Entry
ギラリ
girari
Describes a sharp, intimidating glare or a sudden intense flash of light reflecting off an object.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word expresses a piercing, intense gaze that often implies anger, hostility, or deep suspicion. It is also used to describe a sudden, sharp flash of light, especially light catching a metallic or sharp object like a blade, conveying a cold or dangerous feeling.
- Piercing or intimidating glare
- Sharp flash of light
Sense Map
Piercing Gaze
Used when someone stares intensely, often showing anger, suspicion, or an intent to intimidate.
相手をギラリと睨む
Sharp Flash of Light
Used to describe a sudden, sharp reflection of light from a metallic object or the gleam of eyes in the dark.
ナイフがギラリと光る
Usage Note
How to Use
ギラリと + verb
Used to modify verbs related to looking, staring, or shining.
ギロリと + verb
ギロッと + verb
Specifically modifies verbs related to looking or giving a sudden, sharp glance.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ギラリと睨む
to glare piercingly
ギラリと光る
to flash sharply
ギロリと見る
to stare intensely
目がギラリと光る
eyes flash with intensity
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gaze and eye contact | negative | Implies strong hostility, anger, or suspicion directed at someone. |
| Light reflection | neutral | Gives a cold, sharp, or dangerous impression, such as moonlight catching a weapon. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎろぎろ ぎろぎろ / nearby | When the sharp staring is continuous or repeated. | Girari and girori emphasize a sudden, momentary sharp look rather than a continuous stare. | ぎろぎろと人を見る |
きょろきょろ きょろきょろ / contrast | When looking around restlessly out of confusion, curiosity, or nervousness. | It relates to eye movement but lacks the sharp, angry, or intimidating nuance. | 辺りをキョロキョロする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this to describe looking at someone affectionately.
This word implies hostility or suspicion. For a gentle look, use a different expression.
Using it to describe a bright room light.
It is specifically for a sharp reflection of light, like on a blade, or a glint in the eye, not general illumination.
Examples
Examples
彼は私をギラリと睨んだ。
かれはわたしをギラリとにらんだ。
He glared at me piercingly.
FigurativeIndicates a stare that implies anger or intimidation.
暗闇の中で獣の目がギラリと光った。
くらやみのなかでけもののめがギラリとひかった。
The beast's eyes flashed sharply in the darkness.
VisualDescribes the sharp gleam of a wild animal's eyes, giving a dangerous impression.
ナイフの刃が月光を浴びてギラリと光った。
ナイフのはがげっこうをあびてギラリとひかった。
The knife blade flashed sharply under the moonlight.
VisualDescribes a very sharp reflection of light on a metallic object.
泥棒はギロリとこちらを見て逃げた。
どろぼうはギロリとこちらをみてにげた。
The thief gave a sharp glare in this direction and ran away.
FigurativeUse of the variant girori to emphasize a sudden, sharp glaring motion.
彼女は眼鏡の奥からギロッと私を見た。
かのじょはめがねのおくからギロッとわたしをみた。
She gave me a sharp stare from behind her glasses.
FigurativeUses the shorter form girot which gives the impression of a faster, sharper action.
Similar Words
Questions
Can I use this for the sun shining brightly?
No. For the glaring sun, use giragira. This word is for a sudden, sharp flash or reflection of light.
What is the difference between girari and girori?
They are very similar. However, girori is almost exclusively used for a sharp gaze, while girari can describe both a piercing gaze and light reflecting off objects.
Does it describe looking at someone for a long time?
No. It generally describes a single, sudden sharp look. For continuous glaring, girogiro is more natural.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2261890
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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