Entry
きらっと
kiratto
Describes a sudden, single flash of light or a quick, momentary glint.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This adverb refers to a short, sharp twinkle or reflection that appears and disappears in an instant, such as light catching a diamond, a single twinkle of a star, or a sudden glint in someone's eye.
- Momentary light reflection (metal, glass, jewelry)
- A brief twinkle (star, small light)
- A sudden glint in the eyes (realization, sharp look)
Sense Map
Momentary Reflection
Used when a surface sharply catches the light for a split second.
指輪がきらっと輝く
Brief Twinkle
A single, quick flash from a small light source.
星がきらっと光る
Sharp Look in Eyes
Figurative use for eyes suddenly glinting with an idea, realization, or intense emotion.
目がきらっとする
Usage Note
How to Use
きらっと + verb (光る, 輝く)
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs related to shining or emitting light.
きらっとする
Functions directly as a verb meaning to flash or glint momentarily.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きらっと光る
flash momentarily
きらっと輝く
glint suddenly
目がきらっとする
eyes glint/flash
きらっとさせる
make something flash
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jewelry and small objects | neutral | Indicates a high-quality or clean surface that sharply catches ambient light. |
| Human eyes | neutral | Can imply a sudden brilliant idea, or a sharp, sometimes intimidating, glance. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きらきら きらきら / contrast | Used for continuous, ongoing sparkling or glittering. | Kirakira implies continuous or repetitive sparkling, while kiratto is a single, momentary glint. | 星がキラキラ光る |
ぴかっと ぴかっと / nearby | Used for a stronger, broader, and often blinding flash of light. | Pikatto is an intense burst like lightning or a camera flash, whereas kiratto is a smaller, sharper glint. | 雷がピカッと光る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a continuously glittering surface like the sun on water.
Use kirakira for continuous sparkling. Kiratto is strictly for a brief, single instance.
Using it for a massive, blinding explosion of light.
Use pikatto for intense, large-scale flashes of light.
Examples
Examples
暗闇の中でナイフがきらっと光った。
くらやみの なかで ナイフが きらっと ひかった。
The knife glinted momentarily in the darkness.
VisualShows a very quick reflection of light on a metal surface.
彼女の指輪がきらっと輝くのが見えた。
かのじょの ゆびわが きらっと かがやくのが みえた。
I saw her ring give a sudden sparkle.
VisualUsed for jewelry catching the light as it moves.
名案を思いついた彼の目がきらっとした。
めいあんを おもいついた かれの めが きらっと した。
His eyes glinted momentarily when he thought of a great idea.
FigurativeFigurative use for eyes suddenly showing inspiration.
夜空で星がきらっと一つまたたいた。
よぞらで ほしが きらっと ひとつ またたいた。
A single star twinkled briefly in the night sky.
VisualFocuses on a single brief twinkle, not continuous twinkling.
太陽の光でガラスの破片がきらっと光る。
たいようの ひかりで ガラスの はへんが きらっと ひかる。
A shard of glass flashes momentarily in the sunlight.
VisualShows light caught sharply by a small angle.
Similar Words
ピカッと
pikatto
A sudden, intensely bright, and very brief flash of light. For a larger, blindingly bright flash.
ピカピカ
pikapika
ピカピカ describes something that is shiny, spotlessly clean, or brand new.
キラキラ
kirakira
Describes light that shines or glitters beautifully and rhythmically. For continuous or repetitive sparkling.
きらり
kirari
A single, brief glint or sharp flash of light.
Questions
Can I use kiratto for a diamond necklace?
Yes, if you are describing a moment where it suddenly catches the light as the person moves. If it is constantly shining, kirakira is better.
What is the difference between kiratto and kirari?
They are nearly identical in meaning. Kiratto sounds slightly more abrupt and sudden due to the glottal stop, while kirari has a slightly softer ending.
Does kiratto apply to sounds?
No, kiratto is exclusively visual, referring to light and reflections.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2149020
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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