Entry
ひらひら
hirahira
Hirahira describes the light, gentle fluttering or flapping motion of thin objects like petals or cloth in the wind, or refers to frilly designs.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word captures the visual movement of lightweight, thin materials drifting, fluttering, or flapping in the breeze. It is commonly used for falling leaves, flower petals, paper, or pieces of cloth. It can also describe the gentle flickering of a small flame or act as a noun referring to frills and ruffles on clothing.
- fluttering objects
- flapping cloth
- flickering flames
- frills
Sense Map
Fluttering & Drifting
Used for small, light objects like petals, leaves, or paper gently drifting or dancing in the air.
花びらがひらひらと舞う
Flapping Cloth
Describes thin fabrics, ribbons, or curtains waving lightly in the wind.
カーテンがひらひらする
Flickering Light
Used for a small flame wavering gently in a light breeze.
炎がひらひら揺れる
Frills & Ruffles
As a noun, it refers to decorative frills, ruffles, or flounces on clothing.
ひらひらのスカート
Usage Note
How to Use
ひらひら（と） + verb
Used to modify verbs of motion like falling (落ちる), dancing (舞う), or swaying (揺れる).
ひらひらする
Used as a verb meaning to flutter or to wave.
ひらひら（している） + noun
Describes a noun that is currently fluttering.
ひらひらの + noun
Used to describe a noun that has frills or a fluttering design.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ひらひらと舞う
to flutter and dance in the air
ひらひらと落ちる
to flutter down
ひらひらのスカート
frilly skirt
ひらひら揺れる
to wave or flicker gently
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nature (petals, leaves) | Poetic and elegant | Often used in spring or autumn to describe falling cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. |
| Fashion | Cute or decorative | Describes clothing with lots of lace, ruffles, or frills, often associated with cute aesthetics. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びらびら びらびら / similar | Use for larger, thicker, or heavier materials flapping with noticeable sound or sloppy appearance. | Does not have the delicate, gentle, or elegant feel of hirahira. | ポスターがびらびらめくれる |
ちらちら ちらちら / similar | Use for things falling in small scattered amounts like snow, or intermittent light/sight. | Focuses more on scattering or intermittent visibility rather than the specific waving/fluttering shape of a single thin object. | 雪がちらちら降る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy objects falling.
Hirahira is strictly for thin, lightweight objects like paper or petals; heavy objects fall with words like dosun or batan.
Using it for strong, violent winds.
In strong winds, objects might flap violently (batabata) rather than gently fluttering (hirahira).
Examples
Examples
桜の花びらが風に吹かれてひらひらと舞っている。
さくらのはなびらが かぜにふかれて ひらひらと まっている。
Cherry blossom petals are blowing in the wind and fluttering gracefully.
VisualShows the gentle, light movement of petals carried by the breeze.
彼女は裾にひらひらがついたドレスを着ていた。
かのじょは すそに ひらひらが ついた ドレスを きていた。
She was wearing a dress with frills at the hem.
VisualUsed here as a noun to describe the decorative frills on clothing.
窓辺でカーテンがひらひらしている。
まどべで カーテンが ひらひら している。
The curtains are fluttering by the window.
VisualDescribes a thin fabric waving gently because of the wind.
ノートの切れ端がひらひらと床に落ちた。
ノートの きれはしが ひらひらと ゆかに おちた。
A scrap of paper from the notebook fluttered down to the floor.
VisualDescribes a light piece of paper falling slowly and non-linearly.
ろうそくの火が風でひらひらと揺れている。
ろうそくの ひが かぜで ひらひらと ゆれている。
The candle flame is flickering gently in the wind.
VisualUsed for a small flame wavering slightly due to a breeze.
Similar Words
びらびら
birabira
Describes the fluttering, flapping, or dangling movement of relatively thick or heavy materials like cloth, tarps, or cardboard. Heavier and noisier.
ちらちら
chirachira
Describes light things falling gently, lights flickering, or the act of glancing at something repeatedly. For scattered falling objects or flickering lights.
パタパタ
patapata
It describes light, repetitive sounds like flapping, pitter-patter footsteps, or tasks being completed in quick succession.
Questions
Can hirahira be used for birds flying?
No, hirahira is for drifting or wind-blown thin objects. A bird flapping its wings usually takes batabata or patapata.
Is hirahira a noun or an adverb?
It can be both. It acts as an adverb with to or suru for motion, and as a noun with no for frilly designs.
Can I use hirahira for rain?
No, rain falls in drops, not flat thin shapes. Use words like potsupotsu or parapara for rain.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010680
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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