Entry
キラキラ
kirakira
Describes light that shines or glitters beautifully and rhythmically.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Kirakira is used to describe objects that reflect light in a beautiful, shimmering way, such as stars in the night sky, the surface of the sea in the sunlight, or high-end jewelry.
- Physical light that pulses or reflects beautifully.
- Eyes shining with hope, excitement, or pure joy.
Sense Map
Visual Light and Objects
Used for things that reflect light in an aesthetically pleasing, rhythmic pattern.
A sparkling diamond.
Facial Expression and Eyes
Describes eyes that are wide and bright due to enthusiasm or happiness.
Children's eyes sparkling with joy.
Usage Note
How to Use
キラキラする
Used as a verb to state that an object is currently emitting a sparkling light.
キラキラした + noun
Used as an adjective to describe a noun that has the characteristic of being sparkly.
キラキラと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (usually shining) is being performed.
How to Use
Common Phrases
キラキラ輝く
To shine glitteringly
目がキラキラする
Eyes sparkle
キラキラした星
Twinkling stars
水面がキラキラと光る
Water surface sparkling with light
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Scenery | Positive | Commonly used to describe natural beauty like stars or the ocean. |
| Human Emotion | Positive | Describes youthful energy or bright dreams/hopes. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴかぴか ぴかぴか / similar | Used for objects that are very clean, polished, or brand-new shiny things. | Kirakira focuses on the light source or shimmering reflections, not just a clean surface. | A floor polished to a shine. |
ぎらぎら ぎらぎら / opposite | Used for light that is too intense, blinding, or greasy. | Kirakira feels beautiful and pleasant, while giragira feels aggressive or excessive. | The glaring summer sun. |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kirakira to describe a brand new, shiny car.
Use pikapika for surfaces that are shiny because they are clean or new.
Using kirakira for a flickering broken light bulb.
Use chikachika for light that flashes rapidly or unstablely (like a flickering bulb).
Examples
Examples
夜空に星がキラキラと輝いています。
よぞらにほしがキラキラとかがやいています。
The stars are twinkling beautifully in the night sky.
VisualDescribes the pulsing light of stars.
彼女の指輪のダイヤモンドがキラキラしている。
かのじょのゆびわのダイヤモンドがキラキラしている。
The diamond on her ring is sparkling.
VisualUsed for the reflection of light from jewelry.
太陽の光で海がキラキラと光っている。
たいようのひかりでうみがキラキラとひかっている。
The sea is sparkling with the sunlight.
VisualDescribes a water surface reflecting many lights.
子供たちはキラキラした目で先生の話を聞いた。
こどもたちはキラキラしためでせんせいのはなしをきいた。
The children listened to the teacher's story with sparkling eyes.
FigurativeShows great enthusiasm or interest.
窓をきれいに磨いたので、キラキラしている。
まどをきれいにみがいたので、キラキラしている。
Since I polished the window clean, it's sparkling.
VisualCan be used for things that are so clean they reflect light.
Similar Words
ピカピカ
pikapika
ピカピカ describes something that is shiny, spotlessly clean, or brand new. Focuses on clean and shiny surfaces.
ギラギラ
giragira
Describes an intense, overwhelming brightness or a coarse, aggressive shine. Light that is too strong or uncomfortably glaring.
チカチカ
chikachika
Describes a rapid, repetitive flashing of light, often causing eye discomfort, or a sharp prickling pain.
きらっと
kiratto
Describes a sudden, single flash of light or a quick, momentary glint.
Questions
What is the difference between kirakira and pikapika?
Kirakira is for light that twinkles or reflects (like stars), while pikapika is for surfaces that are shiny or items that look brand new.
Can kirakira be used for people?
Yes, it can be used figuratively to describe someone who seems radiant because of their dreams, talent, or cheerful personality.
Is kirakira always positive?
Almost always. It carries a sense of beauty and admiration.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003500
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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