Entry
じろり
jirori
Describes a single, sharp, and intense glance, often carrying a tone of suspicion or disapproval.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
じろり (jirori) is a mimetic word used when someone shoots a quick, sharp look at someone or something. Unlike continuous staring, it's a momentary action. It usually implies a cold, suspicious, or critical attitude rather than a friendly one.
- Sharp, quick glance
- Angry glare
Sense Map
Sharp Glance
A quick, focused, and intense look at someone.
彼をじろりと見る。
Quick Glare
A sharp look accompanied by anger or disapproval.
生徒をじろりと睨む。
Usage Note
How to Use
じろりと + verb
The most common pattern, connecting 'jirori' with verbs related to looking, such as 見る (miru) or 睨む (niramu).
じろりとする
Occasionally used to express the action of casting a sharp glance, though 'jirori to miru' is much more natural.
How to Use
Common Phrases
じろりと見る
to shoot a sharp look
じろりと睨む
to glare sharply
じろりと見下ろす
to look down at sharply
じろりと見返す
to return a sharp look
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Encountering someone suspicious | negative | Shows distrust and caution. |
| Silent warning or reprimand | negative | Used to show displeasure without speaking. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じろじろ じろじろ / contrast | Staring continuously or rudely at something. | じろり is a single, sharp glance, not a prolonged stare. | じろじろ見る |
ちらり ちらり / contrast | Taking a quick, casual, or secretive peek. | じろり is much more intense and often conveys suspicion or disapproval. | ちらりと見る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it when looking at beautiful things.
じろり is for cold or suspicious looks, not for admiration.
Using it for a prolonged stare.
Use じろじろ for staring. じろり is a momentary action.
Examples
Examples
彼は私をじろりと見た。
かれはわたしをじろりとみた。
He shot me a sharp look.
LiteralBasic usage for a quick, sharp glance.
先生は騒いでいる生徒をじろりと睨んだ。
せんせいはさわいでいるせいとをじろりとにらんだ。
The teacher glared sharply at the noisy students.
LiteralOften combined with niramu (to glare) to indicate anger.
知らない男がこちらをじろりと見て通り過ぎた。
しらないおとこがこちらをじろりとみてとおりすぎた。
An unfamiliar man gave me a sharp look and walked past.
LiteralShows a suspicious or cold passing glance from a stranger.
彼女は私の服装をじろりと見た。
かのじょはわたしのふくそうをじろりとみた。
She looked at my outfit with a sharp, critical eye.
LiteralUsed when someone judges or criticizes another's appearance in a quick glance.
電車の中で、隣の席の人にじろりと見られた。
でんしゃのなかで、となりのせきのひとにじろりとみられた。
I was given a sharp look by the person sitting next to me on the train.
LiteralPassive form is used to express discomfort from receiving a sharp look.
Similar Words
じろっと
jirotto
A quick, sharp, or intense glance, often with a hint of suspicion or disapproval.
じろじろ
jirojiro
To stare at someone or something fixedly and scrutinizingly, often in a rude or intrusive manner. Staring continuously rather than a quick glance.
チラリ
chirari
Describes the action of looking at something briefly or something appearing for a fleeting moment. A quick, casual, or secretive glance without the intense sharpness.
Questions
Is 'jirori' used for friendly eye contact?
No, it is generally used for cold, suspicious, or angry glances.
Can I use 'jirori' for staring at something for a long time?
No, it describes a single, quick look. Use 'jirojiro' for continuous staring.
What verbs are most commonly used with 'jirori'?
The verbs 'miru' (to look) and 'niramu' (to glare) are the most common companions.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2008400
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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