Entry
ぶらんぶらん
buranburan
Describes something hanging loosely and swinging or dangling repeatedly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word focuses on the physical motion of something attached at one end while hanging and swaying freely at the other. It is commonly used for dangling limbs, like legs swinging from a high chair, or loose objects hanging precariously.
- Swinging Limbs
- Dangling Objects
Sense Map
Swinging Limbs
The motion of casually swinging dangling legs or limp arms.
足をぶらんぶらんさせる。
Dangling Objects
Objects hanging loosely or precariously, swaying back and forth.
紐がぶらんぶらんと揺れる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぶらんぶらんする
Functions as a verb indicating the state of hanging or swinging loosely.
ぶらんぶらんと + verb
Functions as an adverb modifying verbs of motion, such as swaying or hanging.
ぶらんぶらんの + noun
ぶらんぶらんな + noun
Functions as an adjective modifying a noun that is in a dangling state.
ぶらんぶらん + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
足をぶらんぶらんさせる
swing one's legs
ぶらんぶらんと揺れる
swing loosely
腕がぶらんぶらんする
arms dangle limply
ぶらんぶらんぶら下がる
hang loosely dangling
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Swinging legs | Childlike or relaxed | Commonly describes children swinging their legs while sitting on a high chair. |
| Broken or unattached items | Slightly concerning | Can describe something broken or nearly detached, like a loose door handle or an injured arm. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶらぶら ぶらぶら / similar | Can be used for swinging objects and also for wandering aimlessly. | ぶらんぶらん is restricted to physical swinging and feels slightly heavier or more bouncy. | 街をぶらぶら歩く |
ぷらぷら ぷらぷら / similar | Used for small or light objects swinging softly. | ぶらんぶらん is for larger or heavier objects with more noticeable swinging motion. | キーホルダーがぷらぷら揺れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぶらんぶらん to say you are 'taking a walk'.
Use ぶらぶら for wandering or taking an aimless walk. ぶらんぶらん is strictly for physically hanging and swinging.
Using it for fluttering flat objects like paper or flags.
Use ぱたぱた or びらびら for flat objects like cloth or flags fluttering. ぶらんぶらん describes pendulous swinging.
Examples
Examples
椅子に座って足をぶらんぶらんさせる。
いすにすわってあしをぶらんぶらんさせる。
Sitting on a chair and swinging one's legs.
VisualA classic example of legs dangling and swinging from a high seat.
猿が木からぶらんぶらんとぶら下がっている。
さるがきからぶらんぶらんとぶらさがっている。
A monkey is dangling loosely from a tree.
VisualVisualizes a suspended heavy living subject hanging and swaying.
壊れたドアの取っ手がぶらんぶらんしている。
こわれたドアのとってがぶらんぶらんしている。
The broken door handle is dangling loosely.
VisualDemonstrates the precariously loose state of a broken object.
疲れすぎて、両腕がぶらんぶらんしている。
つかれすぎて、りょううでがぶらんぶらんしている。
I am so tired that both of my arms are dangling limply.
LiteralDescribes the literal physical state of having limp limbs due to exhaustion.
天井から古い電球がぶらんぶらんと揺れていた。
てんじょうからふるいでんきゅうがぶらんぶらんとゆれていた。
An old lightbulb was swaying back and forth from the ceiling.
VisualShows the visual motion of a suspended object swaying from above.
Similar Words
ぶらぶら
burabura
A state of hanging loosely and swaying, or spending time and walking aimlessly in a relaxed manner. Focuses on relaxed swinging or wandering aimlessly.
ぷらぷら
purapura
Describes something light dangling loosely or someone strolling aimlessly without a specific purpose. Describes smaller or lighter objects swaying softly.
Questions
Can I use ぶらんぶらん to say I am 'hanging out' or 'taking a walk'?
No, to express hanging out or wandering aimlessly, use ぶらぶら instead.
Does ぶらんぶらん sound different from ぶらぶら for hanging objects?
Yes, ぶらんぶらん emphasizes a more continuous, sometimes bouncy or heavier swinging motion because of the 'n' sounds.
Is ぶらんぶらん commonly used in daily conversation?
Yes, it is very common in everyday casual conversation, especially for describing physical motion.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2743180
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- にゃん (nyan)
- Next entry
- きゅう (kyuu)