Entry
ちらりほらり
chirarihorari
Describes things falling lightly or appearing sparsely here and there.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
"ちらりほらり" depicts a state where things occur sporadically, appear sparsely, or fall lightly. It conveys a gentle, intermittent impression and is often used to describe falling petals, light snow, or people gathering slowly in twos and threes.
- falling or fluttering lightly
- appearing here and there
- happening sporadically
Sense Map
Falling lightly
Used to describe light objects like petals, leaves, or snow fluttering or falling sparsely.
雪がちらりほらり降る。
Appearing sparsely
Describes people or things appearing, arriving, or existing here and there in small numbers.
人がちらりほらり集まる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ちらりほらりと + verb
Used as an adverb modifying a verb to describe an action occurring sparsely or lightly. The particle 'to' is commonly added.
ちらりほらり + verb
Used directly before a verb without the particle 'to'. The meaning remains identical.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちらりほらりと舞う
to flutter down lightly (petals, leaves)
ちらりほらりと降る
to fall sparsely (snow, rain)
ちらりほらりと見える
to be seen sparsely here and there
ちらりほらりと集まる
to gather in twos and threes
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nature (snow, flower petals) | positive | Conveys a gentle, poetic, and elegant atmosphere of things fluttering. |
| People or events | neutral | Simply implies a low density, scattered presence, or unhurried arrival. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちらほら ちらほら / similar | Can be used interchangeably for things happening sparsely. It is more common in everyday conversation. | "ちらほら" is more conversational and focuses on sporadic frequency, whereas "ちらりほらり" is a bit more poetic and emphasizes gentle, rhythmic movement. | 桜がちらほら咲き始めた。 |
ぽつぽつ ぽつぽつ / nearby | Used when things happen little by little in sequence, like the first drops of rain or people arriving one by one. | "ぽつぽつ" focuses on distinct points or drops happening intermittently, rather than a light, spatial scattering in the air. | 雨がぽつぽつ降ってきた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy, continuous rain or intense weather.
It should only be used for very light, sparse phenomena like a gentle snowfall.
Using it to describe a dense, large crowd.
It specifically means people are gathering sparsely or in small, separated groups.
Examples
Examples
桜の花びらが風に吹かれて、ちらりほらりと舞い落ちている。
さくらの はなびらが かぜに ふかれて、ちらりほらりと まいおちている。
Cherry blossom petals are blown by the wind, fluttering down lightly.
VisualEmphasizes the gentle, scattered movement of falling petals.
雪がちらりほらりと降り始めました。
ゆきが ちらりほらりと ふりはじめました。
Snow has started to fall sparsely.
VisualDescribes snow that is not yet heavy, just falling lightly in small amounts.
開店時間が近づき、お客さんがちらりほらりと集まってきた。
かいてんじかんが ちかづき、おきゃくさんが ちらりほらりと あつまってきた。
As opening time approached, customers began to gather in twos and threes.
LiteralIndicates that people are arriving gradually, not all at once.
遠くに人家の明かりがちらりほらり見えます。
とおくに じんかの あかりが ちらりほらり みえます。
The lights of houses can be seen sparsely in the distance.
VisualUsed to describe something seen scattered across a wide distance.
会場には、空席がちらりほらり残っていた。
かいじょうには、くうせきが ちらりほらり のこっていた。
There were empty seats remaining here and there in the venue.
VisualIndicates a few empty spaces scattered unevenly.
Similar Words
ちらほら
chirahora
Describes things that are scattered in small numbers or happen occasionally rather than all at once. Very similar in meaning, but more commonly used in everyday conversation.
ポツポツ
potsupotsu
A word describing light drops falling, scattered small spots, or things progressing little by little. Focuses on sequential occurrences like raindrops rather than lightly fluttering objects.
Questions
Can I use this word for a heavy snowstorm?
No, it is only used for light, sparse falling, such as the gentle fluttering of a few snowflakes.
What is the difference between 'chirari horari' and 'chirahora'?
They mean almost the same thing, but 'chirari horari' has a slightly more poetic rhythm and focuses more on the gentle movement of scattered things.
Can this describe someone's personality?
No, it is strictly used to describe physical occurrences—how things are spatially scattered or happen intermittently.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2253840
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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