Entry
きらり
kirari
A single, brief glint or sharp flash of light.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a sharp, momentary catch of light from a small object. It is often used for a quick glint of light bouncing off a tear, a blade, a piece of jewelry, or metaphorically to describe a sudden flash of talent or emotion in someone's eyes.
- A brief physical flash or glint of light.
- A momentary metaphorical spark of talent or emotion.
Sense Map
Physical Glint
A sharp, momentary catch of light from a small reflective object like a knife, a star, or a falling tear.
暗闇でナイフがきらりと光った。
Talent & Emotion (Figurative)
A brief, sharp flash of something abstract, such as raw talent shining through, or a distinct look in someone's eyes.
彼女の才能がきらりと光る。
Usage Note
How to Use
きらりと + verb (光る, etc.)
The most common pattern. The particle 'to' quotes the sound/state, linking it to an action verb like 光る (to shine).
きらり + verb
A slightly more direct or poetic form without the particle 'to', focusing directly on the flash.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きらりと光る
to glint briefly
涙がきらりと
a tear catching the light
瞳がきらりと
eyes flashing (with determination or emotion)
ナイフがきらりと
a knife glinting
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small reflective objects (tears, blades, gems) | neutral | Emphasizes the smallness of the object and the sharpness of the light it momentarily catches. |
| Describing talent or a gaze | positive | Metaphorically shows a sudden, sharp realization of someone's skill or a brief showing of intense emotion in their eyes. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きらきら きらきら / contrast | Use for continuous sparkling, glittering, or twinkling (like a diamond ring or a starry sky). | Kirari is for a single, brief glint. Kirakira is continuous. | キラキラ光る星 |
ぴかっと ぴかっと / contrast | Use for a large, sudden, blinding flash of light (like lightning or a camera flash). | Kirari is a small, delicate glint, not a large bright flash. | ピカッと光る稲妻 |
きらっと きらっと / similar | Use almost identically to mean a single flash of light. | Kiratto sounds slightly more abrupt, casual, and physical, whereas kirari has a slightly more elegant or dramatic nuance. | 指輪がきらっと光った |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'kirari' to describe a sparkling disco ball.
Use 'kirakira' for continuous sparkling. 'Kirari' is for a single, momentary catch of light.
Using 'kirari' for a lightning strike.
Use 'pikatto' or 'pikari' for intense, blinding flashes. 'Kirari' is for small glints.
Examples
Examples
星がきらりと光った。
ほし が きらり と ひかった。
The star twinkled brightly for a moment.
VisualShows a single brief flash of light.
彼女の目から涙がきらりとこぼれた。
かのじょ の め から なみだ が きらり と こぼれた。
A tear fell with a glint from her eyes.
VisualOften used to describe a tear catching the light before falling.
暗闇でナイフがきらりと光った。
くらやみ で ナイフ が きらり と ひかった。
The knife glinted sharply in the darkness.
VisualCaptures the sharp glint from a metal object.
彼の瞳の奥に、きらりと光る決意が見えた。
かれ の ひとみ の おく に、 きらり と ひかる けつい が みえた。
I saw a glint of determination in his eyes.
FigurativeMetaphorical glint indicating strong emotion or resolve.
彼女の才能がきらりと光る作品だ。
かのじょ の さいのう が きらり と ひかる さくひん だ。
It's a work where her talent shines through briefly but sharply.
FigurativeShows a standout, impressive display of talent.
Similar Words
きらっと
kiratto
Describes a sudden, single flash of light or a quick, momentary glint. Very similar, kiratto is more casual.
キラキラ
kirakira
Describes light that shines or glitters beautifully and rhythmically. Kirakira is continuous, kirari is a single flash.
ピカッと
pikatto
A sudden, intensely bright, and very brief flash of light. Pikatto is a large/blinding flash, kirari is small/delicate.
Questions
What is the difference between kirari and kirakira?
'Kirari' is a single, brief glint of light, while 'kirakira' is continuous sparkling or glittering.
Can I use kirari for a camera flash?
No, 'kirari' implies a small, delicate glint. For a bright camera flash, you should use 'pikatto'.
How is kirari used metaphorically?
It is frequently used to describe a sudden, brief display of talent ('sainou ga kirari to hikaru') or a sharp, determined look in someone's eyes.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2150270
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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