Entry
カリカリ
karikari
カリカリ describes a hard, crisp texture in food, a light repetitive scratching sound, or a state of being irritable and edgy.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
In Japanese, カリカリ (karikari) serves three main purposes. First, it describes food that is hard and crunchy, often from baking, frying, or drying (like bacon or hard candy). Second, it mimics the sound of light scratching, such as a cat's claws on a door. Finally, it acts as a psychological word describing someone who is highly strung, grumpy, or touchy.
- Hard, crispy texture
- Grumpy or touchy mood
- Light scratching sound
Sense Map
Texture (Crisp/Crunchy)
Used for foods that are fried, baked, or dried to a firm, crunchy state.
カリカリに焼いたベーコン
Mood (Grumpy/Irritable)
Describes someone who is on edge, nervous, and quick to snap at others.
朝からカリカリしている
Sound (Scratching)
Mimics a repetitive scratching or scraping sound, typically made by nails or claws.
ドアをカリカリ引っ掻く
Usage Note
How to Use
カリカリする
Used as a verb (suru) to mean 'to be grumpy' or 'to be irritated'.
カリカリに + verb
Used as an adverb to describe cooking something until it becomes crispy (e.g., 'karikari ni yaku').
カリカリの + noun
Modifies a noun to indicate it has a crunchy texture.
カリカリと + verb
Used with action verbs to describe doing something with a scratching sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
カリカリに焼く
to fry or cook until crispy
カリカリ梅
crunchy pickled plum
カリカリする
to be grumpy or easily irritated
カリカリ引っ掻く
to scratch repeatedly (with claws/nails)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Food (Fried/Dry) | Positive | Shows a delicious, crisp texture resulting from proper cooking or drying. |
| People (Mood) | Negative | Indicates someone is sensitive and easily offended or annoyed. |
| Sound (Scratching) | Neutral | Typically used for pets scratching doors or floors. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さくさく さくさく / nearby | For light, airy, and flaky crunchiness. | カリカリ refers to a harder, denser crunch. | サクサクのクッキー |
ぱりぱり ぱりぱり / nearby | For thin, brittle things that crack easily (like seaweed or thin chips). | カリカリ is used for items that are thicker or harder. | パリパリの海苔 |
いらいら いらいら / nearby | For feelings of inner frustration or impatience. | カリカリ focuses on outward prickliness and being quick to snap at people. | 渋滞でイライラする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using カリカリ for the crunch of fresh, watery vegetables.
Fresh veggies use シャキシャキ (shakishaki). カリカリ is strictly for dry, cooked, or hard items.
Translating カリカリ as explosive, violent anger.
カリカリ means being touchy, edgy, or grumpy, not flying into a furious rage.
Examples
Examples
ベーコンをカリカリに焼きました。
ベーコンをカリカリにやきました。
I fried the bacon until crispy.
Literalカリカリに + verb indicates cooking something until it reaches a crisp state.
このクッキーはカリカリしていて美味しい。
このクッキーはカリカリしていておいしい。
This cookie is crunchy and delicious.
LiteralDescribes a firm texture that is satisfying to bite into.
彼は朝からカリカリしている。
かれはあさからカリカリしている。
He has been grumpy since morning.
FigurativeShows a state of being visibly tense and quick to anger.
そんなにカリカリしないでください。
そんなにカリカリしないでください。
Please don't be so edgy.
FigurativeCommonly used to calm down someone who is acting prickly.
猫がドアをカリカリ引っ掻いている。
ねこがドアをカリカリひっかいている。
The cat is scratching at the door.
LiteralDescribes the sound of an animal's claws scratching against a hard surface.
Similar Words
イライラ
iraira
Inner frustration and impatience.
パリパリ
paripari
Describes a crisp, crunchy texture or sound, as well as the stiff feel of brand-new bills or starched shirts. Thin, brittle crispness.
がりがり
garigari
This word describes a loud crunching or scratching sound, a very hard texture, or an unhealthily thin, bony body.
コリコリ
korikori
Describes a firm, crunchy texture or the physical sensation of stiff muscles.
さくさく
sakusaku
Sakusaku describes a light, crisp texture or sound, as well as processes progressing smoothly without delay. Light, airy crunchiness.
苛々
iraira
Describes the feeling of being irritated, annoyed, or impatient when things do not go smoothly.
Questions
Can I use karikari for fresh apples?
No. Crunchy, juicy fruits and vegetables take シャキシャキ (shakishaki). カリカリ is for dry hardness.
What is the difference between karikari and sakusaku?
カリカリ is a harder, denser crunch (like a hard pretzel). サクサク is a lighter, flakier crispness (like a cracker or tempura batter).
Is karikari suru the same as iraira suru?
They are similar, but iraira is the internal feeling of frustration, while karikari describes being visibly edgy and likely to snap at someone.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2084540
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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