Entry
ひやり
hiyari
Describes a sudden sensation of coldness, either physically or mentally due to a sense of danger.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Hiyari is used when one feels an unexpected chill on the skin from cold air or water, or a sudden shiver of fear when realizing a risky situation.
- Sudden physical coldness
- A sudden chill of fear or surprise from a near-miss
Sense Map
Physical Sensation
A sudden feeling of cold air, wind, or touch.
ひやりとする風
Mental Reaction
A sudden chill of fear when encountering danger or a close call.
危うく転びそうになってひやりとした
Usage Note
How to Use
ひやりとする
To feel a sudden chill or a scare.
ひやりとした
Used to describe a noun that causes a chill, such as cold morning air.
ひやりとさせる
How to Use
Common Phrases
ひやりとする風
a sudden chilly wind
ひやりとする場面
a spine-chilling scene
一瞬ひやりとする
to feel a sudden scare for a moment
背筋がひやりとする
to feel a chill down one's spine
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Danger/Safety | Serious | Commonly used for 'close calls' in traffic or daily life. |
| Environment | Neutral | Used when the temperature changes abruptly, like stepping out into the winter air. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ひんやり ひんやり / similar | Used for a lasting, often pleasant coolness. | Hiyari is sudden and often scary; hinyari is stable and often nice. | ひんやりした空気が心地よい |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using hiyari to describe the temperature of a drink.
Use 'tsumetai' for objects. Hiyari is about the sensation felt by the person.
Using hiyari for a pleasant summer breeze.
Use hinyari if the cold is enjoyable. Hiyari often implies a startle or unpleasant surprise.
Examples
Examples
子どもが急に道路に飛び出してきて、ひやりとした。
こどもがきゅうにどうろにとびだしてきて、ひやりとした。
A child suddenly ran out into the road, giving me a fright.
FigurativeIndicates a sudden chill of fear due to danger.
窓から入ってきた風が、ひやりとして気持ちいい。
まどからはいってきたかぜが、ひやりとしてきもちいい。
The wind coming through the window is chilly and feels good.
LiteralDescribes the physical sensation of cold air.
暗い夜道を歩いていると、背中にひやりとしたものを感じた。
くらいよみちをあるいていると、せなかにひやりとしたものをかんじた。
Walking on a dark road at night, I felt a sudden chill on my back.
VisualConveys a spooky or fearful nuance that causes a chill.
階段で足を踏み外しそうになり、一瞬ひやりとした。
かいだんであしをふみはずしそうになり、いっしゅんひやりとした。
I almost missed a step on the stairs and felt a sudden chill of fear.
FigurativeUsed for 'near-miss' situations.
ひやりとした空気の中に、冬の気配が混じっている。
ひやりとしたくうきのなかに、ふゆのけはいがまじっている。
In the chilly air, there is a hint of winter.
LiteralDescribes the chilly nature of the air as it cools down.
Similar Words
ひんやり
ひんやり
Used for a lasting, often pleasant coolness. Hiyari is sudden and often scary; hinyari is stable and often nice.
Questions
Can I use hiyari for a 'cool' person?
No, it is for temperature or fear. Use 'tsumetai' or 'cool' (ku-ru) for personality.
Is hiyari the same as 'frightened'?
It specifically describes the 'chill' part of being frightened, like a cold sweat.
How do you use 'hiyari to saseru'?
It means 'to give someone a scare' or 'to make someone feel a chill'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 912383698
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- goiryoku.com/onomatopoeia/hiyari/
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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