Entry
ギラギラ
giragira
Describes an intense, overwhelming brightness or a coarse, aggressive shine.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used for things that shine so brightly they cause discomfort, like the midsummer sun or gaudy neon lights. Figuratively, it describes eyes filled with strong greed or ambition, as well as surfaces that are excessively oily.
- Blindingly bright light from the sun or lamps
- A gaze showing strong desire or aggressive ambition
- An oily or greasy shine on skin or surfaces
Sense Map
Intense Light
Light that is blinding and aggressive to the eyes.
夏の太陽がギラギラ照りつける。
Gaze and Eyes
Eyes that show intense emotions like greed, ambition, or fury.
欲望で目をギラギラさせる。
Greasy Shine
A surface that appears very shiny due to a layer of oil or fat.
脂で顔がギラギラしている。
Usage Note
How to Use
ギラギラする
Used as a verb to state that something is shining very intensely.
ギラギラしている
Indicates a continuous state, often used for oily skin.
ギラギラとした
Functions as an adjective to describe an object with a glaring quality.
ギラギラと
Functions as an adverb to explain how something shines or moves.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ギラギラと光る
to shine blindingly
ギラギラした太陽
blazing summer sun
ギラギラした目
eyes filled with ambition
脂でギラギラする
to be greasy with oil
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Weather | Negative | Indicates scorching, uncomfortable heat. |
| Human Ambition | Negative | Gives an impression of someone hungry for power or money. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きらきら きらきら / similar | Use for beautiful, pleasant, or clean sparkles like stars or diamonds. | Gira-gira describes a coarse, overly strong, or dirty-looking shine like oil. | ダイヤモンドがキラキラ光る。 |
てかてか てかてか / similar | Use for a very smooth surface that is polished and reflects light, like waxed shoes. | Gira-gira emphasizes the intensity of light or an untidy greasy look. | 靴をテカテカに磨く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using Gira-gira to compliment the beauty of someone's eyes.
Use Kira-kira. Gira-gira eyes usually mean the person looks greedy or negatively ambitious.
Thinking Gira-gira is the same as any bright light.
Gira-gira always implies high intensity that is usually intrusive or bothersome.
Examples
Examples
真夏の太陽がギラギラと照りつけている。
まなつのたいようがギラギラとてりつけている。
The midsummer sun is blazing down glaringly.
LiteralDescribes the extreme intensity of sunlight.
彼は欲望で目をギラギラさせていた。
かれはよくぼうでめをギラギラさせていた。
His eyes were gleaming with greed.
FigurativeUsed for strong and aggressive emotions.
脂っこいものを食べたので、顔がギラギラしている。
あぶらっこいものをたべたので、かおがギラギラしている。
Since I ate oily food, my face is looking all greasy.
VisualRefers to the oily shine on the skin.
夜の街がネオンでギラギラとしている。
よるのまちがネオンでギラギラとしている。
The city at night is garishly bright with neon lights.
VisualIndicates a city scene that is overly bright and gaudy.
彼はギラギラした野心家だ。
かれはギラギラしたやしんかだ。
He is a man driven by aggressive ambition.
FigurativeDescribes a personality that is overly eager for power.
Similar Words
キラキラ
kirakira
Describes light that shines or glitters beautifully and rhythmically. Beautiful and positive sparkle.
テカテカ
tekateka
Tekateka describes a continuous, solid shine on a smooth surface, often caused by oil, grease, or heavy polishing. Smooth shine on polished surfaces.
ぎろぎろ
girogiro
Describes the act of staring sharply, intensely, or glaringly at someone or something.
ギラッと
giratto
Describes a sudden, intense flash of light or a sharp, piercing glare.
Questions
Is Gira-gira always negative?
Mostly yes, as it describes something excessive. However, it can be neutral when describing the sheer power of the sun.
What is the main difference from Kira-kira?
Kira-kira is a pleasant sparkle, while Gira-gira is an aggressive, blinding glare.
Can it be used for objects?
Yes, it is common for highly reflective metal surfaces or oily water surfaces.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003650
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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