Entry
きりり
kiriri
きりり describes something pulled firmly without any slack, a focused and dignified facial expression, or the creaking sound caused by strong tension.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It is primarily used to describe a state of extreme tension without looseness, such as a firmly tied rope or knot. Additionally, it is frequently used to portray a sharp, focused, and dignified facial expression, or an upright posture devoid of any sloppiness. Sometimes, it also represents the high-pitched creaking sound made by objects under strong tension, like a wooden door or an oar.
- Tightly pulled
- Dignified expression
- Creaking sound
Sense Map
Tightly pulled
Used for objects that are pulled extremely tight with no slack, such as ropes or knots.
ロープをきりりと結ぶ。
Dignified expression
Describes a focused, sharp, and dignified facial expression, or an upright posture without sloppiness.
きりりとした表情で立つ。
Creaking under tension
Represents the high-pitched creaking sound produced by wood, doors, or oars when subjected to strong tension.
船の櫓がきりりと鳴る。
Usage Note
How to Use
きりりと + verb
Modifies an action performed tightly or with sharp tension (e.g., tying tightly).
きりりとした + noun
Describes a noun possessing a dignified or tightly focused quality (e.g., a dignified face).
きりりとする
Indicates a change in state to becoming tense, focused, or socially sharp.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きりりと結ぶ
to tie tightly
きりりとした顔
a dignified or sharp face
きりりと引き締まる
to become firm or strictly focused
きりりと音がする
to make a creaking sound under tension
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tying knots or pulling ropes. | Neutral | Emphasizes that the knot or tie is extremely strong and has absolutely zero slack. |
| Human expressions and posture. | Positive | Conveys a sense of sharp focus, dignity, and being socially presentable without any sloppiness. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きりきり きりきり / similar | Use for intense, almost painful tension, grinding, or a sharp stomach ache. | きりり refers to clean tension or positive dignity, whereas キリキリ often has a negative, excessive, or painful connotation. | 胃がキリキリ痛む。 |
きっちり きっちり / similar | Use when something is done accurately, precisely, or fits perfectly without gaps (e.g., closing a lid, keeping time). | きりり focuses on pulling force (tension) or attitude, while きっちり focuses on exactness and precision. | 時間をきっちり守る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using きりり for tight-fitting or small clothes.
Use ぴったり (pittari) or きつい (kitsui) for clothes. きりり is used for pulling ropes tightly or describing tense facial expressions.
Using きりり to describe sharp stomach pains.
Stomach pain is always described with キリキリ (kirikiri), never きりり.
Examples
Examples
荷物が落ちないように、ロープをきりりと結んだ。
荷物(にもつ)が落(お)ちないように、ロープをきりりと結(むす)んだ。
I tied the rope very tightly so the luggage wouldn't fall.
LiteralTying without any slack.
彼はきりりとした表情でカメラの前に立った。
彼(かれ)はきりりとした表情(ひょうじょう)でカメラの前(まえ)に立(た)った。
He stood in front of the camera with a sharp, dignified expression.
FigurativeDignified and tense look.
着物の帯をきりりと締める。
着物(きもの)の帯(おび)をきりりと締(し)める。
Tying the kimono sash (obi) tightly.
VisualTightening clothing securely to look neat.
冷たい風を浴びて、気分がきりりと引き締まった。
冷(つめ)たい風(かぜ)を浴(あ)びて、気分(きぶん)がきりりと引(ひ)き締(し)まった。
Bathed in the cold wind, my mind became sharply focused and alert.
FigurativeMental tension and alertness.
古い木のドアがきりりと音を立てた。
古(ふる)い木(き)のドアがきりりと音(おと)を立(た)てた。
The old wooden door creaked sharply under tension.
LiteralCreaking sound of wood under tension.
Similar Words
キリキリ
kirikiri
A sharp, piercing pain, pulling something extremely tightly, or acting briskly under pressure. Used for excessive tension, grinding, or sharp stomach pain.
きっちり
kicchiri
Describes a state where something is exact, fits perfectly without looseness, or is done thoroughly and properly. Indicates exactness, precision, and lack of gaps (e.g., being on time).
Questions
Can I use きりり for a tight schedule?
No, use ぎっしり (gisshiri) or きっちり (kicchiri) for schedules. きりり is for physical tension or dignified faces.
What is the difference between きりり and キリキリ?
きりり is clean, sharp tension or dignity. キリキリ often implies uncomfortable over-tension, grinding, or sharp stomach pain.
Can きりり describe a sound?
Yes, it can describe the high-pitched creaking of wood or a boat oar bending under physical tension.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2173940
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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