Usage Note
How to Use
ボリボリ食べる
ボリボリ掻く
ボリボリと + verb
ボリボリ音を立てる
A common phrase meaning 'to make a loud crunching/scratching sound'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ボリボリ食べる
to eat with a loud crunching sound
ボリボリ掻く
to scratch vigorously
頭をボリボリ掻く
to scratch one's head vigorously
ボリボリ音を立てる
to make a loud crunching/scratching sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Eating in public | Negative | Making this sound while eating in public is generally considered poor manners in Japan. |
| Scratching an itch | Neutral to Negative | It is a natural action, but doing it vigorously in front of others can look unrefined or impolite. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽりぽり ぽりぽり / similar | Used for softer, lighter sounds, like gently scratching an itch or lightly munching on small snacks. | Not for loud, rough crunching or full-force scratching. | スナックをポリポリ食べる。 |
がりがり がりがり / similar | Used for chewing very hard things (like ice) or for sharp, intense scratching that might cause damage. | Not for standard crunchy food like crackers. | 氷をガリガリかじる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ボリボリ to compliment someone's eating.
This word implies loud, unrefined eating, so it shouldn't be used to praise someone's table manners or the food itself in a polite setting.
Using it for soft foods.
Only use it for hard, crunchy foods. Never use it for bread, cake, or soft fruit.
Examples
Examples
彼はテレビを見ながらポテトチップスをボリボリと食べていた。
かれ は テレビ を みながら ポテトチップス を ボリボリ と たべて いた。
He was loudly munching on potato chips while watching TV.
VisualDescribes the rhythmic, somewhat noisy sound of munching on a crispy snack.
蚊に刺されたところをボリボリ掻いてしまった。
か に さされた ところ を ボリボリ かいて しまった。
I accidentally scratched the mosquito bite vigorously.
VisualFocuses on the forceful scratching action done to relieve an itch.
その犬は硬い骨をボリボリと噛み砕いた。
その いぬ は かたい ほね を ボリボリ と かみくだいた。
The dog crunched on the hard bone with a loud sound.
VisualShows the force and rough sound when crushing something very hard.
恥ずかしい時、彼は頭をボリボリと掻く癖がある。
はずかしい とき、かれ は あたま を ボリボリ と かく くせ が ある。
When he is embarrassed, he has a habit of vigorously scratching his head.
LiteralOften used to describe a rough body language habit showing confusion or embarrassment.
大きなせんべいをボリボリかじる音が部屋に響いた。
おおきな せんべい を ボリボリ かじる おと が へや に ひびいた。
The loud sound of crunching on a large rice cracker echoed in the room.
VisualEmphasizes how loud the crunching sound is, enough to be heard by others.
Similar Words
ポリポリ
poripori
Describes the rhythmic sound of munching on something crunchy or the action of lightly scratching. Lighter, softer counterpart. Used for light snacks or gentle scratching.
がりがり
garigari
This word describes a loud crunching or scratching sound, a very hard texture, or an unhealthily thin, bony body. Much harder, scraping, or destructive sound (like chewing ice).
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
Is it polite to eat 'boribori'?
No. It describes eating noisily, which is considered bad manners.
What is the difference between boribori and poripori?
Boribori sounds loud, heavy, and coarse, while poripori sounds light, quiet, and more polite.
Can I use this word for animals?
Yes, it is perfectly natural to use it for a dog loudly chewing a bone or an animal vigorously scratching its fur.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011870
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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