Entry
ぶらりぶらり
burariburari
Slow swaying, leisurely strolling, or spending time aimlessly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A word describing something hanging and slowly swaying back and forth. It is also used for the act of taking a leisurely stroll without a specific destination, or spending time idly and lazily.
- swaying slowly
- strolling leisurely
- idling away time
Sense Map
Swaying Motion
Describes something hanging and slowly swinging back and forth.
枝がぶらりぶらりと揺れる
Leisurely Strolling
Describes the act of walking slowly without a destination or rush.
町をぶらりぶらりと歩く
Idling Away Time
Spending time without doing clear work or relaxing in free time.
家でぶらりぶらりと過ごす
Usage Note
How to Use
ぶらりぶらりと + verb
The most common form used as an adverb to describe how an action (like walking or swaying) is done leisurely.
ぶらりぶらり + verb
A variation without the particle と that also describes a manner of moving.
ぶらりぶらりしている
Used to express the state of someone spending time doing nothing in particular.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぶらりぶらりと歩く
to walk slowly and aimlessly
足をぶらりぶらりさせる
to slowly swing one's legs
ぶらりぶらりと揺れる
to sway slowly back and forth
ぶらりぶらりと過ごす
to spend time idly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical motion | neutral | Describes hanging objects swaying slowly in the wind or by a gentle force. |
| Walking activity | neutral | Shows a relaxed attitude, enjoying the process without rushing to a destination. |
| Time management | negative | Can sound negative if used to describe someone unemployed or avoiding work. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶらぶら ぶらぶら / similar | More commonly used in daily conversation for leisurely strolls or swaying objects. | ぶらりぶらり has a slower, more drawn-out, and more rhythmic nuance than ぶらぶら. | ぶらぶら散歩する |
ぶらり ぶらり / similar | Used for a sudden, casual action or an unplanned short visit. | ぶらり lacks the sense of repetitive or rhythmic motion found in ぶらりぶらり. | ぶらりと立ち寄る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for fast and strong swinging motions.
It is strictly used for slow, relaxed, or rhythmic swaying.
Assuming it always has a negative meaning like being lazy.
It also has a positive meaning of relaxing or enjoying a carefree stroll.
Examples
Examples
柳の枝が風でぶらりぶらりと揺れている。
やなぎのえだがかぜでぶらりぶらりとゆれている。
The willow branches are slowly swaying in the wind.
VisualShows the slow swaying motion of dangling objects.
彼はベンチに座って、足をぶらりぶらりさせていた。
かれはべんちにすわって、あしをぶらりぶらりさせていた。
He was sitting on the bench, slowly swinging his legs.
VisualDescribes the relaxed motion of a body part.
休日は公園をぶらりぶらりと歩くのが好きだ。
きゅうじつはこうえんをぶらりぶらりとあるくのがすきだ。
On my days off, I like to take a leisurely stroll in the park.
LiteralFocuses on a relaxed and unhurried way of walking.
一日中家でぶらりぶらりと過ごしてしまった。
いちにちじゅういえでぶらりぶらりとすごしてしまった。
I ended up spending the whole day idling at home.
FigurativeAbstract usage for passing time aimlessly.
あてもなく街をぶらりぶらりするのも悪くない。
あてもなくまちをぶらりぶらりするのもわるくない。
Wandering aimlessly around town isn't bad either.
LiteralEmphasizes a flexible and relaxed journey.
Similar Words
ぶらぶら
burabura
A state of hanging loosely and swaying, or spending time and walking aimlessly in a relaxed manner. A more common form for strolling and swaying.
ぶらり
burari
ぶらり describes wandering around aimlessly, dropping by a place casually, or something dangling freely. Focuses on a short or spontaneous casual action.
のらりくらり
norarikurari
Describes a slippery, evasive manner of avoiding commitment, or living an idle, aimless life.
Questions
What is the difference between ぶらりぶらり and ぶらぶら?
Both are similar, but ぶらりぶらり gives a stronger impression of a slower, more drawn-out motion compared to the more common ぶらぶら.
Can this word be used for inanimate objects?
Yes, it is very commonly used for things hanging and slowly swaying in the wind, like tree branches.
Does ぶらりぶらり have a negative connotation?
It depends on the context. When describing a relaxing stroll, it is positive. If used for someone idling away time avoiding work, it can be negative.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2619890
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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