Entry
じわり
jiwari
じわり (jiwari) describes something that happens, spreads, or takes effect slowly, gradually, and steadily.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is often used for changes that do not happen suddenly but build up over time. Examples include medicine slowly taking effect, sweat gradually seeping out, or fatigue building up little by little.
- gradual effect
- slow spreading
- steady change
Sense Map
Gradual Effect or Change
Describes an effect, influence, or progress that builds up gradually over time.
薬がじわりと効く。
Seeping or Spreading
Describes a liquid (like sweat) or an abstract thing (like news) slowly seeping out or spreading.
汗がじわりとにじむ。
Usage Note
How to Use
じわりと + verb
The most common adverbial form. The particle と connects it to verbs indicating change or effect.
じわり + verb
Functions similarly to the と form, but sounds slightly more casual in speech.
How to Use
Common Phrases
じわりと効く
to take effect gradually
じわりと広がる
to spread gradually
じわりと押し寄せる
to bear down slowly but steadily
じわりと汗がにじむ
sweat seeps out gradually
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine or pressure | neutral | Used for things that take some time before their impact can be truly felt. |
| Fluids like sweat | neutral | Indicates fluids slowly and quietly seeping out onto a surface. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じわりじわり じわりじわり / similar | When you want to highly emphasize a much slower, prolonged gradual process. | It is a repetitive form of jiwari that gives the impression of a more intense, drawn-out process. | じわりじわりと迫る。 |
じんわり じんわり / similar | When describing a slow spread of warmth or gentle emotion, like tears of joy. | Jinwari feels softer, warmer, and more emotional, whereas jiwari is neutral and often used for physical effects or pressure. | じんわりと心が温まる。 |
じりじり じりじり / similar | When describing something burning, scorching heat, or waiting impatiently. | Jirijiri has a strong sense of irritation or intense heat, which jiwari completely lacks. | じりじりと太陽が照りつける。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for sudden or surprising changes.
Use じわり only for something that changes slowly and constantly over time.
Confusing it with じんわり in heartwarming contexts.
For tears of happiness or a warm feeling in the heart, it is much more natural to use じんわり rather than じわり.
Examples
Examples
薬がじわりと効いてきた。
くすりがじわりときいてきた。
The medicine has slowly started to take effect.
LiteralUsed when the effects of medication are felt gradually rather than instantly.
プレッシャーがじわりと押し寄せる。
プレッシャーがじわりとおしよせる。
The pressure slowly but steadily bears down on you.
FigurativeDescribes psychological pressure increasing gradually over time.
額に汗がじわりとにじんだ。
ひたいにあせがじわりとにじんだ。
Sweat slowly seeped onto my forehead.
VisualA visual description of fluid seeping onto a surface slowly.
そのニュースがじわりと世間に広がった。
そのニュースがじわりとせけんにひろがった。
That news gradually spread throughout society.
FigurativeShows how abstract concepts like information can spread steadily over time.
疲労がじわりと蓄積する。
ひろうがじわりとちくせきする。
Fatigue accumulates slowly and steadily.
LiteralRefers to a slow buildup of physical or mental tiredness that might be unnoticed at first.
Similar Words
じわりじわり
jiwarijiwari
じわりじわり means that something changes, progresses, or spreads very slowly and steadily, inch by inch. A repeated form indicating a slower, more intense gradual process.
じりじり
jirijiri
Describes something progressing slowly but steadily, scorching heat, burning impatience, or a continuous sizzling/ringing sound. Used for scorching heat or impatient waiting.
じんわり
jinwari
じんわり describes something slowly and gently spreading, permeating, or being felt from within. More often used for warmth or soft emotion (like happy tears).
ジワジワ
jiwajiwa
Something slowly but steadily seeping in, spreading, or approaching.
じわっと
jiwatto
Jiwatto describes something spreading, seeping, or progressing slowly but steadily, such as sweat, heat, or emotion.
Questions
What is the difference between じわり and じわりじわり?
じわりじわり is a repeated form that emphasizes the process takes longer and happens at an even slower rhythm.
Can じわり be used for a person walking slowly?
Not typically. It is better suited for effects, pressure, or something spreading, rather than the physical speed of footsteps.
Does じわり have a negative meaning?
No. じわり is neutral. It can be positive, like a medicine working, or negative, like fatigue accumulating.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2833438
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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